From the Desk of the President

By Chuck Unruh

If you thought 2005 was a great year for Oklahoma Chess, then you’re going to be thrilled by 2006. Team OCA, OSCO and a host of independent organizers plan tournaments for the spectrum of USCF Oklahoma players.

For the OSCO 2005-06 season several of the six Grand Prix Scholastic tournaments set a new attendance record, capping it off with 236 at the State Championship which was the largest rated tournament in Oklahoma history! 317 new or renewed USCF memberships were processed by OSCO for these events which had a total of 423 different participants over the course of the season. OSCO plans eight tournaments for the 2006-2007 year.

John Dunlap hosted the first OCA tournament of the year in Oklahoma City on January 28th and 29th. The OKC Winter Open was a traditional style tournament that attracted many of our long time chess friends. Our thanks go to John for directing and organizing the annual event.

My son and I hosted a one-day tournament in Tulsa on March 11^th. The time limits, awards and schedule were designed to bridge the difference between Scholastic and Traditional tournaments. The event was a resounding success with a record Oklahoma participation of 56 players for a 1-day open event!

On March 25, 2006 the Enid Chess Club hosted their 2^nd Annual Enid Open. The event was an independent USCF tournament organized by the Enid Chess Club with middle-of-the-road time limits. Everyone had a great chess day at this event which was almost double the participation of last year. Our thanks to Dave Scroggins and team for revitalizing the event!

Every month the OCA is blessed by more chess volunteers that are helping teach and organize all levels of chess in our state. Our teaching programs in the schools and clubs have built a new base of Oklahoma Chess players. Many of our chess students are helping instruct and sharing their chess knowledge in schools and local clubs.

On the political front, I have accepted the nomination for USCF state delegate. Your vote counts and I ask for your help in getting out the vote. Please elect Chuck Unruh for the position of the Oklahoma USCF Delegate and my fellow OCA officer and friend, Jim Gray for the position of Alternate State Delegate. Jim has attended the last two USCF delegates meetings with me. Jim is a dedicated representative and has worked with various USCF Committees for the benefit of all Oklahoma and USCF players. Your ballot will be in the USCF June Chess Life. Your vote is very important!

In June, all the current Policy Board positions are open for election. The Policy Board encourages your nominations and involvement in the election process. OCA governance has never been more critical for administrating the continuing expansion of Oklahoma Chess.

Once again, my thanks go to our organizers, administrators, teachers and players for making Oklahoma a great place to play chess.

For more information about the state of Chess in Oklahoma, please read the officer reports from the January 29^th Policy Board meeting.