Field Trial Hall of Fame - 2026 Endorsements

23x Champion Chelsea's Thunder Bolt!

Mac Stidham III, SC

Chasehill Little Bud is long overdue for the Hall of Fame.

Brian Ralph, PA

Not long ago, the criteria for an all-age dog to be elected to the Hall of Fame were: "Did they win on the prairies and in the Deep South?" The next question was "did they produce?" Well, my endorsement is for Chelsea's Thunder Bolt, who ran his entire career as a shooting dog but has met all the requirements to be elected into the Hall of Fame and then some. I've scouted him and competed against him for most of his career, on the prairies, in the Deep South, and everywhere in between. His 23 championships may never be achieved again, which alone should get him into the Hall of Fame. But he has also successfully produced. Producing multiple champions and a National Champion along with a Top Shooting Dog of the Year, Bolt's a most deserving candidate!

Tommy Rice, GA

Miller's Dialing In--no other dog is as deserving. A National Champion who sired two National Champions.

Stephen Bell, TX

I wish I could have watched Chelsea's Thunder Bolt run, but I have been lucky enough to hear stories. It would have been a treat!

Jake Faas, MN

Chelsea's Thunder Bolt has done more in the American Field world than any shooting dog in history. He has sired multiple champion dogs and is maybe the best dog to ever live.

Joshua T. Ruiter, IA

CH Chelsea's Thunderbolt "Bolt" has put together an unforgettable, legendary career both as a dominant competitor and a producing sire, proving himself a truly worthy Hall of Fame nominee. Bolt captured Open Shooting Dog championships across many distinct regions, demonstrating exceptional versatility on liberated birds, pre-released grounds, and challenging wild birds alike.

Throughout his historic career, Bolt racked up 30 Total Championship placements, including 23 Championships and 7 Runner-Up Championships, alongside multiple placements in top OSD points Classics. Nine of his most prestigious title wins came from three of the most highly revered stages in the sport: he was a 3x Champion of the US Open Shooting Dog Invitational, a 4x Champion of the Michigan OSD Championship, and a 2x Champion of the Masters OSD Championship.

These extraordinary feats paved the way for his 4x Purina Award Top Open Shooting Dog honors, cementing his status at the absolute pinnacle of the sport. Bolt's official UKC slash line stands at an impressive 42/42/220. Far more than just statistics, these numbers represent a profound impact on the breed. Among his elite offspring are numerous field trial winners, producing females, Field Champions, and most notably, National Champion Erin's Perfect Storm.

Bolt's mark in competition will stand unchallenged for years to come. Through his legacy offspring, his impact will be felt for generations.

Joseph Cincotta, NJ

Chelsea's Thunder Bolt had a remarkable career in the Open Shooting Dog world. To watch him run was truly an enjoyable experience. This dog has produced some outstanding offspring that have been successful in every type of field trial. I give my 100% endorsement to putting this outstanding animal in the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Paul Ott, KS

I've been competing in Open Shooting Dogs since the early '80s. In my career, I've seen lots of awesome dogs, but the one dog that impressed me more than any dog I've ever seen is Chelsea's Thunder Bolt. He was a bird finder deluxe, and he could always come up with birds when they were nearly impossible to find. He was big, bold, and fearless, and he has proven to be a great producer as well. I truly believe that Chelsea's Thunder Bolt will go down in bird dog history as one of the greatest shooting dogs ever.

Chuck Stretz, MO

Please join us in nominating Chelsea's Thunder Bolt ("Bolt") for the 2026 Field Trial Hall of Fame.

4x Purina Open Shooting Dog of the Year
3x Open Shooting Dog Invitational Champion
23x Open Shooting Dog Champion

Bolt's impact on the sport extends far beyond his remarkable record. A proven sire in both Shooting Dog & All-Age competition, his legacy continues through new generations of outstanding dogs, including 2025 Open All-Age National Champion Erin's Perfect Storm, 2x U.S. Shooting Dog Invitational winner CH Thunder's Wild Agin, 2026 Purina Dog of the Year CH Chelsea's Mae West, CH Thunder Bolt's Storm, and CH Silver W Thunderbolt's Boom, among others. His offspring-and their offspring-continue to influence the sport at the highest levels.

