Greetings Everyone,

The 2017 National Amateur Championship is complete, but I wanted to personally thank all those that helped to make this a great event. There were many who sacrificed time and talents and many that traveled long distances to participate and help, I am grateful to so many.

I would like to start off with thanking Bob Child for his tireless efforts and direction. Our two Judges, Tom Menzel and John Hall, they did a great job and worked very hard. John Paul, our Judges Steward, did a great job making sure to accommodate the Judges and make their commitment as easy as possible, way to go John. Jan Johnson for the many hours of preparation, paperwork and effort.

The Field Trial Committee Brent Blundell, Jim Keller, Daryl Johnson, Gary Fluckiger, Paul McGagh, Russ Smith and John Meyer for their efforts and discussion during the trial.

The Marshals did an outstanding job to keep the trial moving and successful, Barb Boettcher – Head Marshal, Paula Mazurek, Mhari Peschel, Lisa Pyle, Judy Tatton and Laurie Andrews.

The Guns, who shot an excellent trial, Co-Captains Bryan Child and Joshua Riddle, Jim Keller, Paul McGagh, Gary Riddle, Gary Breitbarth, Jerry Sligar, Gunther Boettcher and Daryl Johnson.

ESSFT.com for their incredible support, thank you Holly Boggess and Katie Gorecki.

The merchandise was handled by Carolyn and Brent Blundell, they did an incredible job, selection was great and the products were excellent. Carolyn and Brent also were instrumental in getting the trophies through O C Tanner Company, the trophies were some of the finest crystal I have ever seen. LaMar Helm also helped with getting these great prices on merchandise.

What would a trial be without the support of Purina? Thank you Dean Reinke and Ray Cachio for all you did for this trial and our sport.

The grounds were awesome, thank you to Joshua Riddle and Greg Phillips for the many hours of effort to get us access to such great grounds. The help with the DWR with Charles Tatton was a huge benefit to get the paperwork all in line.

Gary and Paula Fluckiger did an awesome job on the raffles, Gary was able to get the Beretta shotgun donated along with many other items. Paula set up all the events at the Riverwoods, she did great and the food was exceptional.

The advertising and catalog were excellent, thank you to Sue Meyers and Cheryl Sligar for all your efforts.

The birds were provided by Shane Brown, Shane has worked tirelessly to provide great quality birds, which he did, thank you.

Shuttle drivers also did a great job in assisting dogs and handlers in being on time to run and keep the trial moving, these were Bill Barry, Dennis Holiday and Don Giddens.

We could not have pulled this off without the support of many of our club members Charles and Judy Tatton, LaMar Helm, Kirk Cammick, Dennis Holiday and many others, your support is greatly appreciated. Along with driving a shuttle we also had huge help from Bruce Meredith with many projects, thank you for the help you provided. Kurt Price and Kaden Hansen also came through big time in bird transportation and as bird stewards!

Thank you to the many folks who supported the trial financially as Series Sponsors and Sponsors of other items.

This event could not have been such a successful event without the attention of the AKC and specifically Tom Meyer. Tom’s insight and support are truly a benefit to our sport.

Bird Planters, Colton Child and Danny Fluckiger did a great job and the bird production was awesome. We also appreciate all that volunteered with many jobs such as shagger and other assistance, you are greatly appreciated.

An event like this is a huge undertaking and this was pulled off because of each of you, thank you!

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Gary Riddle

2017 NAC President