2017 UFTA National Concludes

UFTA Nationals Wraps Up!

After 8 days of competition, all conceivable weather conditions from freezing temps to 70's and tornado warnings, the 2017 UFTA Nationals is in the books. The two most highly coveted titles, Open Pointing and Open Flushing were decided Saturday, March 4th amidst sunny skies and 60 degree temperatures at Wayne Fitsgerrell State Park in Whittington, IL. Along the way came some good luck, a near miss or two and without fail, some great dog work by some of the best trainers and handlers in the business!

In the Pointing Division, it was once again the powerhouse Rocky River Gundogs that stole the show, with Matt Behe taking the top two spots. This was a closely contested finals with the top five placements all having scores of 326. But in the end, it was Matt Behe nudging out the others on total time to claim National Champion and Reserve National Champion status for his dogs One Hop and Deuces. Finishing 3rd was former National Champion, Scott Deuel with his dog Roxie. Bret Biel and Bill Ellison rounded out the top five with their dogs, Cali and Marcie.

On the Flushing side, Eddie Karban and Thor were the team to beat coming into the week long event having already garnered High Points Flushing honors for the 2016 season. But the competition was up to the challenge in the finals. Howard Jaekel and his dog Scout took the National Championship title this year, with Nick Scheutzow and his dog Max earning the Reserve National Championship title. Rounding out the top five were Lori Hanson and her dog, Nate, Dan Steingraber and Drake and Wil Gholson and Daisy.

Congratulations to all our finalist in all divisions this year for a job well done. And for those not making the finals this year, in the words of a "glass half full" eternal optimist, "There is always next year........"