SportsXpress Fort Wayne Summer 2016

Bussick Orthodontics

supports our athletes — wear your mouthguard!

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Summer 2016

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publishers note Welcome to SportsXpress, a magazine all about local sports — the players, teams, families, volunteers and fans. We publish real life stories on the full range of community sports and include all ages and skill levels. Every fan, parent, and sports enthusiast can participate by sharing their experiences with other fans.

Fort Wayne Edition

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We want to make SportsXpress your magazine and www.FortWayne.SportsXpress.com your website, by sending in your comments, story ideas, opinions, articles and photos.

Get in the game with us and be connected with your local community sports!

Give us a call at (260) 348-6250 or 1 (877) 588-8856 or email us at GregL@SportsXpress.com - from the SportsXpress team

behindthebench

sportsfiles

Tips, tactics and ideas are shared by athletes, coaches and fans.

Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams.

11 | Vince Williams teaches the love of the game

07 | 12 |

14 |

fromthesidelines

Fans, parents, and sports groups share their opinions & experiences 05 | Developing Young Leaders

teamprofiles

Profiling community sports in words and photographs.

15 | Indiana Blackout win Game Day USA Championship in Columbus, Indiana

First Hope Grafted in 5K a great success Center Stage celebrates 10 years of not just teaching dance routines Briggz: barbershop ambassador and hunting dog

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sports@school

Highlighting all school sports and athletes.

06 |

Inaugural March Middle School Madness Tournament and Allen County Middle School All-Star Classic huge success

health&fitness

Informative articles on sports health & fitness.

08 | Why mouthguards?

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Summer 2016 PUBLISHERS Greg LaRocque

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EDITOR Jane Penteker GRAPHIC DESIGN Alyssa MacLeod CONTRIBUTORS Caleb Kimmel, Amos Norman, Shelley Brown, West Kenya Photography, Lolly Henning, Kelly Bireley, Molly Sigler, Cindy Eisberg, Shawn Smiley and the Fort Wayne SportsXpress team

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fromthesidelines

Developing Young Leaders

Submitted by Caleb Kimmel, CEO of World Baseball Academy

The benefits of participating in youth sports encompass far more than just physical exercise — it can mold and shape who you become. Sports can create shared experiences, life-long friendships, and confidence to overcome life’s obstacles. This is the perspective World Baseball Academy brings to our programs. More than 3,200 young people experience WBA programs each year, allowing our participants to compete, learn, grow, and mature into leaders beyond the game.

Failure is inevitable Business statistics often tell us that 80 to 90 percent of all start-up businesses fail. That is not much different than the batting average of a baseball player who will often fail 70 percent of the time.

Failure is a part of life and is certainly a part of baseball. However, many players and parents struggle with recognizing failure as a healthy part of the maturing process. Often one of the greatest leadership development tools is learning how to properly respond to our failure.

Responding to Failure Here are four suggestions for parents to support the long-term development of their athlete as he or she responds to failure.

1. Empathy. Simply listen to your child

share her perceived failure. Try your best to relate to her experience. Empathy communicates trust and students perform best when they feel trusted.

Children Ages 3-4 and 5-6

2. Unique Talents. When failure occurs, help your child reduce the tendency to compare himself to others. Individuals are built differently with varying skills, passions, and abilities. When a child recognizes how his unique gifts fit a role that is part of a bigger picture, it can help him recognize his value.

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4. Understand True Success. Neither your value nor the value of your child is reflected on a scoreboard. True success is found when your children transfer the attributes they learned in sports into how they treat others in this world.

Your batting average and winning percentage will one day become irrelevant. How you treat others in this world leaves a lasting legacy.

3. Not Everyone Wins. As parents we must recognize we live in a culture of instant gratification that twists our view of reality. While winning can be celebrated, losing is going to occur.

Do not make excuses, but rather coach your child to make adjustments so that she is prepared to perform at a

To learn more about World Baseball Academy go to www. worldbaseballacademy.com

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sports@school

Inaugural March Middle School Madness Tournament and Allen County Middle School All-Star Classic huge success Article by Fort Wayne SportsXpress staff, photos by Amos Norman

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne and MVP Basketball have partnered to bring exciting new opportunities, all sponsored by Parkview Health, to the Fort Wayne community. The inaugural March Middle School Madness Tournament was played March 7-10. The opening rounds were played at the Spiece Fieldhouse, and the Final Four took place at the Indiana Tech Schaefer Center Gymnasium.

