Result: National Championship Contestant Profiles

Post Date: Feb 7, 2025

Submitted By: Stephen Bell

Bandit's Hill Avenger - Bob is Ann Forrester's young white, liver and ticked pointer dog making his first run for this title. He is only two and a half years old, but now has three championship titles, two as a derby with Ike Todd (winner of the American Derby Invitational and runner-up of the All-America Derby Championship) and one as a first year all age with Mark McLean (United States Open Championship). Bob was bred by Shannon St John and was sired by Touch's Smooth Rider and was out of Bandit's Hill Daisy. Mark McLean will be handling Bob.

Barshoe Forget Me Not - Robert Gum and Lee West are the owners of Patch, a six-year-old white and orange pointer bitch. She will be making her first run here having qualified under the old rules with two first placements (the Kansas Prairie OAA and the Win Ingersoll Memorial OAA), but more recently she is this year's Oklahoma Championship winner. Patch was sired by Whippoorwill Justified and is out of Greypointe Invierna; this breeding made by Doug Meyer. Allen Vincent handles Barshoe Forget Me Not.

B M B's Free Ride - Lewey is the older of the two German Shorthair pointers that Jennifer and Brandon Blum bring to this year"s event. Lewey is just shy of eleven years old and the sire of their other contestant (B M B's Freeloader). He was bred by Matthew Smith and is by Kimber Tactical out of Time To Pay The Piper. This white, liver, and ticked dog has been knocking at the door of the big dance ever since he won his first open all age championship back at the 2016 California Bird Dog Championship. He has since claimed five more OAA runner-up championship titles. His lifetime achievement of 41 championships includes the NGSPA German Shorthair National Championship and Invitational Championship, twice each. Lewey will be handled by his owner.

B M B's Freeloader - Hewey is the younger of Jennifer and Brandon Blum's German Shorthair pointer contestants. Hewey is seven years old and was sired by the Blum's other contestant B M B's Free Ride; Hewey is out of Hightailing Saddle's Mandolin and was bred by Jeramie Voss. Hewey has qualified with two runner-up championships in our open all age trials (Pacific Coast Derby and California Bird Dog Championships) but has a total of 20 Championship titles to his credit including the NGSPA Invitational and National Amateur Championships, and the GSPCA (AKC) National Field Championship. This white, liver, and ticked dog will be handled by his owner.

Bonner's Bullet Proof - Dr. Chris Cornman's Bo will be returning for his third year. Bo has finished the three-hour run before, and has had respectable bird work each of his two previous runs here. This white, orange, and ticked pointer dog will be just days shy of seven years old this go round. Bo has won the Missouri Championship (2022) and been a runner-up champion at the Quail Invitational, All America Quail, and Oklahoma Championships. Derek Bonner was Bo's breeder. Bo is by Miller's Speed Dial out of Miller's Martha White. Randy Anderson will be handling Bo.

Bonner's Hot Rize - Jannie Chapman's Bud will be a rookie contestant this year. He qualified with a first at the American Quail Classic (2021) but has numerous other past placements. Bud is a white, orange, and ticked six-year-old pointer dog. He was from a repeat breeding of Miller's Speed Dial and Miller's Martha White made by Derek Bonner which had previously produced Bonner's Bullet Proof (also a contestant this year). Korry Rinehart will be handling Bud.

Coldwater Odyssey - Debbie and Andy Agnew's Dan is a ten-year-old, white, orange, and ticked pointer dog making his rookie appearance here this year after a long career in the mid-south trials. He has qualified by winning the Mississippi Championship in 2019 where he has also been a runner-up champion in 2021 and has a runner-up championship title from the Southern Field Trial Championship in 2023. Dan was bred by Jim Waddell and is by Coldwater Warrior out of Tibbs Avatar. Weldon Bennett handled Coldwater Warrior in his six previous runs here and will be handling his son Dan this year.

