Worms take the track in Wellsburg
WELLSBURG --Twenty "athletes" and their human trainers competed in annual Brooke County Public Library Worm Races Thursday night.
The top five winning invertebrate and their human counterparts were rewarded with a trophy and bragging rights for the next year.
"We take our worms very seriously," library director and head librarian Alexandra L. Eberle said.
The humans in the race were given the choice for either bringing a worm from home or adopting one at the library the day of the races.
The races were done in a single elimination, bracket system.
Everyone had a different idea of what to look for in a worm.
A.J. Pintus, 9, said he picked his worm. "Darwin", because of his size.
"He is a big one," he said. "I wanted to find a fat one because I think he would be fast."
Three-year-old Camden Oleksy said he looked to the wisdom of his elders when choosing his worm "The Hulk."
"My pap (picked him)," he said.
Six-year-old Peyton Sager, said she had high hopes for her worm, "Lucy."
"She is stretching and getting ready," she said. "I think she is going to win."
Peyton's grandmother, Hiedi Baranowski, said she is impressed with the library's efforts to reach children.
"It amazes me what they do here," she said.
Three-year-old Lydia Glenn said no one should count her worm, "Kangaroo," out.
"It goes very fast," she said.
Six-year-old Tyler Thomas, said his worm "Bern" has been preparing for the big race.
"He is strong." he said.
Steven Murdock came in second last year and this year, he and his worm, "Crisp" have a score to settle.
"I am going to redeem myself," he said.
His brother Able and his racer "Spike" have a plan already ready for the race.
"I am going to squirt him with the water," Able said.
Other races this year included; Allie Tenant with "Coco"; Teighlor Wilken with "Cupcake"; Adelynn Glenn with "Worm"; Kara Thomas with "JoJo"; Ava Murdock with "Shimmer Slime"; Jude Buchanana with "Frank"; Lilly Rhodes with "Slimey"; Jeremiah Rhodes with "Buzz"; Ella Neeley with "Ned"; and Ariya Rhodes with "Nothing."
This years top athletes were: first place "C.J."; second place "Shimmer Slime"; third place "Cotton Candy"; fourth place "Cupcake" and fifth place "Spike."