The eighth grade boys’ basketball teams at all public and private middle schools in the greater Fort Wayne area were invited to participate in a single elimination tournament free of charge.

Brackets were determined through an online blind draw, and teams advanced through the NCAA-style tournament. In the championship game, the Holy Cross Crusaders defeated the St. Charles Catholic Cardinals 58–49. St. Charles’ Patrick Finley was named the Tournament MVP. The winning team received a sevenfoot travelling trophy to display proudly at their school.

On April 18, the two organizations partnered to bring the inaugural Allen County Middle School All-Star Classic to Fort Wayne. The All-Star Classic featured the top middle school players from the Fort Wayne area, who were nominated by their middle school coaches. The players were selected because of their successful basketball season. In the Private School All-Star Classic, game MVP Drew Sims of St. Paul Lutheran made a three point basket at the buzzer to lead his Parkview Rim Wreckers team to a 70–67 victory.

Jalen Blackmon scored 27 points for the Spiece Shooting Stars. Dillon Duff scored 20 points for the Parkview Jammers in a 76–59 victory in the Public School AllStar Classic. Deontae Craig totaled 23 points for the Spiece Slammers. Between games, Jalen Blackmon won the Three Point Shootout, and Jon Barnes Jr. was the Skills Championship winner.

The All-Star Classic was coached by a number of local celebrities and role models that included Head Coaches Dan Kline (Hall of Fame Coach of Indiana Tech), Ray Sims (All-State Indiana High School

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March Madness Champion: Holy Cross Crusaders

Coach), Darin Archbold (Butler University Star and Hall of Famer), and Kevin Bloom (Mad Ants Basketball Coach). These men were assisted by Dean Pantazi (21 Alive), Glenn Marini (WANE TV), Tommy Schoegler (Parkview Sports Medicine and 21 Alive), Fort Wayne Police Chief Garry Hamilton, and Ron Howard (Mr. Mad Ant). Current high school stars Keion Brooks (North Side) and Will Davidson (Blackhawk Christian)also served as assistant coaches.

The events were organized by Mitch Sturm, founder of MVP Basketball and a former Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club in Marion, Indiana, and Joe Jordan, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne. Both men have pursued careers that are dedicated to youth development and believe in the positive role that sports play in developing a strong work ethic, responsibility and accountability.

They share the belief that sports and education go hand in hand and can open doors to a higher education, especially for children from low-income families.

“Both Joe [Jordan] and I have run our own programs and we have done several great projects in the past. Each has produced a multitude of success stories.

(from left to right) Mitch Strum, MVP Basketball founder, Skills Competition Winner Jon Barnes Jr. and Joe Jordan President and CEO

This partnership is going to greatly expand the youth basketball opportunities in the Fort Wayne area,” comments Mitch Sturm, founder of MVP Basketball. “With our core programs, not only will we build Academics through Athletics, we will prepare the kids to be successful on the court, but more importantly in life. With our annual events, we will provide kids a chance to have a great time, make new friends and create memories. We have a great and supportive sponsor in Parkview Health, and we will be incorporating many area celebrities and role models to work with program participants. I am very excited about this partnership.”

sportsfiles

First Hope Grafted in 5K a great success Submitted by Shelley Brown, photos by West Kenya Photography Saturday, April 23, 2016, was the inaugural race event for Hope Grafted In (HGI), a non-profit organization based here in Northeast Indiana. The purpose of this race was to raise awareness and funds for the orphan care movement and bring hope to orphans, vulnerable people, and families.

The HGI Speak Up 5K took place in Grabill, Indiana and featured a scenic country 5K course. The race had 163 registered racers and brought many more friends and family out to enjoy the day. A worship band spurring the runners on to finish strong, the names of the African children in the sponsorship program written onto the course for runners to race over, and the beautiful clear sunny skies were a few of the highlights of the day. Over $8,000 was raised for the ministry.

The race also included virtual race events around the world, including race events in Kenya and Uganda.

During the post-race awards ceremony videos of the races in Uganda and Kenya were shown. Door prizes were given out including a Spiece Fitness membership, a Spiece Spa gift certificate, a YMCA family membership, African market items, and Debrand Chocolate gift certificates.

Unique SPEAK UP band awards were presented to the Highest Fundraiser,

Overall Top Female, Overall Top Male, Youngest Runner, Oldest Runner, and the top three females and males in each of these age categories: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over. Race videos and final race results can be viewed on the race website at www.hopegraftedin.org/5K. Chase Wennemar and his father Bob Wennemar Hope Grafted In’s mission is to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves. We would love to journey with you in discovering what you are led to do as a result of your own justice calling. Please contact us through our www.hopegraftedin.org website to start the conversation.