Como Rain - Ric Peterson is the owner of Maxx, a six-year-old white, liver, and ticked pointer dog. Maxx is making his first appearance here having qualified with numerous placements which include a runner-up title from the Alabama Championship in 2022. The two contestants this year, Como Rain and Como Thunder are littermate brothers bred by Steve Hurdle. They are by Skyfall out of Catch Me Dot. Maxx will be handled by Brody Byrd who will also be making his first appearance here this year as a professional handler.

Como Thunder - Tuff has a cartel of owners: Billy Blackwell, Doug Arthur, David and Rachel Russell. He is a six-year-old white, liver and ticked pointer dog who will try again this year to make his rookie run here, since he wound up being a scratch last year. Tuff has qualifying first places at the Pelican State OAA, the West Tennessee OAA, and the (So-La-Tex) Cajun Classic. Tuff was bred by Steve Hurdle and is by Skyfall out of Catch Me Dot. One of Tuff's owners, David Russell will be handling him.

Dunn's True Reign - Norris Sims' white, orange, and ticked pointer dog Rod will be days shy of eight years old when he makes his rookie run this year. He qualified under the old rules with two first places at the Stillwater OAA this past fall, but his numerous career placements (which include runner-up titles at the Continental, Southeastern, and Quail Invitational Championships) would have qualified him under the new rules. Rod was bred by Will Dunn, he was sired by Dunn's Tried'n True and was out of Dunn's Get Out Sue. Formerly on Luke Eisenhart's string, Rod is now handled by Allen Vincent.

Erin's Code Of Honor - Allen Linder's Tip will return for his third year with a win of the Tarheel Open Championship, his second time for that title. Tip has also been the winner of the Quail Championship Invitational and the Southwestern Championship. Tip was bred by Sean Derrig who handled him to a win at the National Amateur Derby Championship. He was sired by Erin's Redrum and is out of Erin's Miss Maggie. On his previous two runs here he was picked up early with respectable bird work. Luke Eisenhart will be handling Tip again this year.

Erin's High Note - Mike Sweet owns Bo, a son of Dominator's Rebel Heir out of Erin's Quickmarksman's Mae bred by Sean Derrig. Bo is making his rookie year run here at four and a half years old. This orange, white, and ticked pointer dog has qualified with numerous placements under the new rule, perhaps the most notable was the runner-up in the 2023 Continental Championship. Judd Carlton will be Bo's handler.

Erin's Perfect Storm - Brad Woodie's five-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog Colt is returning for his second run here. Last year he was lost after two hours and forty minutes having made four finds. This past season he has won the Missouri OAA and the Masters Open Quail Championship. Colt was bred by Sean Derrig and was sired by Chelsea's Thunderbolt out of Erin's Bet On Me. Luke Eisenhart is Colt's handler.

Game Heir - Dr Fred Corder is the breeder, owner, and handler of Jake, a five-year-old orange, white, and ticked pointer dog. Jake is returning for his fourth run this year having completed the three hours once before. Jake was sired by Dominator's Rebel Heir out of Game Snow. He is a one-time champion and twice runner-up champion, but this past season he has only garnered two third placements (Rend Lake OAA and Hobart Ames Memorial OAA)

Game Star - Sue is Dr Fred Corder's youngest contestant this year. She is a three-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer bitch. Sue was twice a runner-up champion in her derby season (at the Georgia Derby Championship and the American Derby Invitational Championship). She was bred by Dr Corder and is by Lester's Storm Surge out of Game Belle, and Dr Corder will be Sue's handler.

Game Surge - Skinner is owned, handled, and was bred by Dr Fred Corder. He is by Lester's Storm Surge out of Game Maggie. Skinner was recently the runner-up at this year's Alabama Championship, was the runner-up at the 2024 Continental Championship, and has two more prior championship wins to his credit (the National Pheasant Championship and the All-America Derby Championship). This four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog will be making his second appearance here, having been picked up after a nearly two-hour run last year.

Haney's All In - Steve and Stacey Croy are awful proud of their boy Ray, and well they should be. Few dogs have amassed such a record, seven open all-age championships, three runner-up championships, and he is still shy of four years old. Ray was bred by Chris Cagle and was sired by Ransom out of Haney's North Star. Mark McLean will handle this orange and white pointer dog for his second attempt at this title.

