Madeline Huffman, a fourth grade student at Our Lady of Mercy School in Hicksville, recently became the New York State Free Throw Champion in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition, 9 Year Old Girls Division at the United States Military Academy, West Point.
Huffman’s journey to the state championship began at her home parish, Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church in January. The local qualifier was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Joseph F. Lamb Council #5723. Boys and girls ages 9 through 14 competed, each receiving three warm up shots and 15 free throw attempts.
After taking first place at the local level, Huffman advanced the district level competition at St. Piux X RC Church, and then moved on to the county regional level competition at Holy Trinity High School. After winning at the county regional level, she advanced to the Long Island regional level competition at Chaminade High School, where she took first place and a spot in the New York State Championship.
Huffman continued her winning streak, taking home the title of State Champion after sinking 15 out of 25 attempts at the competition, which was held at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following the competition, participants and their families were treated to a barbecue hosted by the Cadets.
