Exuberant K-1 Chess Team champions from Central Catholic hold up their trophy as their principal Sr. Anne Brigid and coach Cris De Leon lend a hand.

Kicking off National Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Corpus Christi was the second annual Chess Championships held at Central Catholic Elementary Jan 30. Students ranging from Kindergartners to high schoolers pitted their skills against one another in mind-bending efforts to win.

There was a moment of sadness though before the matches began. Bishop Carmody dedicated the championships to Oscar Esparza, IWA math teacher and coach who died tragically Jan 10, 2010. "He had been involved for the past three years and coached the chess team," said Adolfo Garza, Incarnate Word Middle School principal who along with the school's chess team, accepted a memorial plaque in Esparza's memory from Bishop Carmody. "His death was very sad for the students and for all of us, but we must help them move on now."

To begin the championships Bishop Carmody sat down to match wits with Ted Gonzalez a freshman from John Paul II. There were 116 students participating on 58 boards competing in four rounds. The all Catholic School competition consisted of students from diocesan schools: St. Anthony's (Robstown) St. Patrick's School, St. Pius X School, Central Catholic Elementary, IWA Elementary, Christ the King School, IWA Middle School, Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, and Pope John Paul II High School. From Brownsville: St. Luke's, St. Mary's, IWA Elementary and IWA High School. Finally from San Antonio: Antonian College Preparatory High School.

Before the trophies and certificates were awarded to the contestants Corpus Christi City Council Woman Priscilla Leal read a proclamation of welcome for the out of town visitors.

Trophies were awarded to teams according to grade level. Team winners were: K-1 Team Chess Championships - Central Catholic Elementary; Primary Team Chess Championships - Central Catholic Elementary; Elementary Team Chess Championships - St. Patrick School; Middle School Team Chess Championships - IWA Middle School Corpus Christi; High School Team Chess Championships - John Paul II High School.

Individual trophies and certificates were awarded as well.

When asked about the value of students participating in scholastic chess matches and tournaments, Central Catholic's principal Sr. Anne Brigid Schlegel, IWBS said, "In the years we have been doing this we have found it helps the students become more focused which in turn helps them with their studies. It helps train their brains to think in sequence. We have students who can see a move five steps ahead. These skills transmit to other areas of learning and are very helpful. The teams go to various competitions in different parts of the U.S. Not only do they see other parts of the country but also make good friends with others who are competing. They have been to Florida, Las Vegas, and all over south Texas. One of the teams went to the Super Nationals in Memphis. It is a great learning experience for them."