By Vince Teresi
Seventh-grader Brett Traeger has distinguished himself as a top contender for national honors for his skill in basketball free-throw shooting. Traeger is the 2011-12 Oregon champion of the Elks Hoopshoot Contest, 12-13 year old division. He won at the local and district-level. and will compete in Vancouver, Wash., on March 3 at the regional level, which includes winners from Alaska, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
“This is such an exciting experience for Brett,” Krissy Kukar, Mount Angel Middle School physical education teacher/coach said. “I always explain to the students how far they could potentially advance in the hoop shoot competition. Brett is now one step away from the ultimate destination of Springfield, Mass. He has faced some pressure shooting as he has advanced through this competition, and he has risen to the challenge on each occasion.”
Traeger is an avid basketball fan and is fascinated with the free throw ability of college and professional players. He attributes much of his skill to help given by his father Greg. “He has helped me with strategy, mechanics and motivation. I like shooting free throws,” Brett says. “It’s a way to entertain and challenge myself. I like challenges.”