Bred by Brad Sadler, he was by HOF CH Whippoorwill Wild Agin and out of Butler's Jill. Brad Sadler and Steve Hurdle built the foundation on Bolt, and following his Derby season with Steve, Bolt was offered to Shawn Kinkelaar to campaign in Open Shooting Dog, and handled Bolt to his extraordinary career. He was proudly owned by George Hickox and Dr. Tom Jackson.

Following his win at the 2022 U.S. Shooting Dog Invitational, Bolt was retired, returning home to live in Georgia and time in Indiana.

Beyond his accomplishments, Bolt was a loved house companion and enjoyed wild quail hunts and truck rides in Georgia and a memorable WI grouse hunt with Tom. His character, heart, and lasting influence make him truly deserving of Hall of Fame recognition.

Debbie Ozner, GA

Chris Catanzarite has dedicated a big part of his life to the sport of field trialing. From winning all over the country to breeding and training multiple-time champion dogs out of his own kennel to judging major championships, but most importantly, being there for you when you need him. He is not only a good friend of mine, but a mentor who has taught me so much about field trialing. The Hall of Fame was made for individuals like Chris.

Nick Lasica, PA

Please vote for Clinton "Joe" Bush for the Hall of Fame. In my opinion, he is long overdue. His accomplishments as a scout are legendary, not to mention his accomplishments as a handler and trainer. Not to mention how much he has given back to the sport by judging and helping clubs put on trials. Joe had a huge part in the making of the vast majority of the champions and Hall of Fame dogs from Rayl Kennels. Let's put him in the Hall of Fame this year where he deserves to be.

Chris Rarich, NY

Chris Catanzarite is an amazing trainer. His dogs are amazing too!

Leslie Briggs, PA

Chris Catanzarite--best bird dog trainer I've ever met.

Earl Briggs, PA

I would like to nominate my friend of nearly 30 years, Chris Catanzarite, to the Field Trial Hall of Fame. It has been an honor to participate in the sport with him, judge alongside him, and call him my friend. I can think of no one better to endorse for this accomplishment.

Tim McClurg, OH

I would like to nominate my mentor and friend, Chris Catanzarite, to the Field Trial Hall of Fame. For more than 40 years, Chris has devoted his life to the sport of bird dogs and field trials. His accomplishments alone make him worthy of this recognition, but those who know him understand that his greatest contribution has never been the titles he has held or the championships he has judged. It has been the countless hours he has given to the sport, the people he has mentored, and the example he has set through his integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication.

Personally, I can say that I would not be where I am in this sport without Chris. He has been a mentor in every sense of the word. He has taught me not only about bird dogs and field trials, but about sportsmanship, leadership, and the importance of giving back. His friendship has been just as meaningful as his guidance, and I know I am only one of many people who can say the same.

The Field Trial Hall of Fame exists to recognize individuals whose lifelong contributions have made a lasting difference. Chris Catanzarite embodies everything that honor represents. His decades of volunteer service, leadership, judging, mentorship, and unwavering commitment have strengthened this sport for generations of competitors and bird dog enthusiasts.

Tyler Bowser, PA

I first met Chris Catanzarite over 40 years ago. He was instrumental in my introduction to field trialing and bird dogs, and even 40 years later, though we live 1,500 miles apart, I can still give him a ring with any question or just to see how the other has been.

He is a great person and a great ambassador for field trialing.

He is very deserving to be entered into the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Michael Hewitt, TX

Chris Catanzarite has mentored my son for the last 8 or so years, and because of this man, my now 15-year-old will be involved in the bird dog community for life.

Danielle Carroll, PA

I've hunted and walked field trials with Chris Catanzarite for many years; he has mentored my brothers and me, and now our kids are getting to watch one of the most genuine men I know!

Justin Hillberry, NC

Chris Catanzarite has spent a lifetime passionate about his dogs and bird dog field trials. He has successfully bred and raised numerous champions. Chris also supports the sport by helping new people become active in training and competing their own dogs in field trials. In the last couple of years, Chris has become more active in the leadership and policy-making decisions of the sport. He is well deserving of this award and recognition.

