Community support propels York girl to Elks nationals

YORK, Neb. -- 

Dialed in at a young age, a 9-year-old girl winning a four-state regional.

From educators to Elks, friends and family,  it’s all hands on deck in the Duke community.

“My PE teacher, Mrs. Brehm, asked us to shoot 15 hoops, and if you make higher than 10, you get to go to the first round," said Kobee Kern.

She made the number of free throws required during her class, and eventually made a whole lot more, going 23 for 25 to clinch a spot. Heading to nationals, she’s keeping the standards high.

“I want to try and get third or higher,” said Kobee.

“She’s put a lot of work in. That’s something that’s been impressive, watching how she handles that pressure," adds her father, Matt Kern.

From the 9-year-old from York, someone within the community has pushed her along almost every step of the way.

“Jake Schroetlin is someone she’s looked up to," Matt said. "He made the national finals a couple of years ago and he’s a friend of ours in the neighborhood. They shoot a lot of shots together since they were little and it gave her an opportunity to have the competitive advantage.”

If it wasn’t Jake she was taking aim at, there was another target in her sights.

“I wanted to beat my sister,” said Kobee.

“You see (her older sister) Kinslee and what she’s accomplished in her career and we started the Elks Hoop Shoot with her," Matt said. "For Kobee to see that and have someone to look up to as a role model and challenge her and push her to be the best she can be, it’s been fun to watch that.”

The sibling rivalry keeps Kobee focused, and the support from York keeps her humbled.

“Our friendships with people in the community who have supported her and the school,” said Matt.

The Elks gave Kobee an ice cream social send off on Friday.

Most importantly for the Kern clan, because of the Elks club, they get to bring loved ones to Chicago.

“My family and then my aunt,” said Kobee.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Matt. “I’m excited to see how she competes, and you know, once you get there, anything can happen.”