The Joe Singerling Story
When we asked Joe Singerling to sit down and talk about himself, the modest Spring Lake chess coach was most hesitant. Only when we made it clear that we hoped that the interview might inspire other adults to follow in Joe’s footsteps and get involved with kids’ chess did Joe agree! Joe has produced some very successful high school teams. Even more importantly, he's positively touched many hundreds of Spring Lake chess kids over the past 35 years. Parents of his chess alumni from decades past still speak about how important Joe's chess club was for their sons and daughters.
Joe and Joshua Vander Meulen examine one of Joshua's moves. Joshua's Mom Kathy writes that "most of the kids that come to Chess Club, starting at Young 5's /Kindergarten do not know how to play chess at all. Everything they learn comes from Joe...and that was the case with Joshua. What a gift he has given Joshua!!"
Photo Credit: Kathy Vander Meulen
Joe's other interests include football--which he also coached--and golf. Joe still has the broad shoulders of a football player.
Joe’s start was with Mike Skidmore, the man who has influenced generations of chess players at legendary Kearsley High School. Joe said, “Mike grew up in Muskegon. He talked to me, and encouraged me.”
Joe played in his high school jazz band! The band members would play chess while the conductor ate his lunch. He later played in college, but never in tournaments. “Still haven’t,” Joe told us.
38 years ago, “As a [Spring Lake] elementary school teacher, we were looking for quiet learning activities for kids who had finished their class work. Kids from other classes started to come in to learn how to play, too! [35 years ago,] in my third year as a teacher, I started out with our after school club. 4 or 5 years later, I learned about the state association, and called Mike Skidmore. There was a tournament in Holt. I didn’t even know to bring chess boards, and didn’t know anything about chess clocks, either.”
West Michigan’s John Wooden. Joe has enjoyed immense success as a coach—his high school team has won its conference undefeated for seven straight years.
Current star Sara Patton writes:
Mr. Singerling first taught me how to play chess when I was in kindergarden, and I loved it so much I kept coming back ever since. Originally my older brother Joe was in the club, then my brother Josh joined, and I thought I would continue in the Patton name. Now going on to be a senior next year, being a part of chess club as a kid, and being part of the high school team were the best memories I've had through my school years. I will never forget the car rides to play other schools, all of the state tournaments, and the the look of Mr. Singerling's face every year we would win all-conference. It's going to be really hard next year continuing the club without him--but I am honored to continue on in his legacy in this great program. Thank you so much Mr. Singerling for taking the time and putting in the hard work for the club and tournaments. You have given me the gift of not only playing chess, but playing chess well, and have taught me life lessons along the way--not many girls can say that.