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healthandfitness Addie and Brynn Sigler

Why mouthguards?

Submitted by Lolly Henning/Kelly Bireley, photos by Dr. Molly Sigler Have you ever thought about how it would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? You probably wouldn’t smile much. Face-to-face conversations would be uncomfortable. It wouldn’t be easy pronouncing certain words. And how about chewing pizza or an apple? Until your teeth are gone, you might not miss them.

Teens and adult weekend warriors experience thousands of injuries each year on the playing field, on the basketball court, while biking or skating, and during other activities. Injuries to the face in nearly every sport can harm your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue.

A properly fitted mouthguard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and smile. You may have seen them used in contact sports such as football, boxing, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey.

Mouthguards help protect teeth even in noncontact sports such as gymnastics. Dental experts recommend that a mouthguard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of Have you ever thought about how it would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? You injury to the mouth. probably wouldn’t smile much. Face-to-face conversations would be uncomfortable. It wouldn’t be easy pronouncing certain words.

And how about chewing pizza or an apple? Until your teeth are gone, you might not miss them.

Teens and adult weekend warriors experience thousands of injuries each year on the playing field, on the basketball court, while biking or skating, and during other activities. Injuries to the face in nearly every sport can harm your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue.

A properly fitted mouthguard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and smile. You may have seen them used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, ice hockey, lacrosse and women’s field hockey.

Mouthguards help protect teeth even in noncontact sports, such as gymnastics. Dental experts recommend that a mouthguard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth.

Choosing a Mouthguard

There are three types of mouthguards:

 • The ready-made, or stock, mouthguard  • The mouth-formed “boil & bite” mouthguard  • The custom-made mouthguard made by a dentist or orthodontist

All properly fitted mouthguards provide varying degrees of protection.

CHOOSING A MOUTHGUARD There are three types of mouthguards: A custom-fitted mouthguard,  The ready-made, or stock, mouthguard; professionally made in the dental  The mouth-formed “boil & bite” mouthguard; custom-madeto mouthguard made by a dentist office, canbeThetailored the demands or orthodontist. of the athlete andfitted themouthguards sport. provide varying All properly degrees of protection. A custom-fitted mouthguard The most effective mouthguard professionally made in the dental office can be tailored to the demands of the athlete and the sport. should have several features.

It The most effective mouthguard should have should be resilient, tear-resistant, andand several features. It should be resilient, tear-resistant comfortable.

It also should fit properly, durable and comfortable.

It also should fit be properly, easy to clean, and not restrict your speech or breathing. be durable and easy to andtonot A mouthguard strapclean, can be fastened most types of speech mouthguards.or The breathing. strap protects against loss and restrict your allows the mouthguard to be suspended from a face mask when the athelete is not incan play. be fastened A mouthguard strap Generally, a mouthguard covers only the upper teeth. to most Iftypes mouthguards.

Themay you have of a protruding jaw, your orthodontist recommend that your lower teeth also be covered. strap protects against loss, and If you participate in any of the activities listed in the the mouthguard American Dental Association and the International it allowsbox, the to be

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suspended from a face mask when the athlete is not in play.

Generally, a mouthguard covers only the upper teeth. If you have a protruding jaw, your orthodontist may recommend that your lower teeth also be covered.

If you participate in any of the activities listed in the box on the right, the American Dental Association and the International Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend that you wear a properly fitted mouthguard.

These sports have the potential to seriously harm the head, face or mouth as a result of head-to-head contact, hazardous falls, tooth clenching, or blows to the mouth. A well-made, properly fitted mouthguard can be used for any of these sports.

Caring for Your Mouthguard Academy for Sports Dentistry recommended that you wear a properly fitted mouthguard.

These sports have the potential to seriously harm the head, face or mouth as a result of head-to-head contact, hazardous falls, tooth clenching or blows to the mouth. A well-made, properly fitted mouthguard can be used for any of these sports.

Before and after each use, rinse the mouthguard with cold water or with an antiseptic mouth rinse. You can clean it with toothpaste and a toothbrush, FORnot YOUR MOUTHGUARD too.CARING When it’s being used, place Before and after each use, rinse the mouthguard with your mouthguard in a firm, perforated cold water or with an antiseptic mouth rinse. You can clean it with toothpaste and a permits toothbrush, too. it’s not container.

