2013 Hoop Shoot National Finals Weekend

RecapThis year’s Hoop Shoot national finalists represented 38 states and averaged 82.3% at the free throw line.

For months, Hoop Shoot finalists shot hundreds upon thousands of free throws in preparation for the 2013 National Finals in Springfield, Mass.

Another Shot at Nationals

• Of the 72 finalists, 18 were returning to Springfield for another chance at becoming a Hoop Shoot National Champion.

• For a complete list of returning national finalists, visit www.elks.org/enf/nationals.cfm!

13-year-old, Morgan Edwards, sponsored by Frostburg, MD, Lodge No. 470, returned to National Finals this year for the third time.

A ‘Team Elks’ Welcome Upon arriving at the Sheraton Hotel in

Springfield, finalists and their families were greeted by a team of Regional Directors, volunteers, Elks scholars, ENF Staff and even Elroy T. Elk!

Local volunteers from Springfield, Mass., Lodge No. 61 distributed t-shirts to finalists as they arrived in the Welcome Room.

Regional Directors and their wives greeted families throughout the weekend with a smile and a bag full of Hoop Shoot goodies!

Past Grand Exalted Rulers Paul Helsel and Frank Garland teamed up with Elroy to welcome families to Springfield.

In the ZoneFollowing welcome and registration, finalists hung out and played games with Elks Scholars and volunteers in the Elks Kids’ Zone.

Families and friends decorated signs to cheer on finalists in the Kids’ Zone.

Finalist, Audrey Jennings, sponsored by Huntington, W. Va., Lodge No. 313, challenges Elks Scholars to a game of ‘bags’!

Finalists and parents found time to unwind with games like “Fibber” throughout the weekend.

Dinner on Center Court After arriving safely in Springfield, all 72

finalists and their families joined Regional and State Hoop Shoot Directors for a dinner on center court and museum tours at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

A Grand EntryIn front of a cheering crowd, finalists entered the gym to a show of lights and music at Western New England University. Local Madrigal singers sang the Star-Spangled Banner and keynote speaker, Carolyn Peck of ESPN joined fans on the sidelines.

9-year-old, Danny D’Itri, sponsored by New Castle, Penn., Lodge No. 69, lead his region onto the court during the finalists’ grand entry at Western New England University.

The Big Show

The 72 national finalists gave it their all at the free-throw line, making it a close contest and a nerve-wrecking experience for spectators. In the Boys 12-13 age-group, four finished with a score of 24 out of 25!

Finalist Mayci Torgerson (left), sponsored by Richfield, Utah, Lodge No. 2420, returned to Springfield for the second consecutive year.

Jerrik Rydbom (right), sponsored by Blairsville, Penn., Lodge No. 406, finished the contest strong sinking 23 of 25 free throws.

Crowning of Champions

In the end, a total of 1,621 free throws were made during the 2013 National Finals contest and six dedicated finalists earned their place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For a complete list of finals results and scores, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.

2013 Hoop Shoot National Champions from left to right: Kiera Holcer, sponsored by Brookfield, Mo., Lodge No. 874, Nikyla Green, sponsored by Dallas, Tex., Lodge No. 71, Taylor Robertson, sponsored by McPherson, Kan., Lodge No. 502, Landon Carroll, sponsored by Jackson, Ohio, Lodge No. 466, Benny May, sponsored by Auburn, Calif., Lodge No. 1691, Grant Barnhart, sponsored by St. Marys, W.V., Lodge No. 1701.