Back at the table

STAUNTON — Competition and making some dough for Hospice. That’s what foosball players both novice and professional did when they filed into Byers Street Bistro for the 25th Annual Virginian State championship in Staunton on Friday night.
If people think foosball is not serious sport, Tournament Director Alan Cribbs is willing to change some minds.
“We are trying to get more people involved in the sport. Many think that it’s a game, that is boring and just people smoking and drinking and going out and having fun,” Cribbs said. “I’m trying to clean up its image in these tournaments and get the communities more involved. Being involved and help contribute to different charities makes a difference.
“We are going to cut a check tomorrow for the Shenandoah Chapter of Hospice. This is a great charity, and that’s what makes doing this so special. It has been an amazing experience for me.”
Cribbs will continue to keep changing the perception of the game as he tours different communities.
“I’m also here to set these games in a new direction. I am trying to teach people that this is a first-class sport, a family sport,” he said
One that might agree is the U.S. National Team’s singles champ Bruce Nardoci, who has played since 1972.
“I really liked coming here to play. I have meet a lot of people and families over the years. You learn a lot of different styles of playing,” Nardoci said.
Also participating was 12-year-old Anthony Smith of Gainesville.
“My mom and dad bought me a table and I was bad when I first started,” Smith said. “But I started to become so good that I started beating my father and the rest of my family. I just love it.”
This is his first tournament and he was going to play in the novice singles and doubles.
“I’m looking to doing this again,” Smith said.
Foosball united two players from Sanguinary, Canada in the providence of Quebec.
“I met my wife here during a tournament when she was the women’s doubles,” said Jean-Benoit Pineault. “We are both competing all weekend in the maximum games we can play. But we both love foosball and coming here to Staunton. I love the city, we don’t mind traveling down here.”
The 25th Annual Virginian State championship will run though Sunday and is open to the public free of charge.