On March 26, Ryan Werthmuller successfully worked his way to the state level winning at local and district levels with 23 out of 25 and 22 out of 25 baskets respectively stating, "shooting in the three rounds [of the competition] was a great experience. I had a lot of fun and now I'm looking forward to high school basketball.” 

In the overall competition there were 77 participants from 14 districts in the diocese – ages 10-14. Santo Cultrara, a Past Grand Knight of the St. Monica's KOC Council (#11529) and currently a District Deputy overseeing local councils, commented that, "the Knights of Columbus have always been behind our youth, supporting them and lending a hand to help them be the best they can be. These programs are just a small way to help them in that direction and allow them to have some fun in the process.” 

Knowing the Werthmuller family for a number of years, he also added, "Ryan is a very exceptional person, and seeing him do so well at these free throw tournaments makes me glow with pride almost as much as his own dad."

This competition was started in 1972 and was designed to not only help the youth of the parish compete in an organized activity, it was intended as a way for local Knights of Columbus Councils to reach out to the local community. This event provides the youth of a participating parish the chance to take part in a rewarding activity that, as evidenced by the success of Ryan Werthmuller, can take that young person along a path to athletic success and have a great experience at the same time.