St Stephen Knights OF Columbus Free Throw State Champion

The great basketball coach John Wooden once said, “The best competition I have is
against myself to become better.” Over the course of the past two months Saint
Stephens Catholic School has been well represented by young athletes trying to
become better through the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Challenge.

Since 1972, councils have sponsored the Knights of Columbus
International Free Throw Championship for boys and girls between the ages
of 9 and 14. The championship is set up to have the contestants compete
within their own gender and age group. All competition starts at the local
level. Winners move on to the district, regional, and state or provincial
levels.

The Saint Stephens Knights of Columbus Council
14084 has diligently participated in sponsoring our Parish competition to allow
students from our Saint Stephens parish and school an opportunity to compete in
this wonderful Knights event. Statewide shooters test their skills and mental
fortitude to advance through several rounds to a state championship held by our
Florida Council each year.

This year, as in years past, our Saint Stephens
athletes have risen to the challenge! Four shooters advanced from our District
competition at Nativity and participated in the Regional competition held at St.
Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz. Tabitha Vega, Noelle Herrera, Brianna Spencer,
and Austin Wiles represented our Council well with great skill and character.
It is not an easy competition as each contestant must shoot 25 free throws in
hopes to make more than their fellow competitors. It takes not only skill but
also one’s ability to focus and overcome nerves. All four shined, placing in
the top three for their age group, and made our council and Saint Stephens
School proud of their efforts!

Austin Wiles was fortunate enough to move on to
the state competition by winning his regional 10 year old age group. The state
competition was held March 4th in Clermont, FL at East Ridge High
School. It is always a well-run event by
our State Council Representatives. Shooters
from around the entire state of Florida, from Miami to Pensacola, gathered to
compete. Austin completed against five other boys for the ten year old
championship. It was a tough competition but Austin was able to come out on top
and bring home his second consecutive First Place State Free Throw championship
for our Saint Stephens Knights Council and his Saint Stephens Catholic School!

What an amazing opportunity for our youth that
our Council 14084 provides each year. While the trophies and metals are great,
it is the relationships and experience of meeting new competitors across the
state that is truly a gift our council provides. Without the hard work and
support of the Saint Stephens Knights of Columbus Council 14084 this would
never be a possibility for our athletes. All the parents and athletes thank
them for their continued support of such wonderful Knight sponsored activities
such as this. We are truly blessed by this amazing Christ driven fraternal
order in our Parish!