David Thaxton, a math teacher and chess club sponsor at Tunstall, first became interested in chess at four years old while watching his dad and older brother play. He remembers spending more time playing chess than anything else. He recalls becoming competitive in the second grade.  This competitive spirit led him to win the state championship.

After his first tournament he was disappointed but felt he would give it another try. In his second tournament he won four out of  five games and came in first place. It was in the third grade when he was invited to compete in the British Columbia tournament.

When asked why he started a chess club at Tunstall, he said he wanted to see chess grow in Danville. Thaxton said, “Chess is a game that anyone can do, rich or poor, anyone!”

He believes chess builds confidence in oneself. “If I can solve a chess board, then I can solve any math problem.” He also believes it builds a sense of a belonging.

Mr. Thaxton’s goal for Tunstall’s Chess Club is to win the state championship, get many involved in chess, encourage team effort, and grow team involvement.

While at Tunstall, Mr. Thaxton has been able to secure a grant for the Chess Club. The grant allows materials to be purchased for years for the club. He says that Tara Mills is the one to thank for making the grant materialize. It was her knowledge that created the grant proposal.

Thaxton sees Chess Club Tournaments benefitting not only our school but others in the school district, as it will get more students involved and foster interest in the game.

After taking a break from chess competition since 2001, Mr. Thaxton has recently started playing again.