Event: Indian Creek Sprout Named Champion; Griff's Express, Runner-Up
Result: NBHA Midwest Regional Championship
Location: Williamsburg, Missouri
Post Date: May 15, 2023
Submitted By: Tim Penn
NBHA Midwest Regional Championship Winners (front, from left): Jillian Stuhr with Indian Creek Sprout and Tim Penn with Griff's Express. (Back): Garry Malzone, Craig Hiatt (judge), Dan Draffen (judge), Justin Crook, and Brian Stockrahm.
Due to a conflict in the original schedule, the NBHA Midwest Regional Championship was held and completed at the Whetstone C. A. near Williamsburg, Mo., on March 23. The grounds were in excellent condition; those attending would agree that these grounds allow a dog to naturally hunt the cover and show the good qualities that judges are looking for in their winners. Whetstone area manager Ben Diekman and his team of dedicated workers have continued to improve the area for quail habitat, thus making for some excellent grounds to run dogs on.
Co-chairs for rescheduling this trial were Tim Penn and Kevin Western. Hosting this trial wasn't all that difficult, but it did have some challenges. With a Thursday start and short notice, we were short of some of our usual workers. Along with the threat of rain in the forecast, it was a concern about how muddy and difficult the course could become. Mother Nature was on our side as it stayed cloudy, dry, and cool all day, making for excellent conditions to work dogs in. A special thanks to Ralph Niemeyer for bringing his side-by-side and providing a dog wagon
throughout the trial to help the trial run more efficiently.
The judicial team for this event was Dan Draffen of Bunceton, Mo., and Craig Hiatt of Edgeton, Mo. Both men compete with shooting dogs regularly, and both have achieved the honors of reaching the championship winners' table with their dogs. We were very fortunate to have them serve as our judges for this event, and their decisions were well received.
This year's winners emerged from brace No. 3, with Indian Creek Sprout being named champion for her owner Jillian Stuhr and handler Garry Malzone. "Sprout" settled in from the start with a smooth and forward application and always to the front. She had two beautiful finds and a back to show that she was the complete package of a champion shooting dog. Bracemate Griff's Express, owned by Mike Griffin and handled by Justin Crook, was named the runner-up champion. "Griff" had scored on three finds, his race was comparable to the winners, and his manners and class pleased the judges. This was an exciting brace to watch, with both dogs performing at a high level.
Other dogs that finished the hour with quality performances were Indian Creek Courageous Cat (brace No. 4) and Pure Confidence (brace No. 6). Garry Malzone handled both contenders. On this day, they fell short of making the winners' table.
NBHA would like to acknowledge the support of our sponsors who make these trials a success: Purina Pro Plan, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, OnX, and Mule Brand Clothes. Their participation and sponsorship of the NBHA are greatly appreciated.
Williamsburg, Mo., March 23 - One Course
Judges: Danny Draffen and Craig Hiatt
NBHA MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 11 Pointers, 3 Setters
and 1 Irish Setter
Winner--INDIAN CREEK SPROUT, 1693330, pointer female, by Indian Creek Perfect Storm-Indian Creek Ramona. Jillian Stuhr, owner; Gary Malzone, handler.
Runner-Up--GRIFF'S EXPRESS, 1690730, pointer male, by L V's Western Express-L V's Silver Lining. Mike Griffin, owner; Justin Crook, handler.