This airWhen circulation being used, place your mouthguard in a firm, perforated and helps prevent damage. container.

This permits air circulation and helpsAvoid prevent high damage. Avoid high temperatures from sources such as as hot hot temperatures from sources such water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight, mouthguard. which Box can distort the mouthguard.

SPORTS FOR WHICH YOU MAY NEED Need a Mouthguard/ A MOUTHGUARD. Orthodontic Exam?

If you participate in these or other sports, consult your orthodontist about getting a mouthguard.

• Acrobatics • Racquetball • Basketball • Rugby • Bicycling • Shotputting • Boxing • Skateboarding • Equestrian events • Skiing • Extreme sports • Skydiving • Field events • Soccer • Field hockey • Softball • Football • Squash • Gymnastics • Surfing • Handball • Volleyball • Ice hockey • Water polo • Inline skating • Weightlifting • Lacrosse • Wrestling • Martial arts

If you’re currently involved in any contact sports and you don’t have a mouthguard, call Bussick Orthodontics at 260-436-2255 to schedule your personal fitting.

SPORTS FOR WHICH YOU MAY NEED A MOUTHGUARD If you participate in these or othe sports, consult your orthodontist about getting a mouthguard.

• Acrobatics

• Martial arts

• Basketball

• Racquetball

• Bicycling

• Rugby

• Boxing

• Shotputting

• Equestrian events

• Skateboarding

• Extreme sports

• Skydiving

• Field events

• Soccer

• Field hockey

• Softball

• Football

• Squash

• Gymnastics

• Surfing

• Handball

• Volleyball

• Ice hockey

• Water polo

• Inline skating

• Weightlifting

• Lacrosse

• Wrestling

• Skiing

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends ALL children be screened by an orthodontic specialist by the age of 7.

As a community service, NEED A MOUTHGUARD? Bussick Orthodontics provides a If you’re currently involved in any contact or semicontact sports and you don’t’ have a moutguard, call complimentary screening and baseline Bussick Orthodontics at (260) 436-2255 to schedule your records.

No referral is necessary. personal fitting.

260-436-2255 │ bussickortho.com

Carly Black

healthandfitness Bussick Orthodontics Supports our athletes.

Wear your mouthguard!

Thanks to Josh VanMeter, Darbi Brumbugh and Megan Johnson!

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behindthebench

Vince Williams teaches the love of the game Article and photos by Fort Wayne SportsXpress staff It has been said that if you choose a job you truly love, you never have to work a day in your life. For local independent tennis professional Vince Williams, that quote rings true on many different levels. Williams, the owner of Vince Tennis, at 10010 St. Joe Road in Fort Wayne, has been involved in tennis his entire life. Williams was a standout high school tennis player at North Side High School and played collegiately at Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne. After graduating from IPFW, Williams worked at different tennis clubs around the area as an instructor, gaining valuable coaching and training experience. Although he enjoyed the tennis club atmosphere, Vince’s dream was to one day be the owner of his own tennis facility and impart his own unique teaching style and philosophy to his clients.

In the tennis world, separating yourself from the local tennis clubs is a risk for a pro because there are no guarantees that clients will follow, and owning your own tennis facility can be very expensive.

“I was starting to feel a little stale and needed a change. I have always wanted to be my own boss and take the chance of running my own facility,” said Williams.

When an indoor facility once owned by two doctors who built the facility to play at their leisure was put up for sale, Williams found his chance to fulfill his dream. Fast forward 10 years and Vince Williams has turned his aspiration of becoming his own boss and running a successful tennis facility into a reality.

The Vince Tennis facility is typically booked solid seven days per week and is providing personal instruction on an individual or group basis for many of the open hours.

“It can get tough teaching nine hours per day sometimes, especially on the body, but so far it has paid off,” said Williams.

Financial success and growth of his business was certainly a goal, but providing an environment to teach his unique tennis philosophy to his clients especially youth players, was another passionate goal.

Williams’ passion for tennis was

fueled at an early age by his mother, and later by his North Side High School tennis coach, Lee Ann Berning.

“She taught me to love the game,” said Williams.

That passion for the game is now being passed along to his many (above, from left to right) Issac Steiner, Haley Parker, Vince students. Williams Williams, Eli Herran, Eli Steiner (below) Haley Parker says he tries to teach his players to “love the challenge of competition, enjoy the battle win or lose, and most importantly to have fun. I love to watch my kids succeed and see the hard work that they put in pay off.

