English Springer Spaniel Field Trials
2024 ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
PINCKNEYVILLE, ILLINOIS | DECEMBER 14, 2024 TO CONCLUSION | ENTRY FEE $350.00| 1 POINT
Placements
1st: NFC AFC Crosswinds Shimmering Grace “Gracie”
O: Stavros Akkouris
H: George Akkouris
2nd: AFC Bad Habit’s Rocket Man “Mars”
O/H: Bob Schulke
3rd: AFC Ivanhoe’s Image of Sully CGC “Cappie”
O/H: William Cosgrove
4th: AFC PrairieRose’s Ryse & Shyne “Shyne”
O/H: Rick Paquin
CERTIFICATE OF MERITS
FC Strong’s River Ranch Silla “Silla”
O: Dean Reinke/Catherine Lewis
H: Dean Reinke
Blackriver’s Jubilant Jade “Jade”
O/H: Tracey Wiese Sander
NFC FC AFC CFC Mojo’s Joey Two Dots “Dots”
O/H: Michael Nolan
Z&Z’s Hot Stuff Of Rock River MH “Sizzle”
O: Constance Kieckhefer
H: Connie Kieckhefer
FTCh AFTCh UK Domina’s Phoenyx SH “Phoenyx”
O/H: Jeffrey Cubitt
GUNS AWARD SPONSORED BY ESSFT.COM
FTCh AFTCh UK Domina’s Phoenyx SH “Phoenyx”
O/H: Jeffrey Cubitt
Don Cande Award for best looking female dog
Z&Z’s Hot Stuff Of Rock River MH “Sizzle”
O: Constance Kieckhefer
H: Connie Kieckhefer
2024 National Amateur Champion
*Placeholder For #1 Dog Photo*
1st: NFC AFC Crosswinds Shimmering Grace “Gracie”
O: Stavros Akkouris
H: George Akkouris
Welcome letter
Entry Information
National Team Members
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
JOHN MEYER
FIELD TRIAL CHAIR
PETER ANDERSEN
FT SECRETARY AND TREASURER
ELAINE O’KEEFE
JUDGES
CHAD BETTS
KANSAS
DAN LUSSEN
NEW YORK
Committee Members – John Meyer, Peter Anderson, Dean Reinke, Todd Stelzer, Tom Meyer, and Mike Pollack
Gun Captains – Dean Reinke
Guns– Trent Bosse, Chip Bunker, Del Farris, Ryan Grauf, Morgan Haglin, Marshall Lussen, Donny Pyle, and Mike Young
Marshals – Amie Pollock, Head Marshal, Roxanne Fegley, Lisa Pyle, and Sabine Wallet
Bird Planter – Danny Locher
Game Steward – Jeff Ramthun
Steward of the Beat – Todd Stelzer and Todd Agnew
Official Photographer – Katie Gorecki
Advertising – Connie Kieckhefer
Catalog Editing – Elaine O’Keefe, Connie Kieckhefer, and Robin Cyr
Signs and Banners – Digital Edge of Wisconsin
Catalog Printing – Digital Edge
Fundraising, Clothing & Merchandise – Kevin Martineau
Graphic Design – Sue Meyer
Hospitality – Dean Reinke and Peter Andersen
Training Coordinator – Ray Hankins
Trophies and Ribbons – Peter Andersen, Tom Meyer, and Elaine O’Keefe
Website – Holly Boggess and ESSFT.COM
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Training Day and Portraits with the Photographer
Pyramid State Park
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – ESSFTA Membership Meeting
Seasons Restaurant at Rend Lake Country Club
4:00 PM – NAC Delegates Meeting
6:00 PM – Purina Welcome Celebration
Rend Lake Golf Resort, Seasons Restaurant, Whittington, Illinois
Calcutta Auction
8:00 AM – Series 1
Competition Land
Breakfast and Lunch on the grounds
6:00 PM – Purina Social Hour
6:30 PM – Banquet
Parent Club Awards
Live and Silent Auction
Rend Lake Golf Resort, Event Center, Whittington, Il
8:00 AM – Series 2
Competition Land
Breakfast and Lunch on the grounds
6:30 PM – Chairman/Midwest Interclub Celebration Party
Rend Lake Golf Resort, Seasons Restaurant, Whittington, Il
8:00 AM – Series 3
Competition Land
Breakfast and Lunch on the grounds
6:30 PM – Dinner on your own
8:00 AM – Series 4
Competition Land
Breakfast and Lunch on the grounds
Dinner on your own in the area
8:00 AM – 5th Series followed by the Water Series
Breakfast and Lunch on the grounds
Time TBD – Awards Ceremony
Crowning the top four (4) English Springer Spaniels in the
United States
Maps to the Grounds
12/13/2024 at 7:16 PM from FTC Peter Anderson.