Haney's Hurricane Seeker - David and Rachel Russell are the owners of Bud, who will be returning for his second year. It will also be David Russell's second year to be a handler in the competition here. Last year Bud was lost after an hour's run. This past season Bud has won two first placements, at the Kentucky Lake OAA and the Sunflower Classic. Chris Cagle was Haney's Hurricane Seeker's breeder, he is by Ransom out of Haney's North Star. Bud is a four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog.

Haney's Silver Dollar - Chris Cagle Sr. and Jr. are the owners, breeders, and Chris Cagle Sr. will now be the handler of Rex, who has qualified to run here for the first time as the winner of this past fall's International Pheasant Championship. Rex is a four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog. He is by Ransom out of Haney's North Star, and will be competing with two littermate brothers this year, Haney's All In and Haney's Hurricane Seeker.

Haney's Storm Warning - Chris Cagle Sr and Jr. are the owners of Speck, a white, liver, and ticked pointer dog who will be a month shy of five years when he runs for his third time. Speck finished three hours in his first-year run, was picked up last year. He returns having won the Missouri Championship last spring, his fifth championship win. Speck was bred by his owners and was sired by Valiant out of Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle Sr. will be handling his dog.

Highground Gidget - Lynn and Teresa Stinson are co-owners of Gidget with Lori Steinshouer who will be handling her for her first run here. Gidget is a six-year-old white, orange, and ticked setter bitch. Gidget has qualified under the new rule with two runner-up championship wins at the Cascade and Pacific Coast Championships. She was bred by Lori Steinshouer and Jeff Gilbertson and is by Highground Tonka out of Lying Eyes.

Highground Toby - Charles and Kara Kunde, Jeff Gilbertson, and Lori Steinshouer make up the cartel of owners for Toby. Jeff and Lori were his breeders, and Lori will be his handler again this year. Toby returns having been picked up at two hours last year. He is a six-year-old white, black, and ticked setter dog who has three championship wins for his credits; at the Pacific Coast Derby, Pacific Coast Open, and Cascade Championships. Toby was sired by Highground Tonka and is out of Lying Eyes.

I'm Gallant - Jay McKenzie is Bandit's owner. Bandit is white, black, and ticked pointer dog who is a couple of months shy of five years old. He will be making his rookie appearance this year having won the Cecil Proctor OAA this past fall, but his two runner-up derby championship titles would have also qualified him under the new rules. Bandit was bred by Ron Russell, was sired by Valiant and is out of Double Swami Dexie. Allen Vincent is now the handler for I'm Gallant.

Late Hit - Christopher Campbell's Jay is a six-year-old pointer dog who had a stellar derby season, winning the Continental Derby and a runner-up at the All-America Derby Championships, but had since only garnered a bunch of seconds and thirds. That is, until this past month when he won the Hobart Ames Memorial OAA and the Alabama Championship. Jay was bred at Abigail Kennel, he sired by Miller's Blindsider and is out of Abigail Lil. Tom Shenker will the handler of this white, orange, and ticked contestant.

Lester's Front Porch - John Kampeter is the owner of Rip (and Diamond Dog Foods). Rip is a first year all age, three-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog who qualified for his rookie run here with a first place at this past fall's D. Hoyle Eaton Memorial Open All-Age. Rip was bred by Roger Watson and is from the third repeat of the mating of Lester's Storm Surge with R W Susie Q (of the five contestants from these repeat breedings, Rip is a littermate to Lester's Warbird). Patrick Siebels will handle Rip and he, too, is making a rookie appearance this year.

Lester's Shockwave - Bud is Tommy and Bonnie Hamilton's returning champion. He was the winner here in 2022, and this year will be his fifth time to run (he was scratched once back in 2021). This past season he has won the Rend Lake OAA and was runner-up at the All-America Quail Championship. Bud has three championships and four runner-ups in his career stats. Bud is a seven-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog who was bred by Derek Bonner. Bud was sired by Ransom and is out of Beane's Line Dancer (and is a littermate of the Hamilton's other contestant, Lester's Storm Surge). Gary Lester handles Bud.

