December update #2...

[Erik Czerwin]

Hey Coaches,

I just wanted to pop-in to your inbox with some quick pre-winter-break notes.

First, HOLY COW!  We had 66 schools play in a tournament on Saturday, December 2nd.  That's the largest number of teams playing in a single day aside from Sectionals.  Great job coaches!  Our hope is that those tournament experiences help students to build great memories while experiencing all the benefits of team competition.  All the coaches giving up their Saturdays to make that happen is truly a gift to the students of Illinois.  Huzzah to everyone!  All this data and FAR more is available on the ICCA Team Data Sheet.

Second, don't forget that there's still two weekends left before winter break!  Check out the ICCA Schedule page to see the details on the Huntley Red Raider, the Glenbard Classic, and the Bishop MacNamara tournaments.  I've heard that the Kelly Invite is full already...

Third, Coach of the Year and ICCA Officer Elections

Just a reminder to nominate a Coach for Coach of the Year soon.  We've got some great nominees again this year, but if you wanted to nominate someone, do it now before you forget!  Also, we're still accepted nominations and volunteers to run for ICCA Officer positions, those are due by December 31st.

Fourth, I've updated the History page of the ICCA site with some really cool stuff.  Several items have come in.  Of particular interest is the massive amount of historical data about the SICA (the original chess conference...) that dates all the way back to the late 60s.

Finally, I've added some updates to the Host a Tournament and TD Files pages that should be of interest to anyone looking at hosting tournaments.  I'm working hard to make it easy for ANYONE to run a tournament, including doing pairings.  If you've been thinking that you don't see the kind of events you want or at the time/location you want or whatever, let's work to help you establish your own event!

Thanks, everyone.  The first half of the season is rounding the corner.  Once we hit Winter break, it's right on to Conference tournaments then Sectionals, then State!  And don't forget those Middle School programs!  They've got IESA State at the end of February, be sure to remind those feeder programs about that awesome event!

That's it for now.  Our next communication will be the January ICCA newsletter which I should be able to send out the first or second week of the month.  Happy holidays to everyone, I wish you luck at your conference matches, and I'll see you at the next tournament!

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Erik Czerwin

Teacher, Tutor, Coach, Rocketeer - CzTeacherMan

ICCA, NICL, Rock River Chess