Elks list winners of Hoop Shoot contest

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, held its annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest on December 28, 2015, at the S.F. Goedde Building in Van Wert. The contest was open to all boys and girls, ages 8 through 13, and the boys and girls competed separately in their age classes. All participants shoot 25 free throw shots to compete.

The Elks National “Hoop Shoot” is the nation’s largest coed sports competition and the only non-commercial sporting event conducted on a national basis.  More than three million boys and girls, ages 8 to 13, from all 50 states, compete in the Elks “Hoop Shoot” contests at various levels of competition each year.

All the local participants received special Hoop Shoot t-shirts, provided by sponsors Lee’s Ace Hardware, Laudick’s Jewelry, Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service, and the local Pizza Hut.

The first place winners of the local contest will advance to the district competition, which will be held at the University of Findlay on January 10.

Winners are as follows:

The winners in the boys divisions are (front row, from the left) Age 8-9 Division: Bennett Kill, first place (21-25); Mathew Dealey, second place (18-25); and Nathaniel Haines, third place (15-25); (middle row) Age 10-11 Division: Preston Kreischer, first place (17-25); Blake Boltger, second place (15-25); and Connor Sheets, third place (15-25; (back row) Age 12-13 Division: Trevor Sheets, first place (19-25); Anthony Kline, second place (17-25); and Carson Kreischer, third place (17-25).  (Elks photos)

The winners in the girls divisions are (front row, from the left) Age 8-9 Division: Haley McCoy, first place (13-25); and Beth Hughes, second place (2-25); (middle row) Age 10-11 Division: Cali Gregory, first place (19-25); Kennedy Purk, second place (13-25); and Paige Williamson, third place (11-25); (back row) Age 12-13 Division: Bailey Gregory, first place (15-25); Emilee Phillips, second place (7-25); and Kayle Kritos, third place (6-25).