ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, PA (March 2016) — Since 1972, the Knights of Columbus have sponsored an International Free Throw Contest for boys and girls between the ages of 9-14. Contestants compete within their own gender and age group. Competition starts at the local level, with winners moving on to the district, regional, and state or provincial levels. From there, some make it to the international level for championship competition in their group. Council Level: Each contestant is allowed fifteen (15) free throws in five (5) throw increments from the foul line. Stepping over the line before the ball hits the rim or backboard is considered a miss. Winning contestants who are tied progress to the second round, where they will shoot five (5) free throws. Successive rounds of five (5) free throws each continued until one contestant emerges as the winner. District & State Level: Each contestant was allowed twenty-five (25) free throws in five (5) throw increments from the foul line. The same five count progression method explained in the Council level is used when breaking ties. Savanah Abbott represented local council #11279 Holy Trinity proudly, by hitting 21 out of 25 shots. Bishop John Barres of Allentown, PA., a former collegiate basketball player at Princeton University, is a strong supporter of the Free Throw Championship. He sees the focus and discipline required to achieve athletic excellence as being valuable in the faith formation and character development of young people. In addition, feels healthy competition helps young people to handle both good fortune and adversity with grace and dignity. West District #103 Winners: Age Boys Champion Girls Champion 9 Luke Miller Grace Murray 10 Lorin Planinsic Sierra Abbot 11 Luca Michnowicz ------------------ 12 Jacob Dimichele Savannah Abbott 13 Matthew Rees Alexis Moran 14 ----------------- Abigail Messner Holy Trinity Council #11279 Local Winners: Age Boys Champion Girls Champion 9 Luke Miller Grace Murray 10 Lorin Planinsic Sierra Abbott 11 Luca Michnowicz Kennedy Walsh 12 Andrew Feeley Savannah Abbott 13 Matthew Rees Alexis Moran
