The Maine Elks Association (MEA) State Hoop Shoot competition was held Jan. 31 at Brewer High School. The event was hosted by the Bangor Elks Lodge #244.
Eighteen boys and girls competed in the contest to determine the six state champions, who have earned the right to advance to the regional contest to be held in South Portland March 26-28.
Jake Flewelling of Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954 won the boys 10-11 age group.
Following the contest, the contestants traveled to the Bangor Elks Lodge, where they were treated to a luncheon, and were met by Maine Elks Association Drug Awareness Mascot “Elroy the Elk,” who provided them with Drug Awareness materials furnished by Drug Awareness Director Frank Ricker of the Maine Elks Association.
Following lunch, the awards were presented to each contestant by State Hoop Shoot Director, Mark Inman, who was assisted by MEA State President Michael Powers of the Houlton Elks Lodge, 1st Vice-President Wayne Cotterly of the Lewiston Elks Lodge, and 2nd Vice-President John Nicholson of the Millinocket Elks Lodge. Also speaking at the event was Area 1 Hoop Shoot Committeeman, Richard Blinn of Massachusetts, who spoke about the importance of the Hoop Shoot program. Blinn also expressed his sincere thanks to the Elks National Foundation and its contributors for funding the Elks National Hoop Shoot program.
Two special awards were also presented to the highest scoring boy and girl. The first award was the Allan W. Richard Outstanding Shooter Award in memory of the late Allan Richard who had served as the MEA’s Hoop Shoot Chairman for 19 years. The award was presented to Abby Pyne. representing the Bangor Elks Lodge #244. Abby was the highest shooter of the day with 24 out of 25 free throws made. The Amos A. McCallum Outstanding Shooter Award for the top boy shooter was presented to Marcus Christopher, representing the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531. Marcus completed 20 out of 25 shots.
Since its inception in 1946, the Elks National Hoop Shoot competition has grown to include more than three million participants annually, making it the largest non-profit co-educational sports program in the country. Much of the funding for the program comes from the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
