WEBSTER - The Webster Knights of Columbus host council-level free throw competitions for boys and girls ages 9-14. This was the first competition to be had since COVID began. In the past, participation has topped out at more than 40 youth. Five youth participated at the event at Webster Elementary School on Saturday, Jan 28. All were boys ages 11-13. Each youth got the opportunity to warm up, then attempt 15 free throws and the youth who were the most successful in their age range would be given a pass to go on to a district-level competition. The group hopes to see numbers rise as word gets out that events are resuming.
Saturday’s winners were Easton Jack for the 11-year-old age group scoring 7 of 15 shots, Logan Roseman of the 12-year-old group scoring 9 of 15 shots, and Konrad Rainey of the 13-year-old group scoring 12 of 15 shots. Each of the winners will now go on to the district level. At that competition they will have two sets of 25 free throw attempts.
The Webster Knights of Columbus group started in 1985. Many of those volunteering on Saturday to help with the competition had been with the program for a long time, including Joe Kouba for more than 12 years, Rick Heffely for 12 years, Fran Marier for 7 years, and the only newer member being Eric Tanquist for 1 year. For those interested in participating, they need to reside in the upper section of Burnett County. Due to this, the group tends to only utilize the local schools to advertise the event. If you are a youth outside of this area, there are other Knights of Columbus groups that host free throw contests as well in various locations. Participants have opportunity to continue to broader competitions that go beyond the council and district level, to regional, jurisdictional, and even international levels.
