Spirit Lake KCs crown youth free throw champs

Area girls and boys ages 9 to 14 participated in the 2026 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship Jan. 18, and nine earned the right to compete at the district level. Iowa Great Lakes Council 5043 in Spirit Lake sponsored the local competition at the Bedell Family YMCA, drawing a record 27 kids from Spirit Lake 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. 

Noah Strough was among the winners.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 was allowed 15 free throw attempts for the local Council level championship. 
 
Every participant received a recognition certificate. Each winner earned a plaque and certificate and is eligible to compete for a medal in the district competition Feb. 15, also at the Bedell Family YMCA, with an eye toward moving to the regionals. 

That is followed by the State competition in Boone, and then International awards are presented. Spirit Lake’s own Claire Kruger won an International Crystal Trophy two years ago by hitting 24 of 25 free throws.

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The champions of the 2026 Iowa Great Lakes Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship January 18 at the Bedell Family YMCA in Spirit Lake were, from left, Ali Reinking, Leah Reinking, Paisley Nissen, Henrik Gruys, Bennett Schmitz, Beckham Munden, Jack Groen, Norah Strouth and Claire Kruger. Image Caption