The South Lane School District's competitive chess teams traveled to South Umpqua High School in Myrtle Creek to participate in the Oregon High School Chess Team Association Championship, held from February 28th to March 1st. A total of 18 teams from across the state competed in the tournament, with teams of five players each vying for state titles. Notably, three of our players achieved individual placements in the top six.

This year, the talented Cottage Grove junior varsity team finished with a record of 4 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, earning a total of 4.5 points and securing first place in the 3A-4A classification. Meanwhile, the Cottage Grove "open" team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, also earning first place in the Open Team category with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses.

The last time the SLSD chess team secured a victory at the State Championship was in 2011. This year's wins were both very close and dramatic, coming down to the final game of the last match.