Lester's Storm Chaser - John Ivester is the owner of Mike, a four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog who is making his rookie appearance. The stalwart veteran Mr Ivester, however, is no rookie to our sport. Mike qualifies for his run as an International Pheasant Championship winner. Mike was bred by Roger Watson and is from the first mating of Lester's Storm Surge with R W Susie Q. Robert "Lefty" Henry handles Mike.

Lester's Storm Surge - Tommy and Bonnie Hamilton's Chip returns for his fifth run here having finished the three hours last year and back in 2022 when his littermate brother, Lester's Shockwave won. This past season he won the All-America Quail Championship and the Kentucky Lake Classic OAA. His career record stands at six championships and two runner-ups. Chip is a seven-year-old white orange and ticked pointer dog who was bred by Derek Bonner. He was sired by Ransom and is out of Beane's Line Dancer. Lester's Storm Surge is this year's top sire and he will compete against eight of his offspring. Chip is handled by Gary Lester.

Lester's Warbird - Jake is Tommy and Bonnie Hamilton's new contestant this year. He is from the third repeat breeding of Lester's Storm Surge and R W Susie Q made by Roger Watson (Jake is a littermate with Lester's Front Porch) and is just three years old. He has qualified with placements only, under the new qualifying rules. Gary Lester will be handling this white, orange, and ticked pointer dog.

Mauck's Wyeast Owyhee Dallee - Alex Mauck is the owner and handler for Dallee, who has qualified for her rookie year's competition here with two runner-up championship titles, at the Northwest Chukar and California Quail Championships. She is a six-year-old white, black, tan, and ticked setter bitch who was bred by Talmadge Smedley. Dallee was sired by T's Gunslinger and is out of Hidden Jasmine.

Mayfield's Storm Charger - Scott Mason and Jake Davis are partners in Mayfield Kennels the owner of Patch, their first contestant to run here. Patch qualified with a first at the Kansas Prairie OAA and a runner-up of the Oklahoma Championship. He is only three years old and from the second of the repeat breedings of Lester's Storm Surge with R W Susie Q (so, a littermate of Miller's King Poast). Allen Vincent will handle Patch.

Miller's Blindsider - Nick Berrong's Sam is the returning 2023 National Champion. This will be his fifth year to run at the Ames Plantation. This past season he has added another championship title to his resume (the Southeastern Quail Championship) which now tallies seven championships and four runner-up titles. Sam was sired by Just Irresistible out of Miller's Bring The Heat, the successful knick made by Fran and Jack Miller. Jamie Daniels handles Miller's Blindsider, a white and orange eight-year-old pointer dog.

Miller's Heat Advisory - John Matthys' Mick is a six-year-old white, orange and ticked younger brother of National Champion Miller's Blindsider (by Just Irresistible ex Miller's Bring The Heat). This will be his second year to run here, last year he was lost at an hour and a half. Mick has re-qualified for this year with a first at the Lee County (Ga) OAA and a runner-up at the United States Open Championship. He has two championship wins and five runner-ups so far. Mick will be handled by Judd Carlton.

Miller's King Poast - Al Bryson's Jim was the first dog to qualify this past season with a win at the West Tennessee OAA. He is a three-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog from the second of Roger Watson's repeat breedings of Lester's Storm Surge and R W Susie Q (she is by National Champion Miller's Speed Dial out of Jackson's Silver Arrow who was a sister of two-time National Champion Lester's Sunny Hill Jo). Gary Lester will handle Jim.

Miller's Speed Dial - Mick Marietta is the owner of this former National Champion (2020). Joe is now nine years old and returning here for his fifth time. He has finished his three hours three of the four times he has run here, he did not run last year. Joe is a four-time champion and four time runner-up champion. Joe was bred by Wallace Sessions and was sired by National Champion Miller's Dialing In out of Old Road Lou. Randy Anderson will be handling Joe.

