Aiming to be an Elk

Kevin Engellant had heard good things about the Hoop Shoot program from family and friends. So he was disappointed to learn that his local Lodge—Dillon, Mont., No. 1554—didn’t have a contest. Then he offered to rectify that.

With Engellant’s help, the Lodge organized a Hoop Shoot in November 2015. A year later, his son, Kyler, qualified for the National Finals.

“I love what the Hoop Shoot program has to offer,” says Engellant. “It teaches kids the importance of practice, hard work and sportsmanship—valuable lessons that transfer into real life.”

After Kyler’s experience at the National Finals, Engellant wanted to stay involved.

“It’s another way I can give back to the youth in our community,” he says.

The Dillon Elks were happy for his help and told Engellant that they could use active, engaged members like him. He had several conversations with Elks at the Finals who echoed that sentiment.

“These conversations confirmed my decision to become a member of Lodge No. 1554,” says Engellant.

Next year, he will be the Hoop Shoot Director for the Montana South District.

The Hoop Shoot Bug works in mysterious ways.

The Elks have been developing gritty kids through the Hoop Shoot program for more than 40 years. In 2016-17, the Elks National Foundation allocated $952,760 to fund the program. For videos, news from the court, and more information about the Hoop Shoot, visit elks.org/hoopshoot.