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State Hoop Shoot
Midland January 29, 2010
The travels with the President this weekend came with mixed emotions. On Thursday we had the sad duty of attending the funeral service for a very special friend, Franz A. Brenner. Franz was a special kind of Elk having held many positions in his Lodge, District, and State. His leadership and commitment to others made him one of our best. He was best remembered in the Elks for founding the Gold Key Scholarship Program and serving as its first Executive Director.
Franz also served his country well as an Army Ranger and once again showed his leadership skills by attaining the rank of Captain. After his tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam he became active in several veteran organizations serving as their commander. He helped develop many programs within their ranks and continued to serve others. I’m sure he will be sadly missed by his lovely wife Marty and all those who knew him.
While on the sad part of this trip we also visited with Joann Botting another dear and special friend. Many of you know her as she traveled with PSP Al W. Festa for the last several years. Joann is fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Although bed ridden and attended to by Hospice she remains in good spirits. Knowing it’s only a matter of time, I ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Now for the bright side of the trip. We attended the Regional Hoop Shoot Contest in Midland and were able to see first hand the hard work and dedication of our new Hoop Shoot Director, Craig Gould. He and his committee provided an outstanding weekend for the contestants and their parents.
The highlight of the contest for me came in the 10 & 11 year old boys division. We had two shooters who scored a total of 23 out of 25 and then had to have a shoot off. While both boys are excellent shooters, I’m proud to say the winner came from my home Lodge. I’m sure he had extra pressure knowing he was representing the State Pres.
Michigan will be sending our State Champions to the Regional Hoop Shoot in Angola, IN on March 20th. They will compete against teams from both Indiana and Ohio. The winners will then advance to the National Finals in Springfield, Massachusetts, the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Our congratulations to all those that competed as they are all winners in our eyes. I would like to thank all of the volunteers that helped make this event a success. The list is long, therefore; for fear of forgetting someone I’ll just say thanks from the bottom of my heart to all.
The weekend wasn’t long enough as we spent Saturday night in the home of PSP Howard Diehl. We were accompanied by PSP Fred and Vi Dill. This reunion was a reminder of all our travels during my apprenticeship. Later in the evening we were joined by PSP Ric and Barb Mulholland for dinner and a night of cards. Unfortunately, I can not claim bragging right as that belongs to Ric and Vi but a good time was had by all.
On Sunday morning, after breakfast together, we started our journey home with the anticipation of beginning our Ritual travels next weekend.
Kevin M. Quinn
State President