Misty Morn Masked Man - Joey McAlexander is the owner of Tonto, a nine-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog. Tonto will be making his first run here having qualified under the new rules with a first place at the Lynn Taylor (Carroll Co) OAA. Brian Hodges was his breeder and Tonto was sired by Miller's Dialing In out of Mac's Inspiration. Tonto will be handled by his owner.

Nighthawk's Rebel - Sheree Lucero and Rick Leverich of Long Pine Plantation bring Reb for his second run this year. Last year he was lost after running a little more than an hour with respectable bird work. Reb is a four-year-old white and liver pointer dog who made marks during his derby season winning the Continental Derby and taking a runner-up at the All-America Derby Championship. Reb was bred at Long Pine Plantation and he was sired by Touch's Red Rider out of Tee's Funseekin Belle. Tracey Swearingen will handle Reb this year.

Painted Owyhee Toad - The father and daughter team of Bridget and Jim Ledington are running Toad for his second time here. He first ran in 2023 but did not run last year. Toad is a white, lived, and ticked all over pointer dog who is just a month shy of ten years old. Toad has won his two championship titles in the northwest at the Cascade and National Chukar Championships. He was bred by his owner Jim and was sired by Painted Nicel Mac and was out of Painted Molly. Bridget will be handling.

Rambling Rivers Unplugged - Bill Stapleton and Mike Northwood's white and liver pointer bitch Layla will be making her first appearance here. This three-year-old qualified on the west coast with wins at the Pacific Coast Derby and California Quail Championships. Layla was sired by Miller's Blindsider and was out of Wells Southern Charm, a breeding made by Darrell Wells. Brian Gingrich will be handling Layla and it is his first year to handle a contestant here.

Rebel Cause - David Williams is the owner, breeder, and handler of Gus. He will be making his first year run here having qualified with his placements under the new rules. Gus is a six-year-old white liver and ticked pointer dog. Gus was sired by Dominator's Rebel Heir and was out of Rebel Maiden.

Rester's Johnny Ringo - Cecil Rester and Dr Reuben Richardson are the owners of Big. This four-year-old white, orange and ticked pointer dog will be making his first appearance in this competition. Big has qualified with a first at the Blackbelt (Ala) OAA and a runner-up at the Tarheel Open Championship this season. Cecil Rester bred Big who was sired by Miller's Blindsider and was out of Rester's Amazing Grace. Luke Eisenhart will be the handler for Big.

Southern Thunder - Chris Campbell brings Speck to his first year of competition here. Speck is a four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog. He has a number of placements, and his first place at the Sunflower OAA in 2023 qualified him. This past season he took second at the Dixie OAA. Al Bryson was Speck's breeder and he was sired by Lester's Storm Surge out of Bryson's Dialing On Line. Tom Shenker will handle Speck.

Southwind Joy's Resurgence - Michael Eades is the owner of this seven-year-old white, orange, and ticked setter bitch. Joy will make her rookie run here having qualified with a win of the Cascade Open Championship. Joy was bred by Betty Shearouse from her bitch Prodigy's Bonfire mated with Erin's Hidden Shamrock. Lori Steinshouer will handle Joy.

Superstition's Jake - Ric Peterson's Jake is making his rookie run here having qualified last spring with a first-place win at the Lynn Taylor Memorial OAA. Jake is a seven-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog. He was bred by his owner and was sired by his owner's Purina Award winning Touch's Adams County out of Superstition's Molly. Brody Byrd will be handling Ric's contestants. It is the first year for Mr. Byrd to be a handler at this championship.

Touch's Breakaway Fred - The partnership of Bruce and Karen Norton and Gary and Becky Futch bring Fred for his second attempt for this championship. He ran first in 2023, had three finds but was picked up after an hour, but did not run in 2024. Fred was a winner of the Georgia Derby Championship and has twice been runner-up at the Masters Open Quail Championship. Fred was bred by Keith Wright and was sired by Touch's Mega Mike out of Touch's American Baby. Mark Mclean will be handling Fred.

