The National Punt, Pass and Kick contest was held Dec. 8 in the New Orleans Saints football practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana.
Seventy youngsters from ages 6 to 15 competed in the national contest. Seven young people from the Maben Lions Club local PPK contest in September traveled with their parents to the final competition. Lions Rob and Jane Collins also went to the competition to support the Maben finalists.
Two of the Maben-sponsored contestants were awarded trophies for their efforts. All other participants received a metal or a ribbon. Conner Kolb, 6, won a trophy in the boys 6-7 age group, and Hannah Haney, 11, won a trophy in the girls 10-11 age group. In 2017 her twin sister, Alexa, also won a trophy in her age group.
Conner, the youngest of the Maben contestants, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kolb of Maben. Anthony Machuca, 8, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Machuca of Sturgis. Hannah and Alexa, 11, are the twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Haney of Mathiston.
Hayden Graham, 11, is the son of Christopher Graham and Charlene Kelly of Maben. Jeb Sisk, 12, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sisk of Mathiston. Preston Mooneyham, 12, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Mooneyham of Pontotoc.
These seven athletes were among 17 qualifiers from the Maben Lions Club PPK contest on Sept. 15.
