Spirit Lake KCs crown free throw champions

Area girls and boys ages 9 to 14 participated in the 2026 Knights of Columbus District Free Throw Championship Feb. 15, and nine earned the right to compete at the Regional level. Iowa Great Lakes Council 5043 in Spirit Lake sponsored the District competition at the Bedell Family YMCA, drawing kids from Spirit Lake, Spencer and Okoboji.

For the boys, the 9-year-old winner was Jack Groen, the 10-year-old winner was Beckham Munden, the 11-year-old winner was Bennett Schmitz, and the 12-year-old winner was Henrik Gruys. On the girls’ side the 9-year-old winner was Leah Reinking, the 10-year-old winner was Paisley Nissen, the 12-year-old winner was Ali Reinking, the 13-year-old winner was Norah Strouth, and the 14-year-old winner was Claire Kruger. 

Each contestant attempted 25 free throws for the district level championship. 

Top photo: Paisley Nissen, the 10-year-old winner, takes aim.