From the Desk of the President

By Chuck Unruh

The OCA continues our plan for the benefit of all chess players and chess tournament organizers. The new volunteers referred to in past messages are already impacting chess, and our old guard has never been more steadfast in making Oklahoma a great place to play chess. With so many changes, a few may have slipped by unnoticed. So, indulge me if this is repetition.

If you haven't heard, Mike Swatek is our newest Senior Tournament Director. A big congratulation to Mike! John Dunlap is officially retired (from his job only) and is gearing up the chess activity with his excellent score (4½-½) in the recent Ken Smith Memorial in Dallas. John's writing activity in the bulletin is also greatly appreciated and has not gone unnoticed by the OCB editors.

Steve Sawyer is now OSCO Past President and continues to share his wisdom, marketing skills and enthusiasm for Scholastic Chess with the new OSCO board composed of educators, parents and administrators. Our presence in the local schools is on the upswing and with it youth OCA membership.

Oklahoma actually won the Texas-Oklahoma match for the first time.

Jim Gray, our very able Treasurer, reports that OCA is in the positive column owing to the generous contributions of our Patron members. There are just too many good chess news items for a brief message.

Not to ignore the Dinosaur in the room, the OCF continues its bash-away mode and attempts to lower adult chess to a common brawl. The relentless overscheduling of events, disregard for other organizers and malicious acts and words toward individuals as well as the OCA overshadow their truly grandiose chess events. The OCA does not condone the totalitarian, monopolistic attitude of our affiliate.

The OCA has scheduled the USCF State Chess Championships for the next year and has met or surpassed the standards set for USCF Oklahoma State Chapter Affiliate. Jim Gray is working with the States Committee and is addressing the issue of USCF Affiliate Credentials on behalf of OCA. This is a very important issue, and several of the OCA Policy Board members will attend the USCF States Committee Meeting and Delegates Meeting this upcoming August in Phoenix during the US Open.

In direct contrast with the past, the OCA has more volunteers for the upcoming Board positions than are available. Free and fair elections have this effect on chess people. Elections to the Board will be held at the annual meeting during the 60th Oklahoma State Chess Championship. Once again, I thank all of the OSCO and OCA Board members for their loyalty, service and dedication to Oklahoma Chess®. Enjoy the OCB and the on-line expanded version! See you soon!