History The annual Elks “Hoop Shoot”® is the national free throw shooting contest. It was originated by Frank Hise, a Past Grand Exalted Ruler of the fraternal organization, in Corvallis, Oregon in 1946. The Elks' Oregon State Association took it to a state level of competition in 1958. Gerald L. (Getty) Powell directed the program on a national level beginning in 1972. Three million youngsters, ages 8 through 13, participated last year.