Kyron Kegler is getting set to compete in the National Elks Hoop Shoot in Chicago next month.
Kegler recently competed at the Regional Elks Hoop Shoot Contest in Colorado Springs where he won the 12-13 boys age group, hitting 17 out of 25 free throws.
Kegler, a sixth-grader at Fort Scott Middle School, previously won the state-level contest in February to qualify for the regional competition, where he also hit 17 of 25 free throws.
Before that, Kegler won at a competition sponsored by the Parsons Elks Lodge, hitting 16 of 25 free throws.
Kegler’s shooting success didn’t come overnight. He focuses on making 150-200 free throws every day in order to sharpen his shot.
“I’ve learned it takes a lot of hard work and determination,” said Kegler. “It takes grit and getting better every day. Sometimes it can be intimidating seeing your opponent warm up but you’ve got to keep your composure and step up.”
Kegler doesn’t yet play for his middle school team which starts in seventh grade but plans on playing both basketball and football up through high school.
The sharpshooter also qualified for nationals in 2020 but the contest was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of going to Chicago, contestants were asked to film themselves shooting free throws in their home gym. Kegler took seventh place.
Kegler’s older brother, Dierks, also made it to the national contest, starting his journey through the Iola Elks club.
Even though he clearly has basketball in his blood, Kegler said he enjoys football more and has dreams of playing in the NFL someday. He plays defensive end.
Kegler, who attended elementary school at Marmaton Valley before he and his family moved to Fort Scott, is the son of Jason and Terra Kegler.
The National Elks Hoop Shoot is April 22.