I’m proud to share in their success.” aspects of the game because he knows Leo High School girls’ junior tennis tennis so well. From strategy, to the standout, Haley Parker, has worked mental side of the game, Vince has with Vince since she was eight years taught me all I know about tennis, has old and was one of the first clients he made me a better tennis player and a had at the St. Joe Road facility. better person,” says Herran.

“I really like Vince’s sense of humor Along with Herran, most of his and his relaxed style in getting his point teammates work with Vince and across to me. He can watch me play and credit him for much of their success make the smallest adjustment to my which includes placing third in the game and it almost instantly helps fix a 2015 Indiana High School Athletic problem, but does it in a fun way. Vince Association State Tennis Tournament. has helped me become a more confident Besides the youth tennis players, player and helped me to understand my Williams has many adult players that strengths and weaknesses that need take tennis lessons individually and improving,” says Parker, an Honorable several ladies’ groups that meet and Mention All-State performer, and one play during the week. As a matter of of many tennis players in the area who has achieved success on the court under fact, adults make up 50 percent of his clientele. Williams not only offers Williams’ tutelage. instruction on an individual basis, Eli Herran, sophomore singles player but also group lessons for various on the boys’ Leo tennis team is another skill levels. He also stays busy in the one of Williams’ original tennis students. summer by offering group lessons at Herran describes Williams’ tennis Arlington Park for youth tennis players teaching style as “fun and energetic”. of various ages.

“I enjoy working with Vince because To schedule a tennis lesson or inquire he is always positive and always shows about group lessons or open court me how to improve. He works on all time, contact Vince at 260-402-8136.

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sportsfiles

Center Stage celebrates 10 years of not just teaching dance routines Article by Fort Wayne SportsXpress Staff, photos by Cindy Eisberg

Center Stage Academy of Dance, located in the North Anthony Shopping Center, offers recreational and competitive classes in many different dance styles. Since May of 2006 they have offered lessons in Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Poms, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary for children as young as two years old through adult in a clean, safe and fun environment.

While Angie Smiley and her talented staff love teaching the wide range of dance styles they offer, it is some of the other things that happen because of dance that she enjoys most.

“I love watching our dancers grow their confidence and self-esteem after

they have learned a new dance move or routine. Dancers just feel better about themselves both mentally and physically. All of our dance classes can improve the dancers’ strength, flexibility, and endurance. Another thing I love, and I hear it from many of our dancers, is the sense of community and family that develops. Many parents comment on how Center Stage has become their kids’ “second family”.

The dancers at Center Stage have recently competed in several competitions in the area. In March they performed at “That’s Entertainment” in Indianapolis, Indiana. In April they competed at “NexStar”¸ held at the Embassy¸ and “Xpressions” held at

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the USF Preforming Arts Center. At the Nexstar Regional Competition they were one of only three dance studios to receive a prestigious Golden Ticket Award, which means they won a spot straight to Worlds August 2nd to 7th in New Jersey. In May, Center Stage will be traveling to Rockford, Illinois to rock it out at Platinum National Dance Competition, and on June 11th they will have their 10th Annual Dance Recital at Homestead High School at 5:30 p.m.

If you have interest in one of Center Stage’s Competitive teams or any of their other activates you can call 260492-7516, or go to their website www.csdancersrock.com.

5252 Old Maumee Road, Ft Wayne, IN 46903 www.patriotleasing.com • 260-245-6391

teamprofiles

Indiana Blackout win Game Day USA Championship in Columbus, Indiana The 2016 Indiana Blackout baseball season is under way, and the team is looking to improve on the successful 2015 campaign where they won one championship, lost a two-run championship game, and made it to two more semi-final matchups. The Indiana Blackout is a travel baseball team based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana and has been in existence since the winter of 2012.

The focus is on developing players’ skills and getting local baseball players into college. The initial 2013 season saw 10 Blackout-affiliated players move on to college on baseball scholarships: three players to NCAA Division I schools, three players to JUCO (Junior College), two players to Division II, and two players in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) schools.

This proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for travel baseball. Not once has a family member had to pay for extra lessons or training if a player is in a slump, have team costs exceeded $650.00, or have not had a say in the travel schedule of the season. The second generation of Indiana Blackout players continues to load up on talent through a hard work ethic and selfless play, and development is inevitable with a commitment to excellence.

