Beshore has strong showing at National Free Throw Contest

Callie Beshore.

Nevada Daily Mail

SPRINGFIELD, MA -- Nevada resident Calli Beshore stepped to the free-throw line at Western New England College and sank 21-of-25 free throws at the Elks Hoop Shoot National Free Throw contest.

Facing stiff competition from the other finalists in her age division, Beshore did remarkably well and placed fifth at nationals.

The competition began last fall with more than three million participants from across the nation. Beshore was representing Nevada Lodge of Elks #564. A fourth grader, Beshore won local district and regional championships earlier this year to advance to the national competition. Calli is the daughter of Tyson and Kristy Beshore.

Now in its 40th year, the Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest has seen more than 101 million participants since its inception, making it the largest coeducational youth sports program in the nation.

Funded entirely by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest has served as a testing ground for sports legends like WNBA 2001 Rookie of the Year Jackie Stiles and Olympic gold medalist and former Golden State Warrior Chris Mullin.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a patriotic and philanthropic fraternal organization with nearly 1.2 million members in more than 2,100 communities.