Trial of Champions

2009 Champion, Boomer's X Rated

2009 TRIAL OF CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Conservation Birddog Club in Amo, Indiana hosts the annual Trial of Champions National field trial; this year featuring 104 of NSTRA’s finest champion dogs. The weather is always a surprise in Indiana during this time of year and this Spring was no exception. Monday was a practice day with rain most of the day only to follow with sleet and rain on Tuesday. The trial began on Wednesday morning and after officials were treated to a nutrious breakfast Trial Chairman, Frank Llano, met with judges, field marshals and bird handlers. Boundaries and safety areas were explained as well as fields assigned to all personnel. Judges were Brian O’Connell, Indiana Region, judging 179 total trials with 6 regional eliminations and 1 championship; Al Hall, Illinois Region, judging 159 trials with 1 regional and 1 championship; Alan Anderson, Wisconsin Region, judging 39 trials including 1 regional and 2 championships; Rick Kloster, Wisconsin Region, judging 94 trials with 4 regional eliminations. Marshals were Cookie Anderson, Wisconsin Region and Stacy Holder, also a Wisconsin Region member. Bird Hander was Jim McAdams, Indiana Region. Many thanks to this fine group of seasoned trial officials who. as always, do an exceptional job. Starting time would be 7:30 a.m. each day with 16 dogs advancing from Wednesday and Thursday’s eliminations to Friday’s qualification rounds. Sixty-four dogs would run on Friday with 32 dogs in each of 2 fields. The top scoring 8 dogs from each field would run on Saturday morning with 4 braces on each field. The top 6 scoring dogs from each field would be drawn to run on 3 (30 minute) braces on A field. From these three braces, we would take the top two scoring dogs to run for the championship. Second through fifth runner-up winners would be decided by scores.

Due to only 13 braces per field, we finished early in the afternoon and several dogs were allowed to help clean the field for Thursday’s running. The Conservation Birddog Club and Indiana Region always treat everyone to a complimentary meal on Wednesday evening before the Board of Directors Meeting. This year was no exception and at 6 p.m. Marilyn gave the invocation before the meal. Trial officials were asked to move to the front of the line and all were treated to a feast beyond compare. The meal consisted of fried or rotisserie chicken, a delicious ham, potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert. It was a wonderful meal and as always those attending the BOD meeting are very appreciative of this kind service the club and region provide. Our thanks to some of the ladies of NSTRA; Sharon Vanarsdale, Bev McAdams and Michelle Parient for serving the meal and to anyone else we might have missed, thanks from those of us at NSTRA for a great meal and fellowship. At 7:00 p.m. the meeting was called to order by NSTRA President, Ted Dewey. Business was conducted as usual and the meeting adjourned around 8 p.m. The weather called for a warmer day on Thursday, but also wind gusts of up to 25 mph.

Thursday did indeed dawn with warmer temperatures and windy conditions, but did not seem to hamper the bird finding efforts of the dogs.

After another short day, several handlers once again helped clean the fields of any left over birds while the draw was being held in the clubhouse. Friday would be a full day’s trialing on both fields with 16 braces each. The draw was held and Frank announced the starting time - 7:30 Friday morning. The annual Trial of Champions banquet was held at the Conservation Birddog Club and Dawn Dewey gave the invocation before the meal. A L'Oven Spoonful - Karen Mendenhall - from Coatesville, Indiana served a wonderful meal consisting of grilled chicken, roast beef, cheese potatoes, slaw, salad, and desserts. Although we have always had our banquet at another facility, the Birddog Club proved to be a comfortable, relaxing location for everyone involved. Our thanks to the Sharon and the club for allowing us to use the facilities and to Karen for a great meal. Immediately following the meal, Frank presented gift certificates to Julia and Bev in token of our appreciation and in celebration of Secretary’s Week. These ladies do an outstanding job in our office and NSTRA is truly appreciative of their efforts. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the TOC portrait presented to Randy Woolum and the 2008 National Champion – Woolum Mavric Attitude. Randy and his wife, Diana, were on hand to accept the portrait which was painted by Ross Young, Springfield, Missouri. Ross paints the TOC portrait each year and is well renowned as a wildlife artist. Randy thanked all those who called and offered congratulations to he and Mavric last year. Frank and Ted presented trophies from Wednesday and Thursday’s running and after the presentation, the banquet came to a close. Friday would be an early morning for some and a long day for others.

Immediately upon completion of the trial, handlers gathered in the clubhouse for Saturday’s draw. As no festivities were planned for Friday evening, everyone was on their own for the evening. Several enjoyed the Clayton Café catfish while others grilled outside their campers. It was an early evening for most as Saturday’s trial would begin at 7:30 with four braces on each field. Judges would stay in the same field as Friday’s running.