Players don’t wear their names on the back of their jerseys. Players don’t share stats, and parents don’t either. If a course of action doesn’t make a player better, it is eliminated. Players don’t limit themselves

Danny Stephen and Cam Sprunger #34 congratulate Carter Hartsock #12 and Greyson LaRocque #19

to one or two positions because high school coaches and college scouts are not interested in a kid that commits to being one-dimensional. The goal is for every player to have the option to go to college and play ball if they choose to. All Indiana Blackout players are expected to learn and play an infield position. All players are expected to learn to play the outfield — even “pitcher only” players.

Blackout parents are asked to commit to being supportive parents, and to be fans of the game. There is an agreement that parents will support and respect all players as much as they do their own child, and they are expected to encourage all players regardless of their position on the diamond or the starting lineup for a given game. All Blackout family members are expected to support

Article by Shawn Smiley, photos by Truley Hamlin and Julie Stephen

the coaching staff in front of their sons and always trust that decisions will be made in the best interest of the team. This support is reinforced with commitment from the coaching staff to the families.

All players are expected to do a job.

Each time they are at the plate or in the field that job may be different, but a job needs to be done. In order for them to have the physical skillset to succeed, mental toughness to fail, and a mindset to do the job asked of them at the time, all Indiana Blackout players are expected to be committed to the game. Baseball is a tough game to play, and it takes a toll on the psyche. In the 2016 season, the team is committed to the style of play that will get them focused on the diamond and being successful at each level of play they are asked to perform.

Coach Smiley talking to his team between innings

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Briggz: barbershop ambassador and hunting dog Briggz Peck may look like your typical 16-month-old Labrador retriever, but he is far from it. He is not only the mascot of Leo Barbershop, he is also actively involved in Field Trial Tests. We asked his owner, Greg Peck, how and why he got Briggz involved in the activity.

“Being an avid hunter, I have always had hunting dogs trained to hunt ducks, but due to my children’s sporting activities. I never had time to train a dog for competition. “ Once all of his kids were grown, Greg had the time and desire to train a dog to enter into competitions. Greg’s wife really didn’t want a new puppy after having to put their last Lab down, but she changed her mind the minute she laid her eyes on Briggz.

Greg is a member of the Backwater Retriever Club. The Backwater Retriever Club (BRC) was founded in 1991 by a group of enthusiasts who wanted to work together to improve their retrievers’ abilities in the field as well as improve the future breeds through encouraging selective breeding practices. As a matter of fact, Briggz is the son of Stormy, a dog owned by BRC President Blake Lemish. Greg started training Briggz when he was just eight weeks old, teaching him discipline behaviours like walking on a leash, heeling, and sitting. Greg entered Briggz in his first Field Test Trial at five months old. There are different skill levels in the Field Tests ranging in difficulty from Entry Level to Masters. The tests consist of launching a duck from an electronic launcher and sending the dog to retrieve it following certain rules and commands. There are tests for both land and water. Briggz got off to a rough start in his first test but learned fast and made dramatic improvement. At 10 months, Greg and a friend took Briggz to Manitoba, Canada to go duck hunting.

Briggs has now attained Junior

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status with the AKC (American Kennel Club) and achieved Started status with the UKC (United Kennel Club).

Briggz’s goals for the upcoming year are to get through the next level of AKC and UKC trials and, ultimately, to get his Masters Retriever Certificate.

When we asked Greg what Briggz’s strengths and weaknesses are, Greg told us that Briggz has very strong social skills, which are being fine-tuned in his role as a greeter for Leo Barbershop, and he jokingly says that Briggz’s greatest weakness is his handler. It is evident from watching Briggz train that he truly loves the field tests and takes great pleasure pleasing Greg and his family as much as they enjoy watching Briggz grow and learn.

Greg has some words of advice for anyone thinking they might want to get involved with dog training: “I would first start with a reputable breeder and get with a good trainer. If you want to train your dog yourself, there are a lot of books and videos on the subject, and I would get involved with a club like Backwater.”

Backwater Retriever Club draws participants from all over the United States and Canada. Membership allows the opportunity to showcase a dog’s talents and training, as well as having lots of fun working with your dogs and other people who share the same interests. They participate in many activities for retriever breeds, not just hunting. Agility, obedience, and conformation are also important to

Article and photo by Fort Wayne SportsXpress

Briggz with owner Gregory Peck their members.

BRC runs two AKC hunt tests each year. Their spring test is in April, and they have a fall test in September, as well. In between these events is the HRC test. The BRC has wide selection of grounds that provide plenty of room and a nice variety of situations.

To learn more about Backwater Retrievers Club, you can go to www. backwaterretrieverclub.org.

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