NEW Location for National Amateur Training Day
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Same parking location 1-4 series of Open.
CLICK HERE for Google Map for Training Day
12/13/2024 at 7:16 PM from FTC Peter Anderson.
1st and 2nd Series
GPS
38°01’52.9”N 89°27’59.8”W
type gps position into iphone with google maps without the degree, minute, second symbols.
ie. 38 01 52.9 N 89 27 59.8 W
Directions from Rend Lake Golf Complex
Exit Rend Lake Golf complex turn left (north) onto Larry Foster Pkwy. Go approx. .7 miles
Turn Left (west) onto Hwy 154, follow 154 for approx. 18 miles.
Turn left (South) onto Hwy 51, follow 51 for approx. 10 miles.
Turn Right (West) onto Hwy 152, follow 152 for approx. 7 miles, it will turn into Pyatt-Cutler Rd, continue approx. 7 miles to Panda Bear Road
Then Right (North) onto Panda Bear road, follow flags to grounds.
CLICK HERE for Google Map for 1st and 2nd series Grounds
Accessible from Panda Bear road. Arrows will guide the way from Panda Bear.
5th Series will start at 8:00 AM
Water Series will follow after the 5th.
Grounds report
November 11, 2024: Received updated report from the committee.
Delegates meeting
December 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Location: The Seasons Restaurant, Rend
Lake Golf Complex, 12476 Golf Course Drive, Whittington, Il, 62897.
Lodging - Headquarters Hotel
Rend Lake Golf Resort – Whittington, Illinois
If they stay longer than the week I can pro rate the days over.
The up and down manor will be the price of a 2bedroom\2 bath condo. The cabins will be $220 per night or $1100 for the week.
When anyone calls in to reserve a room they will need to let the desk know that they are with the English Springer Spaniel Nationals so I can get their rate in there. I just need a credit card to hold the rooms.
Room rates at Rend Lake Golf Complex
- $75 per day at the lodge. That is for a double queen standard room.
- Suites are available for $20 more. The suites have a king bed and sleeper sofa or two queen beds without a sleeper sofa, plus a mini fridge and a sitting area with table and chair.
- 2 bedroom\2 bath condo-$200 per day or $1000 for a week.
- 3 bedroom\2 bath condos-$220 per day or $1100 for the week
- 3 bedroom\3 bath condo-$240 per day or $1200 for the week
additional information
Training Day – Portraits start at 9:00 am.
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2024 National Amateur Championship (NAC) UTV Use Policy
To promote safety and efficient operations at the English Springer Spaniel National Amateur Championship (NAC), please adhere to the following guidelines for UTV use:
- Approved UTVs:
- A total of six (6) pre-approved UTVs are authorized for use at this event. This is an increase from the original two (2), granted through a special amendment by the State Park.
- Shuttle System:
- Three (3) UTV shuttles and a ten-hole dog trailer will be available to transport dogs and handlers to and from designated drop-off and pick-up points.
- Handlers are responsible for ensuring they arrive at the line on time.
- Course Movement:
- UTVs must remain on the centerline of the course and are prohibited from turning around mid-course to prevent any disruption.
- Safety Restrictions:
- No passengers are allowed to ride in the box of any UTV at any time.
- Chair Discretion:
- All UTV and ATV use is subject to the discretion of the NAC Field Trial Chair, who may modify permissions as needed to ensure safety and compliance with park rules.
For any questions or clarifications, please contact Field Trial Chair Peter Anderson.
Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines to support a safe and successful event.
2024 English Springer Spaniel National Amateur Championship – Series Start Rotation
We’re excited to introduce a new start rotation method for each series at this year’s National Amateur Championship. This approach, inspired by the Retriever Nationals, allows each dog a fresh starting position across the series, creating a balanced opportunity for all participants.
Series Start Rotation Plan
Series 1: Begins with Dogs 1 and 2.
Series 2: Determined by dividing the total entries by 5.
- For example, with 120 entries, the increment per series is 24. Dogs 24 and 25 will start Series 2.
Series 3: Begins with Dogs 48 and 49 (based on the example).
Series 4: Starts with Dogs 72 and 73.
Series 5 and Water Series: Begins with Dogs 96 and 97.
Substitution Procedure for Scratches or Cuts
- If a starting dog is scratched or cut, the next eligible dog in ascending order will take the start position.
- For example, if Dog 24 failed a retrieve and Dog 26 is scratched, Dog 28 would be next to start.
The Field Marshals will communicate the starters for each new series via the Call Back announcements.
Thank you for your cooperation as we implement this improved process for a fair and balanced competition.
- We will “tap” handlers on the shoulder or say “send” to send on a retrieve.
