Clay Student Wins National Marble Tournament

A Clay County student has been dubbed the King of Marbles for his victory at the 101st National Marble Tournament.

Nine-year-old Myles Lacy said he won a trophy, a medal, a watch, and a $2,000 college scholarship for winning the tournament. Marble Coach Brian Cherry said marble games have a rich history in Clay County and he is excited to see Lacy’s improvement from here.

“He’ll be interested in it,” Cherry said. “He’ll be, he probably playing the rest of his life now. Grandfather also played marbles his whole life. It’s kind of passed down from generation to generation around here. It’s the only place played the, this game’s only played in the United States is right here, that rolley hole is.”

Lacy said it felt good to win the tournament, and his advice for anyone looking to get into marbles is to practice. Cherry said the tournament was held in Wildwood, New Jersey for children aged 7-14 who qualified by winning a city, county, or state tournament beforehand. He said it is a pleasure getting to see one of his pupils win the national championship.

“It’s hard work to coach them,” Cherry said “It’s just a pleasure seeing the benefits of a kid actually winning it.”

Cherry said it is important to foster the community around this less common hobby because it encourages kids to get outside and learn different things.

“It’s good to get kids out and learn new things out in the world besides just sitting at home and playing video game stuff,” Cherry said.

Cherry said this year’s championship consisted of twenty-two girls and twenty-three boys competing for the titles. Cherry said he thinks Lacy will move onto bigger competitions such as the National Rolley Hole Marbles Championships held at Standing Stone State Park.

The tournament took place from June 17 to June 20.