Winners of the Chess Tournament are, from left, (back) first place Levi Cagle, eighth grader from Eva; second place Connor Sims, seventh grader from Cotaco; third place Trevin Walker, sixth grader from Union Hill; and fourth place Eli Mann, eighth grader from Priceville Junior High School. (Front) Danville Middle seventh grader Hannah Stidham and Cotaco eighth grader Zach Kodra tied for the highest points medallion.

Students in the Morgan County Talented and Gifted program competed in the Morgan County Spring Chess Tournament Thursday at Cotaco Jr. High School.

Students competed in a single elimination bracket until it was narrowed down to the final four, who then compete in double elimination play.

The highest points medallion winner is from the group of students who lose after each round. They continue to play each other, and at the end of the day tally their points to see who has the most.

The students had another tournament in the fall. Cotaco will also host a Scholar’s Bowl Tournaments March 13.

Teachers involved in planning the tournament included Paula Kiggins, Cotaco and Lacey’s Spring; Melissa Parker, Danville; Julia James, Eva and Union Hill; Carrie Aultman, Priceville Elementary; Mica Rabb, West Morgan and Priceville Jr. High; Sherri Mann, gifted coordinator from central office; and Cristal Owens, Falkville and Sparkman.