Having already tasted glory in local, district, and state competitions, Brenden Truman captured another first-place finish on Saturday, March 3, 2007, when he wowed the crowds at the Elks “Hoop Shoot” Western Regional Championship held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brenden, the 11-year-old son of Tammy and Lonnie Truman, demonstrated accuracy from the penalty line well beyond his years and brought honors to his hometown of Santa Clara, Utah.

Representing St. George Elks Lodge #1743, Brenden, a student at Lava Ridge Intermediate School, sank 25 out of 25 free throws in the 10- to 11-year-old Boys division, making him a true standout in the field of more than 3 million boys and girls, ages 8-13, who has participated in the contest since last fall. Now, Brenden will travel with his parents, courtesy of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (Elks-USA), to Springfield, Massachusetts—the birthplace of basketball—to be among the 72 top youngsters vying for the chance to claim one of six national trophies awarded at the Elks “Hoop Shoot” National Free Throw Contest, April 19-22. A great showing in the national championship will not only earn Brenden a place in Elks “Hoop Shoot” history, but also land his name on a plaque in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Brenden was one of many honored guests attending the Utah Elks Association Spring meeting held March 8 - 11, 2007 at the St George “Dixie” Lodge # 1743.  Also in attendance and as an honored guest was the Honorable Arthur H. “Jack” Frost III, the Grand Exalted Ruler, visiting Utah during the UEA annual spring meeting.  Standing (l to r) the Honorable  Arthur H. "Jack” Frost III, Grand Exalted Ruler; “Basic Joe” Warren, UEA State Hoop Shoot Chairman;  Brenden Truman, 2007 Western Regional Champion; Mrs Tammy  Truman, Brenden’s Mother; and Jack Ryan, 2006-2007 Utah Elks Association State President.

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