At this point, all competition would move to A field with three 30 minute braces determining 2nd through 5th runner-up. The two dogs with the highest scores would run one hour for the championship. As field cleaners swept the field, the draw was held and both handlers and dogs took a ½ hour break. Rick and Al would judge the three braces while Stacy served as field marshal. The six handlers were called to the blind at 10:00 a.m. and while Jim distributed birds throughout the field Stacy made sure that all handlers knew the boundaries and safety zones.

At the completion of the three braces we were assured of 2nd through 5th placements with 5th and 4th runner-up winners listed below.

In the 5th runner-up slot was Gigolo’s Southern Susie, a 4 ½ year old English Pointer female, previously owned by Phil Grollo from the Northern Illinois Region. Upon Phil’s death, Jeff Hubbard from the Mid-South Region continued running Susie and is now the proud owner. Susie is from Southern Spots Gigolo and Southern Dotty’s Gigolo. She has 31 lifetime points of which 21 are first place points. Susie’s first placement came on 12/3/05 at the Volunteer Birddog Club trial. Her first championship came on 1/19/08. She was also the winner of the Northern Illinois Regional Elimination in 2007 and 2008. She is a 2x NSTRA Champion. It was great to see Peter Grollo (Phil’s son) who came from Chicago on Saturday morning to watch Jeff and Susie. A trophy was presented to Jeff compliments of Success Excess. Congratulations to the Susie, Jeff and the Grollo’s for a great week.

Fourth runner-up was a 2 year old English Setter male, Mohawk’s Crude Dude. Dude is owned by Bob Cunningham, Florida region member, and handled by grandson, Steven. Dude is from Mohawk’s Tuff Stuff and Mohawk’s Amy. He is from a 5th generation litter of Ace’s King, winner of the 1985 TOC Championship. Dude earned his first placement on 11/11/07 at the Bear Kennel trial and finished his first championship on 11/29/08. Bob is fortunate to have grandsons, Steven and Matthew, to help with the dog handling duties. At the Double S Kennel trial in September, with Matthew handling, Dude placed 4 times, earning 10 points in one weekend. Quite an impressive record for this fine young setter. Steven was presented with the 4th runner-up trophy donated by Success Express. Congratulations to Dude and the Cunningham’s for a great week.

Jim, Sue, Scott and Johnny spent the time after the final qualification rounds enjoying a much deserved rest while Jim McAdams opened the fences between the two fields and also took care of left over birds in the field. While some spectators went to B field to observe, others chose to view the fields from the clubhouse gallery. At approximately 1:30 Scott and Jim were called to the blind where well wishers gathered. Jim and Scott have traveled many miles together and each wished the other the best of luck. It was clear that this brace would be between two true sportsmen, but competitive down to the wire. Al Anderson and Brian were asked to judge the championship and after a photo at the line, “let em go” was heard from the judges. Warm temperatures and strong winds did not help the bird finding during the final hour; however, at the end of the brace Sue had scored on one bird while Johnny had scored on 4. As both Scott and Jim walked from the field, it was evident that both men and dogs were tired and relieved that the hour was over. The men were greeted by applause from the gallery and congratulations were in order. After a short rest, everyone met in the clubhouse for the awards ceremony.

Third runner-up was Quail Ridge Ranger, 4 year old Brittany male, owned by Rachael Crossland and handled by her father, Jeff Gamble, both Dixie Region members. Ranger is from Danny’s Tennessee Archi and Willis’ Brandy. He is a 2 time NSTRA champion with 43 lifetime points of which 25 are first place points. His first placement came on 12/9/07 at the Birddog Cigar Trial. He earned his first championship on 11/8/08 and followed a short five months later with his second championship on 4/24/09. Of special interest is the fact that Ranger earned 8 points during the week of the TOC trial with 3 placements. Jeff was presented with 112.5# of Purina Dog Food and the Purina winner’s jacket by Purina Representative, Dean Reinke. He also received the NSTRA Championship belt buckle from NSTRA; the TOC trophy donated by Success Express; gun case from Boyt Harness; $50 gift certificate from Dogs Unlimited; t-shirt and $50 gift certificate from Red Haw Supply; metal wall hanging from NSTRA; $25 gift certificate from Foster & Smith; and EMT Gel/vitamin supplement from Trophy Animal Health Care.

