BOZEMAN — Joe Thompson has over 11,000 reasons why he’s glad he’s a Montana State Bobcat.
“I didn’t realize it went in at first. I was looking for the next ball to shoot again,” Thompson said.
But a few seconds later, the crowd told Thompson everything he needed to know.
“As soon as everyone erupted, I knew it went in,” he said.
Thompson goes to almost every basketball game.
“One of the guys from the sports properties asked if I wanted to do it. I said yes, and I was able to do well,” Thompson said.
And well is a modest way to put it. The average college basketball court is about 94 feet long.
Thompson was presented with his check for $11,111 earlier Monday.
Owners of Rib and Chop House presented Thompson with the check.
“On behalf of the Rib and Chop House, we would like to congratulate Joe Thompson, the winner of the halftime shootout at MSU.”
Thompson’s own family couldn’t believe his luck.
“My mom was like, you won $1,100, and I was like, no $11,000,” he said.
Thompson not only made the full court shot, but just before that, he made a half court shot. And as far as the $11,000 question goes, Thompson said he plans to put his money to good use.
“I’m going to put it into my savings and start paying off some bills, car payments, rent, student loans. Get some of those things knocked out,” he said.
The contest and money was provided by the Rib and Chop House restaurant.
