2026 Pennsylvania State Free Throw Championship
The 2026 Pennsylvania State Free Throw Championship was held once again at St. Joseph School, Council #12788, in Mechanicsburg, on March 14, 2026 at 1:00pm.
A welcome address was provided by Worthy State Deputy, Gary Damich, thanking parents, grandparents and family members for their support of the Knights of Columbus free throw championship. Especially, their extensive travels with each stage of the program.
State Chaplin, Bud Falkenhan, Jr. provided the opening prayer. A very gracious prayer and message to the regional champions who had made the journey toward the state championship.
All regional winners assembled in the center of the gym were congratulated by our Worthy State Deputy and urged to be proud of their accomplishments.
Thank you to Reverend John Bateman, Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Mechanicsburg, for hosting. Your team of K of C members did you proud!
Knights of Columbus, Council #12788, were incredible once again with their support and effort in making the State Free Throw Championship all that it can be.
David Kern, GK, FDD, Council #12788, thank you for dedicated assistance in helping the State to unpack their vehicle, set-up the program, assist with program activity during the day, and then help pack up our vehicle after the event.
Financial Secretary, Greg Mikolajczak, Council #12788, in charge of many aspects of the program, to include concessions. Thank you for your dedication.
This year’s competition was well attended. We talked with many parents and grandparents. All very proud of their child or grandchild’s accomplishments.
The most emotional aspect Saturday was a tie between 12-year-old competitor’s Kylee Speicher and Lilyana Netterville. A double tie breaker was completed. Kylee got 10 out of 10 attempts. Lilyana, 9 out of 10. Congratulations to both for their excellent performances.
Another emotional aspect was last year’s 12-year-old State Champion, Landon Musser, congratulating Conor Landman, who was this year’s 13-year-old boys State Champion. Kelly Landman, Conor’s mother, was kind enough to share her observation of Landon climbing up the bleachers to congratulate Conor. Mrs. Landman observed both boys shaking hands and giving each other a hug. She felt Landon Musser showed great character and should be acknowledged.
One competitor was believed to have obtained a perfect score by the judges, making 25 of 25 baskets. As the state was getting the perfect score medal ready, we were approached by the young man. He advised he missed one shot. The young man’s name was Will Flaherty, our 11-year-old boys state champion. Another example of great character bestowed upon us on this date.
The following is a recap of the 2026 Pennsylvania State Champions. The scoring sheets for each State Champion have been forwarded for review by our Supreme Council. Based on overall performance, an International Crystal Keepsake will be issued to those selected for the award. International winners will be notified directly by our Supreme Council.
