The “Mibsters” at Stoneridge Park

In recent years, several talented young players from Allegheny County, known as mibsters, have found national success at the annual National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey (left photo). Some of these champions even come from right here in Shaler Township. Since the tournament began in 1922, Allegheny County has produced more than 30 national champions, with many of those victories occurring in just the past two decades.

The term “mibster” refers to young marble players aged 7 to 14 who qualify for and compete in the National Marbles Tournament. The competition centers around the game of Ringer, where competitors use a shooter marble to knock others out of a circle—the first to knock out seven wins.

Since last year, Stoneridge Park has a dedicated marbles court—a beautifully installed ring where young players gather to practice and connect. This spot offers invaluable year-round access for local mibsters whether gearing up for county tournaments, brushing up on skills, or simply enjoying the game with peers.

The group of “mibsters” pictured below are dedicated young players already training for next year’s Allegheny County Marble Competition in May, held annually in the courtyard of the county courthouse. Since the marble court was installed at Stoneridge Park last year and regular practices began, six of these mibsters have advanced to the National Marbles Tournament. Four reached the semi-finals, one earned runner-up in the girls’ division, and another brought home the national girls’ championship title (Elise Peterson). See middle photo (left to right): Annika Goyal, Emilie Lepic, Elise Peterson, Keeleigh Knight, Henry Deemer, Dorian Marlowe, and Ed Ricci at Stoneridge.

The kids learned to play marbles through the Allegheny County Marble Program, a tradition that has been passed down through three generations of one family over the past 51 years. The program proudly claims 38 national champions from Allegheny County. It is currently run by Shaler resident

Ed Ricci and his wife, Maureen. Three of the current mibsters also live in Shaler including (see right photo left to right): Emilie Lepic, Lenna Marlowe, and Dorian Marlowe at Stoneridge. Both Emilie and Dorian advanced to the semi-finals at the National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, NJ.