The week-long WRC updates of the proceedings at the 1997 National Amateur did not come from the Associated Press, CNN, or ESPN. No, our reporters were even better than that! And I'd like for all of us to take time to recognize the support and dedication that our "staff" took in presenting us with the information we retriever people think is so important!

The project was successful because of the work of several people. But it could not have happened at all without two Minnesotans who were constantly on top of everything in getting the information to me to post on the Internet.

JEFF STAMPOHAR of Chisholm, Minnesota and JERRY THORSON of Bemidji, Minnesota were our reporters all week and I am especially proud of what they did for us. The nightly reports were sent by email. And on the fourth day or so, when we knew that things would be speeding up, they called on Jeff's mobile cellular phone with callbacks and test descriptions. On Saturday they kept me informed of every important moment - I even heard the tenth series callbacks from their phone and later heard the test dog called to the line at 10:33 am. The Winner's name was on the Internet within one or two minutes of the announcement!

I'm sure there are others who helped out with the coverage, and at the risk of leaving someone out I would like to thank the following retriever field trialers who contributed to the success of our coverage as well.

Gary Sorensen had his lap top computer on the grounds and assisted Jeff and Jerry in sending email messages once he arrived at his home in Minnesota on several days during the trial.

Terri Veach and Mary Howley started us off with callbacks and test descriptions until Jeff and Jerry arrived on the scene on Monday. Terri also made late phone calls the first couple of days to get information for posting on the web site.

Jewell Easter was on the scene with Jeff and Jerry and provided support for them with information about the tests, statistics and descriptions, and advice on what information would be important to all of us.

And Regina Poer always stood by with important information about some of the dogs that were entered, including some owners and handlers. Ann Rauff was there to help Regina get the necessary information for me.

And last, but certainly not least, I wish to thank Richard Halstead of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, for his support of this project. Richard's contributions to Working Retriever Central the last two years have been of great value. I am proud to have him as a friend in the retriever game!

I would also like to thank Anne and Warner Snell, and Rob Snell, of Gun Dog Supply in Ridgeland, Mississippi for being a co-sponsor (with WRC) of the "Pick the 1997 NAFC" Contest. First Prize winner was Joe Maher of Newalla, Oklahoma. The two consolation prize winners were Mary Peterson of W. Richland, Washington and Harry Bennetts of Olympia, Washington. Congratulations to them!

We are planning to solicit some sponsors for National events in the future so our coverage can be even better. We plan to cover the 1997 National Open Championship in Cheraw, South Carolina in November. The possibilities are endless with updates during the day as well as test pictures and diagrams and pictures of some of the dog work. There are plans being worked on right now for coverage of the Canadian National Open in September. There is a possibility that we may also cover the 1997 Master National in September. All of this is, of course, dependent on your support and endorsement of Working Retriever Central to potential sponsors.

Congratulations to Ray Bly and the new 1997 NAFC - FC/AFC Fishtrap Calamity. And to all the Finalists, congratulations. Thanks to the 1997 National Amateur Judges, Ray Vreeland, Jack Lawry, and Don Berard for the time away from their family and businesses to contribute to our sport. And special thanks to Bob Lindgren, Field Trial Chairman, and Rick Van Bergen, NARC Vice-President, for their support and assistance in our coverage of the 1997 National Amateur.

And again, thanks to Jeff and Jerry for a great job and a great week!

Good luck to all in their next National!

David Wallace
Working Retriever Central!

Go to 1997 National Amateur Retriever Championship Page