ISU Bengal

Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Clay Nelson

The auxiliary basketball court in Reed Gym was full of Elk and children. Do not worry though, the kids were not in any danger. The Elk's Lodge, number 674, hosted a free throw competition on Saturday Jan. 19 for all youths ages eight to 13. The Hoop Shoot is a national, annual event that selects youth from various areas around the state to compete in regionals, state and national free throw competitions. In total, 65 boys and girls from the Pocatello area showed up to have fun and compete in free throw shooting.

The event began at 11:30 a.m. with a sign-up and warm-up session for the youth. The actual competition began shortly after noon and lasted just over three hours. The smiles on the faces of all competitors was contagious. All the volunteers and parents were smiling and enjoying the time along with the Pocatello youth.

Each youth got 25 shot attempts from the free-throw line. This was split in two, with each youth shooting 10 free throws, taking a break, then shooting 15 more. Due to the large turnout, the event lasted a little longer than the Elk's had planned.
"This is a large crowd - the largest in the past six to eight years," commented Joe Richmond, the Hoop Shoot Chairman for the Elk's.

And the winners are - everyone! All the kids, as well as the adult volunteers and parents, had a great time. The first and second place winners received trophies. In the eight to nine year old girls, Rian Rawlings received first place and Kaitlyn Christensen came in second. In the eight to nine year old boys, Andrew Cortez received first place and Brin Wuthrich came in second. In the 10-11 year old girls, Jackie Cuttlers received first place and Sarah Holt came in second. In the 10-11 year old boys, Lucas Rawlings received first place and Malek Harwell came in second. In the 12-13 year old girls, Chelsea Nickel received first place and Kamikka Hiroto came in second. In the 12-13 year old boys, Joshua Christensen received first place and Wyatt Holt came in second.

"The Elk's Lodge is the second largest scholarship donor in the nation next to the government," said Greg Bosen, the local Leading Knight.

The Elk's Lodge does a lot for our community. They give two full ride scholarships to one boy and one girl every year in Idaho. They award many smaller scholarships as well. They sponsor drug awareness programs and local essay contests for elementary and Junior High School students, with topics ranging from what the flag means to the individual to patriotism. They also provide services and do work for veterans.

The first place winners from Saturday's free throw competition will compete next Saturday in Blackfoot for their chance to move on to state competition. The Elk's Lodge pays all expenses for the winners' families to go to these upcoming events.

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