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.