Touch's Fire Away - Greg and Carmen Adams' Mike is returning for his fourth year. This white, orange, and ticked pointer dog is days shy of his eighth birthday. He has four championships and two runner-ups on his resume. Mike was bred by Keith Wright and was sired by House's Ring Of Fire and was out of Touch's Maswood Anne. Randy Anderson will handle Mike.

Touch's Malcolm Story - Alex and Bryana Rickert are the owners of last year's national champion Touch's Gallatin Fire who is not returning this year, however their Big is returning for his sixth time. Big has finished the three hours twice before. Big has six championship wins to his credit including the North Carolina Quail Championship this season. This nine-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog was bred by Keith Wright. He was sired by Touch's Knight Rider and is out of Blackhawk's Sunflower. Mark McLean handles Big.

Touch's Midnight Rider - John D Milton and Grant McCall are the owners of Drew, a four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog making his rookie appearance. Drew is the recent winner of the Georgia Quail Championship and his previous placements include a runner-up of the Southeastern Quail Championship in 2023. He was bred by Keith Wright and was sired by Touch's Smooth Rider out of Touch's Gold Dance (and is the littermate of Touch's Shadow Rider). Mark McLean will handle Drew.

Touch's Shadow Rider - Dr Reuben Richardson and Bruce and Karen Norton are the owners of Jay who returns for his third attempt at the title having twice before completed a three-hour run was respectable bird work (8 finds and 5 finds). Jay is the recent winner of the Continental Championship and is a past winner of the National Free For All. This four-year-old white, orange, and ticked pointer dog was bred by Keith Wright. Jay was sired by Touch's Smooth Rider and was out of Touch's Gold Dance. Mark McLean will handle Jay.

Westfall's Mandalay - Jim Santarelli is the owner of Joe who is making his rookie year appearance here. Joe qualified with firsts at the Preston Trimble Memorial OAA and the Prairie OAA, he has numerous other placements. Joe is a seven-year-old white, black, and ticked pointer dog who was bred by Julie Jordan. Joe was sired by Strut Nation and was out of Erin's Amazing Grace. Andy Daugherty handles Joe.

Westfall's Pioneer Pete - Bill and Ryan Westfall are the owners of Pete. This white, orange, and ticked pointer dog is a couple of months shy of four years old. Pete qualified with a first place at the North Dakota Classic. He was bred by Trey D Foster and was sired by Foster's Tall Cotton out of Flush Em Feathers Queen. Andy Daugherty will be handling Pete.

Westfall's True Grit - Ryan Westfall's Jack is returning for his eighth year (you can count on your fingers the number of dogs who have done such before). Jack's resume shows four championship wins and placements every year since 2017. He is a white, liver, and ticked pointer dog a couple of months shy of ten years old. Jack was bred by his owner and was sired by Erin's Braveheart and is out of Westfall's Irish Bell. Andy Daugherty handles Jack.

Whippoorwill Vette - Dale Bush is the owner of Rex. This white, liver, and ticked seven-year-old pointer dog is returning for his second try at the championship. There are a number of first placements which qualify Rex. Dr Jack Huffman was the breeder of Rex, who was sired by Whippoorwill Justified out of S J Kentucky Sue. Larry Huffman will be handling Rex.

Woodville's Yukon Cornelius - Carl and Ashley Owens' Rudy is returning for his fourth year. Rudy has finished the three hours once before. This past season Rudy has twice been a runner-up champion, at the National Pheasant and Continental Championships. He was bred by Ross Callaway and was sired by Caladen's DaVinci and was out of A Tarheel's Miss Bo. Mark Mclean handles Rudy.

World Class Instigator - Michael Marietta is the owner and breeder of Ray. He comes to this competition for the first time having qualified under the new rules with a number of placements in the Oklahoma trials. This white, lemon, and ticked pointer dog is almost four years old. Ray was sired by Miller's Speed Dial and is out of Grand River Mayday. Matt Cochran will be his handler.