The 2001 winning team was Dan Langhans of Dansmirth's Kennels at Harvard, Illinois with CNFC, FC Parker Sir Roberts, bred by Robert Krause and owned by Doug and Malinda Roberts. "Watching Parker adjust himself to the conditions, use his smarts on a very difficult retrieve over water - to land - and back, and to adjust his pace as he went on [was memorable]," Nancy Standish of Justamuc Kennels at Three Rivers, Michigan, comments on Parker's stellar performance. "I didn't know it at the time, but he was the winner of that first event, and really earned - and proved it. I will never forget his third series run." Dan Langhans Nancy served as field marshal in 2001. Her husband, Hal Standish, professional trainer and owner of the Rustic Ridge Hunt Club at Martin, Michigan, handled their dog, Blaze. "[Our] overall impression? [It's a] really a good test of our spaniels." Nancy adds, "I was amazed at what I saw - how many of our dogs really were in good enough shape both mentally and physically to run the course." At last year's event, Gary Wilson of Sunrise Kennels in New York handled Sandy Hendrique's ESS, Wild Wings Chiridion Ohmygosh - known as "Whoops" - to earn the 2002 Championship title. "During the third series, everyone had a big smile on their face: judges, competitors, gallery, dogs, and even the bird planter," competitor and third series bird planter, John Wright of Bozeman, Montana recalls. The festivities continue into the evenings with ample good food and good company. The McFaddin Mercantile will be preparing meals. Strong Gundogs is hosting a Texas-style Hog Barbeque on Friday evening. On Saturday, there will be a Mexican dinner with Margaritas. Ice cold, Corona beer will be served both evenings. Dan Wilson and Whoops Winning the NESSSDC is not without it's reward. First place prizes include $1,000.00, a Ruger 12 gauge, all-weather, stainless steel shotgun, and a beautiful, sculpted bronze traveling trophy - to be kept in the winner's possession for one year. Cash and prizes are awarded through fourth place - along with ribbons. All dogs entered receive a 37.5 lb. bag of Purina Pro-Plan dog food. What do you see as the future of the NESSSDC? "I don't know - it's growing slowly each year and I will keep putting it on as long as I can." David Jones reflects, "Play that one by ear." The National English Springer Spaniel Shooting Dog Championship has gained the attention of national sponsors such as Purina and Tri-tronics. Local companies, Attzenhoffer Chevrolet and Blackwell Operating of Houston, are also patrons. With continued - and growing support - the future of the National English Springer Spaniel Shooting Dog Championship appears bright. People and companies interested in sponsorship of the NESSSDC are urged to contact David Jones. For Further NESSSDC Information: National English Springer Spaniel Shooting Dog Championship Web Site with Official Entry Form Join the NESSSDA Discussion List for the latest NESSSDC details and results. Sponsorship Inquiries: David Jones (361)575-3068 Loretta Baughan resides near Merrill, Wisconsin, with her husband, Steve, and their three children. They raise and hunt English Springer Spaniels under the Autumnskye prefix. She is a member of the UKC Flushing Breeds Hunt Test committee, the Tilden Valley English Springer Spaniel Club, and Northeast Wisconsin Spaniel Club. Page 2 | Spaniel Journal | Previous Page |