Team headed to Vegas to make some moves

A small group of Dayton High School students are in training for a trip to Las Vegas where they plan to show off their moves.

They hit the floor of Keith Martin's classroom Wednesday to do as many pushups as they could in two minutes - the group's leader was also the best among them and topped out at 65.

The lone female, 14-year-old Stephanie Greer managed 50. The vice president, 17-year-old Paul Bennetts, who said he "got lazy and stopped working out" did 36.

But teacher and coach Keith Martin isn't worried about his team's performance Wednesday - they play chess.

It's their strategy and skill that will make the difference at the State Scholastic Chess Tournament in Las Vegas March 13.

The chess club was doing pushups to raise money. The more money they raise, the more team members can go. Martin said they don't know how much they brought in because they haven't yet collected from those who pledged money per pushup. Once a tally is made, the club's officers will vote on how the money will be spent.

Stephanie, who has been playing chess off and on for four years, said the game "challenges you to think. It's a fun game to play. It's like a big war. You have your army against the other person's army and it's fun to see who has the best strategy."

She said she doesn't have a favorite move because "you barely ever see the same situation twice." She said she has mostly just played for fun and that next month's competition should be exciting.

Martin, who said he is "just the faculty guy who helps these kids," said his group of about six regular players is competitive.

"Having a young lady is rare in the world of chess," Martin said. "She's currently our fourth-ranked player in the whole school and she's a ninth grader."

Paul, said he raised $90 with his 36 pushups.

"That's not really the best I've ever done. It was a lot worse than last year. Last year I got over 50."

Six members participated in the pushup competition.

Paul said he's played chess for four years. He said he probably won't win, "but there's a possibility. I'm pretty good."

The senior said he was inspired by his mom who plays chess and started playing as a freshman.

Martin said it will probably take $1,200 to take all the regular players. He said there are three dozen more students who stop by his room intermittently to play, or socialize.

To donate and help the chess club on its way to the state tournament call Martin at 246-6240, or send donations to the Dayton High School Chess Club, c/o Dayton High School, 335 Old Dayton Valley Road, Dayton, NV, 89403

"They're great kids," he said. "One way or another we'll do it. The faculty is very cool here. They help out."