Can you hear it—the sound of a basketball striking the gym floor? It bounces with perfect rhythm before launching toward the basket. The ball swishes as it drops through the net. It’s music to the ears of an Elks Hoop Shoot national finalist.
With only weeks until the 2013 National Finals in Springfield, Mass., Hoop Shoot finalists across the country are waking up early to hit the gym. They’re staying after practice and toeing the free-throw line, determined to sink 100 before stopping. It’s all a part of their journey to the competition of a lifetime—a journey that started months ago in Elks communities across the country.
The Tip-Off
Since October, Lodges have encouraged youth to compete, connect and succeed with the Hoop Shoot. Lodge Directors promoted contests, and some even partnered with community organizations.
“My Lodge partnered with the Boys and Girls Club,” says Chris Anastassatos, director for Reno, Nev., Lodge No. 597. “With their help, we had more than 110 participants at our contest.”
Bring the Heat
With a fan base of cheering Elks behind them, local winners advanced to compete in one of 250 District contests. The 1,500 district winners then advanced to State Hoop Shoot contests.
“To contestants and parents, becoming a State Champion is a big deal,” explains Steve Lucas, Pennsylvania state’s director.
A total of 288 State Champions advanced to this year’s Regional Hoop Shoot Semi-Finals.
March Madness
Will my Lodge sponsor a national finalist? Will my state be among those represented in Springfield? Elks everywhere will wait anxiously for answers with the announcement of new national finalists each weekend in March.
End of the Road
As April 20 closes in, Hoop Shoot national finalists will prepare themselves for steep competition in Springfield. While the road thus far has been paved with hopes and dreams, they know dreams alone won’t win a national title. Hoop Shoot National Championships must be earned with hard work and dedication.
So until April 20, 2013, national finalists will keep hitting the gym, hoping to make music.
Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation teaches kids the values of hard work and good sportsmanship. In 2013-14, the ENF allocated $693,750 to fund this program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.