Vernon Larson, Northwest Central Region 2

Number of Years as an Elk: 46

Hobbies: Golf, gardening, fishing, and travel.

Favorite Basketball Player: Larry Bird

Why He’s an Elk: “I am an Elk to help others—especially youth, veterans and those in need.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “I love the Hoop Shoot because it’s more than just a sports program—it teaches goal setting, sportsmanship and leadership skills. It also encourages kids to develop friendships outside of their immediate spheres and to spend time with family.”

Fun Fact: “I spent a year teaching English in Tokyo, Japan. I am also the longest-serving state-elected constitutional officer in the history of South Dakota.”

Larry Torres, West Region 7

Number of Years as an Elk: 34

Hobbies: Watching the History Channel, playing golf and fishing.

Favorite Basketball Player: Earvin “Magic” Johnson, L.A. Lakers

Why He’s an Elk: “Growing up, the Elks made it possible for me to be involved in sports. I want to give back to the Elks the way they gave to me and support our local community.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “The Hoop Shoot provides each contestant a unique opportunity to learn to compete under pressure, develop self-discipline and set goals. These are very valuable skills youth need to be successful.”

Fun Fact: “I really enjoy going to work; I am a Health Environment and Safety Specialist for Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company.”

Richard Blinn, New England Region 6

Number of Years as an Elk: 45

Hobbies: Volunteering for the American Red Cross and Elks Golf Tournaments, traveling with my wife.

Favorite Basketball Player: Elgin Baylor

Why He’s an Elk: “To make things better for the community where I live.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “In 38 years, I’ve never lost my energy or love for the Hoop Shoot. The possibilities for contestants are endless and the friendships they form are life long—it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Fun Fact: “I love to cook (Italian is my specialty) and I love to travel. I once took a cooking class in New Orleans and my dream is to travel to Italy and eat my way across the country.”

James McNitt, Southeast Central Region 10

Number of Years as an Elk: 45

Hobbies: Woodworking and being involved in the activities of my Lodge.

Favorite Basketball Player: It’s a tie—Larry Bird and Oscar Robinson

Why He’s an Elk: “My father-in-law was an Elk and encouraged me to join. We soon became a team in Elkdom, supporting each other in all we did."

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “I love the Hoop Shoot because it is a team event that my wife and I can participate in together. We enjoy the friendships we have formed with other directors at each level of the program.”

Fun Fact: “I have visited 49 of 50 U.S. States and plan to visit my 50th state this fall! My wife, Karen, and I love to travel.”

Donald Fassnacht, Great Lakes Region 4

Number of Years as an Elk: 40

Hobbies: Golf, bowling, volunteering at my Lodge and, of course, the Hoop Shoot.

Favorite Basketball Player: Larry Bird

Why He’s an Elk: “I believe in the Elks’ principles of charity, justice, fidelity and brotherly love. I also believe in our programs and the support we provide to students, veterans and youth.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “The Hoop Shoot is a youth program that serves all kids, regardless of their athletic ability. It provides youth a chance to compete, interact with peers and realize their potential.”

Fun Fact: “I was Elk of the Year in 1991 and received a distinguished award for service from the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation in 1993. I am an avid Purdue Boilermaker and I love helping others.”

Anthony Voulgaris, North Central Region 3

Number of Years as an Elk: 23

Hobbies: Being a referee for soccer and basketball games.

Favorite Basketball Player: George “Iceman” Gervin

Why He’s an Elk: “To help others! For me, this is the GREATEST reward of Elkdom.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “I love working with kids and meeting families from all over the country.”

Lester Collins, Southeast Region 12

Number of Years as an Elk: 36

Hobbies: Working at the Elks Lodge, watching SEC football and basketball as well as the Atlanta Braves.

Why He’s an Elk: “Because I like what we stand for and I like to be involved with all the programs that we sponsor.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “I love to meet the young people and their families and here their stories about how they got involved with the program. It's great to see them later in life when finish up with our program.”

Fun Fact: “When I go to my favorite Mexican restaurant everyone that works there know me and knows what I want to order before I even sit down.”

Steve Lucas, Northeast Central Region 5

Number of Years as an Elk: 36

Hobbies: Working on his 1969 Camaro, spending time with his granddaughter, and attending Penn State sporting events.

Favorite Basketball Player: Tim Duncan

Why He’s an Elk: “To be a part of a great organization that does so much for the young and the old in our communities”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “I enjoy working with the kids and meeting all of the great families along the way. I can't tell you the number of times I've run into former contestants and they've expressed to me how much fun they had through the Hoop Shoot.”

Fun Fact: “I joined the Elks in 1984 and have been a Hoop Shoot Director every year since. You might not know that ENF Director Jim O'Kelley and I are outstanding pool shooters and were rarely beat the weekend of Hoop Shoot National Finals.”

Joe Basil, Northwest Region 1

Number of Years as an Elk: 39

Hobbies: Basketball and football Official for 41 years. Retired paramedic/firefighter.

Favorite Basketball Player: Region 1 Hoop Shoot Contestants

Why He’s an Elk: “Because our Local Lodges make our communities a better place to live because of the many programs we implement.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “It is a great learning experience for our competitors. Many life lessons are learned through competition such as the Hoop Shoot.”

Fun Fact: “Held a national record for hitting 18 or 18 free throws in the 4th quarter of a state high school playoff game in 1974 that stood for 6 years while playing for Raymond (WA) High School. Now second place all time nationally and listed in the National Federation's High School Record Book”

Gregg Eleeson, Southwest Region 11

Number of Years as an Elk: 33

Hobbies: Playing basketball and helping at the Elks Lodge.

Favorite Basketball Player: Larry Bird

Why He’s an Elk: “I love and enjoy all of the Elks programs, specifically Veterans Service. As a Veteran myself, I am proud to say that Elks have done and continue to do great things for Vets.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “After playing for 30 years, it is amazing to watch these young kids shoot. I really enjoy watching their different shooting styles and seeing the focus and determination.”

Fun Fact: “Played basketball for 30 years, three of those years were playing for the Army. Funny played and got paid.”

Brandon Wilkins, West Central Region 8

Number of Years as an Elk:10

Hobbies: Volunteering, hiking, being outdoors, coaching his kids.

Favorite Basketball Player: Lafayette "Fat" Lever

Why He’s an Elk: “As a participant of the Hoop Shoot program and a recipient of an Elks scholarship, I am very aware of all the Elk programs that benefit the youth. In addition, I truly believe the Elks are the pillars of their communities in helping Veterans, elderly, and nearly anyone who needs assistance.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “The Hoop Shoot brings families together and provides a unique experience to everyone, not only the participants. The families I have dealt with at all levels of the program have benefited from their experiences, and are now families that I call friends.”

Fun Fact: “My volunteering and time with youth go hand-in-hand with my professional life as a Master Trooper with the Colorado State Patrol.”

Terry McMichael, Central Region 9

Number of Years as an Elk: 36

Hobbies: Volunteering, coaching, boating, riding my motorcycle, and playing golf.

Favorite Basketball Player: I would like to say any player of success that attended the University of Kentucky, but in reality it is Michael Jordan, in spite of the fact that he is a Tarheel.

Why He’s an Elk: “I joined to serve my local community through the numerous programs offered by the Elks.”

Why He Loves the Hoop Shoot: “It allows me to give all youth of age a chance to compete and succeed. It provides a pathway for me, personally to develop and grow family relationships beyond belief.”

Fun Fact: “As a father, I helped my wife raise two wonderful and successful daughters, and in return, they have given me three fantastic grandsons.”