Second runner-up went to a stylish, English Setter male, Jake’s Woody Mountain, owned and handled by Donivan Stir, Ohio Region member. Woody is 3 ½ years old from Big Mountain Sunrise and Penmark Abby. He has 31 lifetime points of which 23 are first place points; quite a record for this excellent, young setter. His first placement came on 12/31/06 and the first championship came on 4/20/08. On April 20, 2008 Woody won the Ohio Regional Elimination. Dean presented Donivan with the Purina winner’s jacket and 112.5# of Purina Dog food. He also received the NSTRA Championship belt buckle from NSTRA; the TOC trophy donated by Success Express; gun case from Boyt Harness; $50 gift certificate from Dogs Unlimited; t-shirt and $50 gift certificate from Red Haw Supply; metal wall hanging from NSTRA; $25 gift certificate from Foster & Smith; and EMT Gel/vitamin supplement from Trophy Animal Health Care. Our congratulations and best wishes to a fine dog and great gentleman, Woody and Donivan.

First runner-up was Sunny’s Free Sue, a 7 ½ year old English Pointer female, owned and handled by Jim Harmon, a member of the Kentucky Region. Sue is from Geary’s Sunny Boy and Griffin’s Free Spirit. She has accumulated 98 lifetime points of which 56 are first time points. Sue earned her first placement on 2/8/03 at the Pike County Birdhunters. She completed her first championship on 5/15/04. In 2005 Sue placed 2nd during the Kentucky Regional Finals following in 2006 with a 3rd place win. In 2006 Jim handled Sue to a 3rd runner-up win at the Purina Endurance National Championship. And again, in 2007 Sue placed 2nd in the Kentucky Regional Finals. Jim was presented the Purina Winner’s Jacket along with 225# of Purina Dog Food from Dean and a gift certificate from Tri-Tronics. He also received the championship belt buckle and metal wall hanging from NSTRA. Along with the Championship Trophy, Jim was presented with a pair of Birdshoot Hunting Boots from W.C.Russell Moccasin Company. He also received a $50 gift certificate from Foster & Smith, a gun case from Boyt Harness Company, $50 gift certificate from Dogs Unlimited, T-shirt and $50 gift certificate from Red Haw Supply and EMT Gel/vitamin supplement from Trophy Animal Health Care. Jim was happy to have his daughter, Kathleen, visit while he was at the trial; however, she was unable to stay for Saturday’s running. On Friday, Kathleen was headed to Los Angeles to continue a career in modeling and start a movie with Willie Nelson and other well known country music artists. No doubt we will all be able to say someday “Hey, that’s Jim Harmon’s daughter, Kathleen, I remember her when……”. Good luck, girl and congratulations to Sue and Jim, a special team always on top of their game and always to be reckoned with.

WINNER: The winner of the latest National Championship, Boomer’s X Rated, is a 5 year old English Setter male, owned and handled by Scott Boomershine, Indiana Region member. “Johnny” is from the sire Boomer’s Super X and dam – Rockpoint Trixie. He has 178 total lifetime points of which 114 are first place points. Johnny’s first placement came on 9/18/05 and finished his first championship on 3/12/06. In April, 2007 Johnny won the TOC Championship National Trial following with a 2nd runner-up placement at the Indiana Regional Finals. In January, 2008 he placed 2nd runner-up at the Quail Forever trial in Elberton, Georgia. Traveling to Florida in February of 2008, he won the Quail Invitational National Championship. In April, 2008 Johnny once again placed at the Indiana Region Finals with a 3rd runner-up placement. This year has also brought placements in the first two National Championships – Johnny was the winner of the 2009 Quail Forever Championship and first runner-up at the Quail Invitational in February. The 2009 TOC Championship gives Scott and Johnny four National Championships in two short years. Judges and spectators throughout NSTRA agree that observing Johnny and Scott is a real pleasure. Not often do we see a team so in tune with each other. Dean presented Scott with the Purina Winner’s Jacket, 450 # Purina Dog Food and the Tri Tronics collar in the absence of Jim Morehouse. We missed Jim and hope to see him at the DOY Championship. Scott also received the championship belt buckle and metal wall hanging from NSTRA along with the National Championship trophy. Scott will also receive a portrait from Ross Young, $100 gift certificate from Foster & Smith, Gun Case – Boyt Harness, $50 gift certificate from Dogs Unlimited, T-Shirt and $50 gift certificate from Red Haw Supply, and EMT Gel/Vitamin Supplement – Trophy Animal Health Care. A new sponsor, Mil-Run Farms – Nick and Susan Miller, donated an ATV Box to the winner of the trial. To Scott and Johnny, our hats off to a truly competitive team. Congratulations from all of NSTRA.

We would like to thank all of these sponsors for their continued support of our association. Especially during these hard times we appreciate the help we get from each of these sponsors. Also, again we thank the Conservation Birddog Club and Indiana Region. To our trial personnel, Trial Chairman – Frank, and all those who help to make these championship trials a success, we thank each of you.