Henry Westphal loves shooting free throws. Sadly, this fourth grader, sponsored by Portland, Maine, Lodge No. 188, doesn’t get to shoot many free throws as the point guard for his school’s basketball team. That’s why the 2011 Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest was the perfect opportunity for Henry to showcase his skills.
“I don’t get fouled very much,” says Henry. “I don’t get to shoot free throws that often, so it was fun to get to shoot them a lot at Hoop Shoot.”
To prepare for the contest, Henry frequented the gym, taking at least 50 shots each visit. His dad and 13-year-old brother, Ian, helped him get ready for each level of the contest. When practicing for the National Finals, Henry once made 97 out of 100 free throws. That’s when he knew he was ready.
On the day of the finals, Henry was more than prepared. He shot first in his age-group, wearing the lucky Larry Bird jersey that he wore at every Hoop Shoot competition. When he stepped to the line, he knew he had more than luck on his side—he had the support of his family, friends and the Elks.
“They all sent me good luck messages, which helped me to shoot better,” Henry explained.
Henry focused, started shooting, and the rest is history. His fans cheered as he sank shot after shot, scoring a perfect 25 out of 25.
“I hadn’t made a perfect score before, so it felt good,” says Henry. “My goal was to score at least 24 out of 25, and I made all 25!”
Taking first in his age division wasn’t the end of the contest for Henry, though. Jerrik Rydbom from Blairsville, Pa., Lodge No. 406, also shot 25 out of 25 in his division, so the boys competed in a shoot-off for the Getty Powell Award for best overall male shooter.
“When I went into the shoot-off, I thought I had a good chance,” recounts Henry.
After eight tense rounds, and 40 additional shots, Henry claimed the Getty Powell Award, earning his ticket to Phoenix, Ariz., where he will accept his award at the 2011 Elks Grand Lodge Convention.
“I felt so happy when I knew I won,” explains Henry. “Mostly, I enjoyed being able to shoot at each level with friends.”
Click here for a local news video on Henry’s achievements.
In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated $809,275 to fund the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.