Conkle wins Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest
Colton Conkle and his mom Tiffany were all smiles after thanking everyone who came to welcome him home from the Elks National Hoop Shoot contest, where he earned the national title for his age division. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Cindy Gotti couldn’t be prouder of her grandson Colton Conkle.
“He’s an amazing little boy,” she said.
Gotti was one of several of Colton’s family members and friends who gathered outside his home Sunday evening April 23, to welcome him home from the Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest. The event was held Saturday, April 22 in Chicago, Ill. and Colton won the boys division for ages 8-9.
“He was so calm even when he looked into the stands and saw everyone crying,” Gotti said. “He handles pressure well.”
She was one of several who made the trip to watch Colton compete in Chicago. Many who waited to greet him also had on their Team Conkle t-shirts.
“He has quite a following,” Gotti said.
She especially appreciated Coshocton High School’s boys’ basketball team showing up to welcome Colton.
“He loves all those guys and practices with them,” Gotti said.
Colton is the son of Tiffany and Jeremy Conkle, who helps coach the boys at Coshocton High School. When they got back into town with their son on April 23 they were met by a Coshocton fire truck and a sheriff’s deputy who escorted them all the way home.
Tiffany knew a celebration for Colton was being planned, but wasn’t sure of all the details.
“This is very nice,” she said. “They did a great job. It’s an amazing welcome home.”
In addition to earning his national title, Colton also earned an award for hitting 25 out of 25 free throws during his competition.
“There were 72 shooters there and only two got a perfect score,” Tiffany said.
Colton said he wasn’t sure what to think when he saw the fire truck and sheriff’s deputy waiting for them and was overwhelmed by all the support he received.
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