Flooded rivers, road detours nor even a flat tire could stop students from participating in the 2011 Spring Chess Tournament hosted by South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) and Mankato Community Education/Recreation (CER). Fifty-two students in grades one-12 participated in the tournament held at Mankato East High School on March 26.

Southland High School senior Steve Sathre placed first in the 12th grade category. Southland juniors Shantanu More and Alex Pitzen placed second and third, respectively.

The Spring Tournament was a Swiss-style tournament in which students are not eliminated. SCSC and CER believe these tournaments foster a competitive spirit without discouraging young players from continuing to play chess.