Nina Catanzarite, PA

I first heard the name Cecil Rester from my father, Freddie Epp, who admired a young field trialer from Louisiana with an exceptional eye for breeding outstanding bird dogs. Over the decades, Cecil has continued producing exceptional dogs while earning respect as one of the sport's top competitors.

Cecil's influence extends far beyond his own accomplishments. His breeding program has shaped the field trial community, and many successful trainers, including Robin Gates, have benefited from his dogs and guidance.

When I began competing in amateur stakes, Cecil was one of the toughest competitors to beat, yet he was always willing to offer friendship, encouragement, and help. I'll never forget his words: "I'll give you my best in scouting, but I'll still try to beat you." That perfectly reflects his character as a loyal friend, outstanding sportsman, and fierce competitor.

Although he now handles less, Cecil continues to campaign dogs with young professionals, support clubs and championships, and mentor the next generation. For more than forty years, he has excelled as a handler, owner, breeder, judge, mentor, and supporter of field trials. His accomplishments, breeding expertise, and lasting influence make him richly deserving of induction into the 2026 Field Trial Hall of Fame. I wholeheartedly endorse Cecil Rester and respectfully ask for your vote.

Ruthann Epp, AL

I would like to add to the substantial chorus of individuals who are promoting Cecil Rester for the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Individuals like Cecil are why Halls of Fame were invented. A perpetual place of honor for significant contributions to a shared endeavor. Some single action can be so significant or overwhelming it earns a spot. Or, as in Cecil's case, a lifetime of dedicated service which enriches the experience for all. Cecil has immersed himself in every aspect of our sport. Cecil knows our sport; he knows dogs; he is an acute judge of a sporting dog's ability; he has educated himself in animal husbandry and has become one of the foremost current English pointer breeders. Many owners of dogs he bred have had their field trial experiences enhanced by owning dogs from Cecil's breeding program. He is excellent at starting and finishing young dogs; he can show a dog with the best. Cecil has formed clubs, managed trials, and worked the administrative side.

I have enjoyed many days with Cecil. We have shared a camp in North Dakota, judged together, and spent many hours together working dogs and attending various trials from Canada to Florida. He is respected everywhere he goes.

Cecil is a born educator; he loves teaching. One of his great contributions is helping anyone improve. He is excited to judge youth trials, to help young handlers. Cecil has given much; his field career looms large, and he would honor the Hall of Fame as it would honor him.

Michael Shears, TN

Cecil Rester fulfills the criteria and high bar expected of a Hall of Fame candidate. Others have detailed the many ways Cecil has given back to the sport. I would like to highlight his long and distinguished service as a field trial judge. The AFTCA Standards describe the attributes a judge should possess: strong moral character, integrity, sound judgment, physical stamina, horsemanship, extensive bird dog knowledge, and practical experience training and competing with dogs.

For more than 25 years, judging major shooting dog and all-age championships, classic and other important stakes, Cecil has consistently demonstrated these attributes. He has been a highly sought-after judge across the country (see list here), earning him the respect and confidence of competitors and field trial clubs. His evaluations of bird dog performance are grounded in decades of experience breeding, developing, and successfully competing with his own dogs.

I first met Cecil when he judged the Florida Championship in 2014. I was also present when he judged the Florida again in 2021 and in 2022, the final year the championship was run. On each occasion, the decisions rendered by Cecil and his judging partners were well received and respected. What stood out most to me was Cecil's concentration and his attentiveness to each and every dog.

Judging is one of the most important responsibilities of our sport. It demands experience, fairness, dedication, and the courage to make difficult decisions. Cecil Rester has repeatedly demonstrated these qualities and has made a lasting contribution to field trials through his service as a judge, further supporting his deserving candidacy for the Hall of Fame.

