TTU awards scholarships to state chess champions

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (March 30, 2004) — The final “check mate” of the Tennessee State Scholastic Team Finals Chess Tournament marked the awarding of almost $100,000 in scholarship money by Tennessee Tech University to several high school students.

Tennessee Tech awarded the winning team’s four students from Nashville’s Page High School each a four-year, $4,000 per year scholarship. The second place team’s four members from Memphis’ Wooddale High School each received a four-year, $2,000 scholarship.

“There was a lot of pressure because this is the first time that games in Tennessee have been played for that much in scholarships,” said Scott Eddins, coach of the winning team, Page High School of Nashville. “Tennessee Tech really stepped up and offered that to all those players.”

Tennessee Tech hosted the event that featured four divisions — high school, junior high, elementary and primary — and more than 60 teams.

Including individual and team awards for the 2004-2005 academic year, Tennessee Tech University awarded $120,000 to individual and team members at the high school level for their performances in state tournament play.

For more information on the tournament and scholarships awarded, visit the Tennessee Chess Association web site at www.tnchess.org and the Tennessee Tech University web site at www.tntech.edu/scholarships/chess.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 30 March 2004