Hall of Fame Nominations
First Phase Complete
July 20, 2026
Source: Hall of Fame Committee
The first phase of the Hall of Fame process, a 6-week-long period for public endorsements posted on the American Field website, concluded on July 15. These endorsements play an important role in conveying public sentiment within the wider field trial community. Now, the nominating individuals representing the sport will complete their official nominations to the UKC for the final Selection Committee meeting later in August. Thank you to all the people who took the time and effort to express their thoughts and endorse worthy individuals and dogs for this honor.
The 34 nominating individuals represent significant roles in the sport. The Nominators include 16 Regional Representatives, 4 Presidents of organizations that host important events and provide support to the field trial sport, 6 Members of the Award Committee with current and historical involvement with the people and dogs of our sport, and 8 Judges of important field trial events.
Region 1: Elias Richardson
Region 2: Chris Catanzarite
Region 3: Randy Bradshaw
Region 4: Jim Pendergest
Region 5: Jim Lawless
Region 6: Gary McKibben
Region 7: Jason Super
Region 8: Bob Gum
Region 9: Rich Burgi
Region 10: Mel Lueck
Region 11: Jim Wolthuis
Region 13: Jim Cipponeri
Region 14: Darrel Curtis
Region 16: Paul Daniel
Region 17: Laura Miller
Region 19: Jerry Kolter
President, Grand National Grouse Championship: Tom Fruchey
President, National Field Trial Champion Association: Stan Wint*
President, National Open Shooting Dog Championship Association: Bill Lee
President, AFTCA: Ric Peterson
Awards Committee Member: Mark Johnson
Awards Committee Member: Rick Stallings
Awards Committee Member: Mike Husenitis
Awards Committee Member: Sean Derrig*
Awards Committee Member: Tim Ruff
Awards Committee Member: Tom Griffin
Judge, Grand National Grouse Championship: Bruce Minard
Judge, Grand National Grouse Championship: Ben Mergens
Judge, The National Championship: Richie Robertson
Judge, The National Championship: Bill Mason
Judge, The National Championship: Greg Bain
Judge, National Open Shooting Dog Championship: Jonathon Burch
Judge, National Open Shooting Dog Championship: Mike Jackson
Judge, National Open Shooting Dog Championship: Kevin Stuart
*Committee member not eligible to nominate
All nominators are discouraged from engaging with others; rather, they are expected to nominate based solely on their own knowledge, experience, and research. We ask everyone to respect their independence. Official Nominations are due at the UKC offices by August 1st, 2026.
An official entity of United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Field legacy, mission, and Field Dog Stud Book certified pedigree database is carefully managed by UKC for the continued betterment of field trial dogs. UKC is committed to the American Field community, and all hunters, breeders, clubs, associations, and participants.