Chris Mathan, GA

This is the time of year to celebrate the many individuals who have contributed to field trials in so many ways. Some with exemplary winning records, some with a lifelong dedication to breeding, some with sponsorship to the sport via time, effort, use of grounds, and the campaigning of dogs. Though there are others who enter into the discussion this year and are certainly worthy of Hall of Fame Honors, Joe Bush is worthy of recognition and consideration.

Joe Bush has spent a lifetime committed to field trials and training, and has left his mark on some of today's hallmark competitors and foundation pointer lines. His skill as a scout with Bill and Freddie Rayl span decades and includes a total of 9 Quail Invitational Champion and Runner-up Championship titles with great champions as CH Builder's Risk, HOF CH Builder's Addition, HOF CH Fiddler, and HOF CH Fiddler's Pride, among others. The list of dogs Joe Bush had a part in is impressive and distinguished.

Joe Bush is an accomplished Judge, trainer, and contributor to the sport and has been his entire life. I've had the opportunity and privilege to spend time with Joe over the last two years, and he is a wealth of information and history of our sport. A true gentleman and worthy of consideration.

Joseph Cincotta, NJ

When it comes to the Field Trial Hall of Fame, one thinks of a person or a dog that has given back to the amazing sport of field trialing. One name that comes to mind is Chris Catanzarite. Not only is he a strong competitor, but he's a good friend, always willing to give a hand. Traveling the country with his Backcountry pointers, he wins from north to south--Walking, Shooting Dog, or Horseback Shooting Dog. Chris has a keen eye for a good bird dog.
His dedication to the sport goes deep. He chairs trials and serves in positions on committees for various associations and groups. Chris shows what the Hall of Fame is about: Giving back to the sport. Please consider him for the Hall of Fame nomination.

Dave and Mark Hughes, PA

I would like to endorse Cecil Rester for the Field Trial Hall of Fame. The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Cecil Rester is the quality of his bird dogs, the breeding, campaigning, training ability, and the stellar presence they possess.

Cecil has devoted many years to all phases of field trials. He has spent many hours in the saddle judging field trials throughout the county. Not only is he a fierce competitor, a good friend, and a mentor to many young and old. He is always looking to improve the quality of field trials. I feel his achievements over the last 40-plus years more than qualify him for the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Please join me in supporting Cecil Rester to be inducted into the 2026 Field Trial Hall of Fame

Tom Tracy, CT

I first met Cecil almost 50 years ago with a group of bird dog men from LA and MS, working dogs and going to the prairie, and I have followed his endeavors and successes ever since. He meets and surpasses every qualification. Always with a smile and friendly manner, always first class.

Barbara Teare, SC

I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Cecil Rester for Hall of Fame. I have had the pleasure of knowing Cecil for over 20 years. When I first started going to field trials, Cecil was one of the people who offered to help me. He has been a successful breeder, judge, handler, and trainer. Cecil truly embodies the qualities a person should possess to be enshrined in our Hall of Fame. Please consider Cecil when you cast your vote this year.

Judd Carlton, GA

I would like to nominate Chris Catazarite for the Hall of Fame. I am still relatively new to the sport of horseback field trialing, and I owe a lot of the success I have had to Chris. He has been a wealth of knowledge and a true friend. Chris has provided handling advice, horse & dog training advice, as well as successfully scouting one of my dogs to 2 Futurity placements. I know I am just one of the many people that Chris has inspired along the way.

Brooke Lanning, OH

I would like to endorse Cecil Rester for the 2026 Field Trial Hall of Fame. I have known Cecil for many years, and he has been actively involved in all aspects of field trial bird dogs. From being a fierce competitor, judge, club official, breeder, trainer, owner, and patron to many handlers, Cecil has served many roles. Cecil has shared his knowledge and talents with many people and has always been willing to help anyone find a good dog or a new puppy. He has bred, raised, and developed many champions, and the Rester prefix is still prevalent and has improved the pointer breed. Cecil has always been willing to travel and has spent many a mile just to come judge or run his dogs in support of many clubs. For nearly fifty years, Cecil has devoted his time and service to the field trial sport. He and his wife, Holly, are friends to all, and I would encourage everyone to join me in support of Cecil Rester to be elected to the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Woody Watson, GA