By Stephen Smoot
They battled rain, wind, and the summer sun for days in Wildwood – but managed to avoid losing their marbles in the process.
By the end of the week in Wildwood, New Jersey, Alyvia Crawford got to celebrate West Virginia Day by hoisting a trophy more than half her height. She competed for all the marbles and came away with the National Marbles Tournament Sportsmanship Award.
Aiden Daffin also represented Harrison County and performed well.
As Crawford explained, her journey to national competition opened at the Clarksburg History Museum. There, she tried playing for the first time.
“My dad knew how to play,” she said. “They had really big marbles.” Although at first “I didn’t really understand it,” her enjoyment of it continued to grow and practice helped to make perfect.
Then came the opportunity to take her game to the next level. “There was a flier to play marbles,” shared Crawford, who then said she and her friend signed up. Practicing and playing led to a regional event in Doddridge County. Originally scheduled for May 27, it had to be postponed until the following day due to rain showers and temperatures in the 50s. The young lady Crawford was scheduled to play could not attend.
Crawford explained the format, stating that “every single person had to play every single person.” Girls and boys each competed in separate divisions and those who earned the most wins moved on to nationals.
Then on to New Jersey.
Crawford took time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jersey Shore, saying “it was so fun. There was the boardwalk. It was packed!” she went on to exclaim “there were stores and stores and stores in a row! They had rides, buffets, there was so much to do!”
Just as in Doddridge County the competitions took place outside. Competitors used mats laid out on the beach in view of grandstands set up for the event.
Also, just as in Doddridge County, the weather refused to cooperate. Organizers postponed the June 18 games until the next morning while urging all to “stay safe and dry.” Temperatures remained seasonal and not too hot, but the wind picked up late in the day.
First day jitters held her back a bit. Crawford stated that “it was so scary. My first day, I pretty much played all the hardest players.” She added “it was not a great day for me. I was nervous.”
The second day brought more confidence and a stronger performance. “I was way better,” Crawford noted. She placed 16th overall in the nation. “I feel it was really good for my first year.” Her sportsmanship award came with a $500 college scholarship.
Crawford’s advice to those who may want to follow in her footsteps? “You have to always be humble.”
