Since 1972, the Knights of Columbus Council has sponsored the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14. The championship is set up to have the contestants compete within their own gender and age group. All competition starts at the local level and winners move on to the district, regional, and state or provincial levels. From there, some make it to the international level for championship competition in their group.
14-year-old, Pierce High School Freshman, Alex Ambriz recently crowned his third California State Free Throw Championship Title with the Knights of Columbus.
Representing the Knights of Columbus Council #14112, Ambriz completed the local level competition by sinking 13 of the 15 baskets he attempted, and later completed all 25 baskets he attempted winning the district level.
In February, Ambriz advanced to the Northern California Chapter competition where he remained the top-scoring contestant. Sinking 23 of the 25 baskets thrown, Ambriz took victory and prepared for the State-Wide Competition.
At the California State Championship in March, Ambriz competed against seven other chapters for the title. Ambriz was accompanied by his family, and Merced Corona, Grand Knight of Council #14112.
After the first round, no winner was declared. Ambriz went head to head with a Southern California participant whom both tied at 22 of 25 baskets. This caused a âSudden Deathâ shootout where Ambriz was able to sink all 5 of his baskets attempted, winning his third State Free Throw Championship Title.