Transitioning from Competitor to Spectator: What to Do?
-an amateur competitor's perspective
By: Jamie Woodson #68
Yesterday was an incredible day at the National Open! 40 dogs started the 8th series.
A challenging quad with two flyers complimented by a 30 mph wind gave the dogs and
handlers a serious test. Callbacks resulted in 18 invitations to today's 9th series.
The competition began last Sunday and by Sundown today, we should know who the
2016 National Retriever Champion is when the 10th series concludes and the judges review
their notes from the week!
Our young dog, Baby #90, was invited back and we are elated. Keeper, on the other hand,
was not. This wasn't a surprise to me given her handle and cumulative work. I couldn't be
more proud of both of these wonderful dogs.
So, what do you do when you shift from competitor to spectator in a National Open?
When your day job is in a research and policy shop, you start to look at the data for fun facts!
With the help of Retriever News' Tina and Regina, I noticed some pretty interesting
information and thought you might like to know it.
Unofficial Fun Facts for the 2016 National Open:
107 dogs qualified
97 entered
96 started the competition last Sunday
14 dogs entered handled by 10 different women
7 are amateur
3 are professionals
13 dogs started the competition handled by 9 different women
6 are amateur
3 are professionals
3 women handling multiple dogs;
Marcy Wright = 2,
Luann Pleasant = 2 and
Ty Rorem = 3
What about the fellows?
83 dogs entered handled by 38 different men
13 are amateurs
25 are professionals
3 pros handled 6 dogs each
Alan Pleasant, Al Arthur, and Ray Voigt
As we start the 9th Series and final day of the National open, we are now down to 18 dogs
and 17 Handlers
2 Women, 15 Men
3 amateurs, 12 professionals
I will be digging around for more fun facts! Until then, may the wind be in your favor
and your flyers be friendly!
-Jamie Woodson #68
