Destiny Williams is State Hoop Shoot Free Throw Champion
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Destiny Williams, nine year old daughter of Ron and Amy Williams of Chester, earned the title of State Champion last Saturday February 12 in the 2010-2011 Elks National Hoop Shoot.
Williams is a third-grader at Chester Grade School where she became involved in the Elks Hoop Shoot as part of her Physical Education class. Jennifer Stumpe and David Kaiser are Physical Education Teachers at CGS and encouraged Williams to take part in the free throw shooting contest.
"She made 21-of-25 free throws in P.E. Class to advance to the Southern Illinois Regional at Murphysboro Saturday December 11. Her father, Ron Williams worked with her on the playground and in the gym before school to help prepare her for competition", stated Stumpe.
At the Southern Regional at Murphysboro Destiny made 21-of-25 free throws becoming the winner of that Sectional and advancing to the District Finals at Anna-Jonesboro, Illinois. The District Competition was held Saturday January 8 where Williams connected on 20-of-25 free throws and became the 2011 District Champion.
Winning the District Championship qualified destiny to compete in the State Championships in Decatur, Illinois. In the State Competition Williams made 19-of-25 free throws and tied with another young lady requiring a shoot-off. In the shoot-off destiny made 4-of-5 free throws while her competitor only made 2-of-5 free shots.
With the win, destiny will advance to the North Central Region National Semi-Finals. The next step takes her to Iowa City, Iowa March 12 where she will compete against other 8-9 year old girls from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Girls in that competition will be given the opportunity to make the best of 25 shots in their quest to move on to the final level of competition.
When asked what her favorite part was about being the first Chester girl or boy to ever become a State Champion in the Grand Lodge Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in the United States Hoop Shoot Williams noted that she enjoyed competing against other girls her age.
"I also really enjoyed the trophy presentations, taking all of the pictures that the Elks were taking, as well as being able to stand on the first-place podium at the ceremony. I also liked staying in the hotel and being introduced in front of all of the other shooters and parents."
Stumpe and Kaiser mentioned that the Williams family was treated to the entire weekend at Decatur and that it really appeared to be a fun-filled event for destiny. "Destiny is a hard worker. She is also very polite and a sweet kid. It is a real pleasure to have her in class", noted Stumpe and Kaiser.
Destiny's teacher, Mrs. Koeneman, added that Destiny is a straight-'A' student. "She is not only a talented and straight-'A' student but she is a very sweet young lady who gets along with everyone."
Ron and Amy Williams, destiny's parents, note that young Destiny is a hard-worker who likes to keep her workouts fun. "When we work on her shooting we keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed.
"She had a wonderful opportunity to work out with some of the 5th grade girls a couple of times this year and she thought that was quite a fantastic deal", exclaimed Ron Williams. "I hope we can keep her focused and actively involved throughout her junior high and high school years here in Chester.
Destiny will continue to train for her March 12 North Central Regional Semi-Final in the National Hoop Shoot in Iowa City, Iowa in the weeks to come. Most likely she will continue to take her journey in stride and win or lose, Miss Williams will continue to represent Chester with the utmost dignity, honor and integrity.