The Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest State Finals were held this past Sunday March 1st at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville. Attached HERE are the results for each age group with winners highlighted in green and runner-up in yellow, along with final scores and participant district/council number if available. Also below is a link to several photographs taken throughout the contest by Andy Bozak. I would ask that everyone distribute these results and pictures to their respective districts and councils. 

This year's competition proved to be extremely competitive with very talented participants. Many of the age groups were decided by a single point, with several first and second place finishes coming down to tiebreakers. A couple even went to multiple tiebreak rounds, with the crowd very much involved in every shot taken. Some results of note include siblings Reese and Cooper Merica from council 1231 claiming their respective titles, 14-year-olds Olivia Nickerson (#6955) and Macey Harrison (#13623) both making 23 shots, and 10-year-old Mason Bascom and 14-year-old Nate Elliott missing only a single shot for a score of 24. Several other impressive scores were turned in by each age group to make it a very exciting day.

 

The most impressive performance was turned in by 13-year-old Aidan Mungovan of council 15437 with a perfect score of 25. This score automatically qualifies Aidan for the International Competition, a very remarkable feat to accomplish. If you are in Aidan's council or happen to know him, please take the time to congratulate him on this great accomplishment. We are very honored as a State Council to have him and these other amazing youth represent us well. 

 

There are multiple people I would like to thank for making this such a great event. First of all, thank you to the participants and their families for such a great turnout from the council rounds to state finals, along with great competitiveness and sportsmanship shown by all. Thank you to State Officers Paul Zielinski, Craig Hanusin, Gil Spisak, and Scott Schutte who were able to make it up on Sunday to lead the opening procession and hand out awards. State Faith Director Larry Kunkel played multiple roles, including leading the opening prayer and announcing participants/scores. Thank you to Tom Beck for being able to make it and help get everything set up. I would like to thank District Deputy Jeff Paulsen for providing snacks and refreshments for the multiple participants and spectators throughout the day. Joe Erpelding, Walt Peycha, and several other Knights who have been helping at this competition for countless years were also instrumental to its success. Guerin Catholic and its athletic director Ryan Davis have been great hosts, as we have already sent in contracts for next year's soccer and free throw state finals. I apologize to anyone I may have left out that was a part of it, and I hope we can have an even better turnout next year. 

 

Please let me know if you would like any more information or results from the contest.

 

Andy Gorgol

Youth Director

(317) 385-1584