- On honors, wait until you are instructed to handle. You can then leave the dog there or bring the dog in.
- Wait until the judge is ready before casting off again.
Judge Lussen & Judge Betts
Help researchers at Michigan State University investigate the significance of a gene mutation related to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the English Springer Spaniels. This is an inherited disease that can affect vision in the English Springer Spaniels.
Dr. Miyadera has provided an electronic sign-up sheet that can be accessed by pasting this link into your browser:
She will be available to do eye exams starting at Thursday Dec 12 at 1 pm until 6 pm. and also from 8 am to 6 pm on both Friday (Dec 13) and Saturday ( Dec 14). We plan to have her set up on the trial grounds using a Pine Shadows trailer.
Please bring a copy of the dog’s pedigree to ensure correct spelling and registration numbers.
Judges Biographies
Chad Betts
I was born November 13,1957, near the western border of Minnesota. Both my parents were raised in this area. My father did commercial pest control work. His employer moved our family to Wichita,Ks in the early 60s. He started his own pest control company, Betts Pest Control Inc., in 1972. I have helped my Dad in this business since I was 12 years old. In 1996 my younger brother, Craig, and myself purchased this business upon my fathers retirement. We sold the business in December 2023. I continued to work there thru April of this year,when I retired from that.
My father was an upland bird hunter.,and kept Brittanies. His best buddies had bird dogs also. I started bird hunting with them when I was 12 years old. My first Springer Spaniel, Burcliff s Cheyenne, was purchased at 7 wks old from Hall of Famer Cliff Hankins in 1977. Cliff introduced me to Spaniel trials, and I ran the first trial with Cheyenne in 1978.
I have been a professional dog trainer for more than 30 years as a “sideline” business. I typically have 4-6 client dogs and 2-3 of my own dogs in training. I have trained several field champion English Springer Spaniels, English Pointers, English Setters, and Brittanies. Also, several AKC Master Hunters (Cockers and Springers). I have judged more than 50 spaniel field trials including a previous National Amateur and a National Open along with several pointing dog trials.
I have been working out alot to keep up with my co-judge Dan Lussen. (Just kidding !) I hope everyone has a good time!
-Chad
Dan Lussen
I grew up surrounded by dogs, a formative experience that sparked a lifelong passion for
field trials and dog training. At the age of 15, I began my journey with Springers, acquiring
my first Springer puppy.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, I honed in on my skills alongside renowned trainers
Eddie and Esther Faraci, Raymond “Jerry” Cacchio, as well as John Mangine. Fulfilling my
aspirations, I became a full-time professional trainer in 1998 when I had the opportunity
to join my mentor Jerry Cacchio at Pondview Kennels. This role has allowed me to further
develop my expertise and contribute to the field. I would like to express my deepest gratitude
to my mentors. Your invaluable guidance and endless encouragement have profoundly
impacted me.
My judging experience spans several decades, beginning in the 1980s, with eight
appointments at the Amateur National and Open National trials in various years, including
1996, 1997, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2020, as well as 2018 Canadian Amateur Nationals, 2023
Canadian Open Nationals and most recently the 2024 Cocker Open National.
It’s an honor to be selected by my peers as the judge of the 2024 Springer Amateur Nationals.
Best of luck to all the competitors and dogs. I look forward to meeting you on the line.
Photo Credit: Tangula from Bismarck
NAC Awards
TO THE WINNER:
- The title of “National Amateur English Springer Spaniel Field Champion”
- The title of “Amateur Field Champion”
- The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association National Amateur Challenge Trophy
- Trophy for Permanent Possession
- NFC/NAFC/CNFC Saighton’s Scud National Amateur Challenge Trophy. After winning this trophy three times per the criteria, Jeffrey Miller has deeded it back to the NAC and it will now be a perpetual trophy.
- The Talbot Radcliffe, Esquire Challenge Trophy. A perpetual trophy to be awarded annually to the breeder of the winning dog.
- Standard A.K.C. Rosette
FOR SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH PLACE WINNERS:
- Trophies for permanent possession
- Standard AKC Rosettes
TO THE NATIONAL AMATEUR HIGH POINT DOG:
- Parent Club Award to National Amateur High Point Dog sponsored by Pro-Plan Performance
GUNS AWARD:
Gunner’s Trophy
Awarded by the Guns
This distinguished award, donated by ESSFT.COM, is presented to the dog that, in the judgment of the field trial’s gunners, is “the dog they would most like to hunt over.” This honor recognizes not only the dog’s skill, stamina, and responsiveness but also the invaluable qualities of bird finding and teamwork that make it a trusted partner in the field.
OTHER TROPHIES
- Don Cande Memorial Trophy for Best Looking Bitch
