Renomination year:  2024

Nominated by:  Kevin Donaldson

Renominated by: Kevin Donaldson

Nomination Category:  Athletes & Coaches

Sport:  Rolley Hole Marbles

Years Participated:  Lifetime

Career Summary:

The late Ralph Roberts played Rolley Hole Marbles most of his life and was one of the legends of the local sport, where he dominated as one of the game’s most fierce competitors.

With his partner Wayne Rhoton, Roberts won seven National Rolley Marbles Championships, a run which included three in a row from 1984-1986 and back-to-back titles in 1995 and 1996.

The duo also won in 1989 and 1991, meaning, in all, they were the champions of seven of the first 14 National Rolley Hole Championships—a series which started the better part of four decades ago back in 1983 and still continues annually at Standing Stone State Park.

Nominator comment:

“The Hall of Fame was established to recognize locals who excelled in any sport and it is past time to honor those who helped establish a big part of our local heritage—Rolley Hole Marbles.

“Ralph Roberts is the perfect fit to become the first marbles player to enter the Clay County Sports Hall of Fame.  His record speaks for itself and he is more than deserving of the honor.”