Result: NBHA Central Regional Championship

Location: Booneville, Arkansas

Post Date: Jun 26, 2025

NBHA Central Regional Championship kneeling (l-r). Jillian Stuhr with Champion Pure Confidence and Ken Sauer with Runner-up Champion K C's Next Gen. Joined by participants.

The NBHA Central Regional Championship was held March 6 at the J Perry Mikles state grounds near Booneville, Arkansas. This event follows the NBHA National Open in Tennessee and prepares for the championship drive, as every week, a different championship swings through the Midwest, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and ends in Wisconsin. This year, the Westark Field Trial Club is celebrating its 50th year hosting field trials. Westark club officials, led by Glenn Cumbie, hosted a top-rated event for all attendees and participants.

This year's veteran judges are no strangers; Dickie Sorrell of Hubbard Texas, and Eddie Smith of Fruitville, Texas provided a watchful eye and judged all three stakes. Their decisions were well received, and a big thank you to them for their time in the saddle.

This year's champion is Pure Confidence (PM), owned by Tim Cavanaugh and Pete Labella of East Hampton, Connecticut, and is handled by Garry Malzone of Franklin, New Jersey. "Tango" displayed a winning effort that the judges were looking for, making their decision easy. Runner-up, and close to the winner, was K C's Next Gen (PM), owned and handled by Ken Sauer of Alvord, Texas.
First place winner in the Open Derby stake is Haney's Big Country (PM), owned by Chris Cagle and handled by Garry Malzone. Second place went to Haneys Live Wire (PM), owned by Ben Weddington and handled by Mary Sue Schalk. Receiving third place is Sulphur Bends Shamrock (ESM), owned and handled by William Langley.
First place winner in the Open Puppy is Crouse's Grouse Feather (ESM), owned by Mary Sue Schalk and M. D. Crouse, and was handled by Mary Schalk. Second place went to Lil Elhew Chief Snakefeather (PM), owned and handled by Mike Taylor. Receiving third place is White River Cutter (PM), owned by Ron Russell and handled by Justin Crook.

The Westark Field Trial Club would like to thank the many NBHA sponsors whose support helps make this event a success: Purina Pro Club, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, Mule Brand Clothing, Gun Dog Central, and OnX Hunt.

The Westark Field Trial Club would also like to thank all who participated, worked, and attended, making this 50th year a success and a memory to remember.

Booneville, Ark., March 6 - One Course
Judges: Eddie Smith and Dickie Sorrell
NBHA CENTRAL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats]- 19 Pointers, 11 Setters, and 1 German Shorthair
Winner-PURE CONFIDENCE, F1660531, pointer male, by True Confidence-Richfield Rose. Tim Cavanaugh & Pete Labella, owners; Garry Malzone, handler.
Runner-Up-K C NEXT GEN, F1699316, pointer male, by K C's Shrimpboat-K C's Beth Hart. Ken Sauer, owner and handler.

NBHA Open Derby kneeling (l-r). Jillian Stuhr with 1st place Haney's Big Country, James Kleve with 2nd place Haney's Live Wire, and William Langley with 3rd place Sulphur Bend Shamrock. Joined by participants.

NBHA OPEN DERBY - 8 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-HANEY'S BIG COUNTRY, F1715342, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Wiggins C Trace. John L. Mathys, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.
2d-HANEYS LIVE WIRE, F1718923, pointer male, by Sam Houston's Image-Miss Turner Loose. Ben Weddington, owner; Mary Sue Schalk, handler.
3d-SULPHUR BENDS SHAMROCK, F1705480, pointer male, by Jojo's Quick Justice-Shamrock's Tish. William Langley, owner and handler.

NBHA OPEN PUPPY - 8 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-CROUSE'S GROUSE FEATHER, F1713380, setter male, by Shagtime Max-GF Southern Belle. Mary Sue Schalk & M. D. Crouse, owners; Mary Sue Schalk, handler.
2d-LIL ELHEW CHIEF SNAKEFEATHER, F1709748, pointer male, by Hackberry's Elhew Chief-Hackberry's Elhew Ashlee. Mike Taylor, owner and handler.
3d-WHITE RIVER CUTTER, F1709481, pointer male, by Wiggins Master Ronnie-Wiggins Tried Angel. Ron Russell, owner; Justin Crook, handler.