2009 AKC National Agility Championship

Thursday, March 26, 2009 – Concord, North Carolina

Gray skies and light rain greeted dog and handler teams arriving Thursday for the 13th annual AKC National Agility Championship in Concord, NC. But the mood inside the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center was sunny as excitement grew for the upcoming three days of top agility action.

"It is wonderful to see exhibitors from all areas of the country arriving today," said Andy Hartman, AKC Director of Agility and Trial Chairman. "We are seeing smiling faces and wagging tails, and we are looking forward to three days of great competition and camaraderie."

Nearly 900 dogs are entered in the annual event that crowns agility champions in each jump height: 8-inch, 12-inch, 16-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch and 26-inch. Hundreds of exhibitors checked in on Thursday evening, assisted by some of the numerous volunteers who make the event possible.

Ann Cantrell of Browns Summit, NC, is donating four days to helping make the agility championship a success. Cantrell stuffed welcome bags Thursday morning and checked in exhibitors in the afternoon. She heads for score table duties on Friday morning.

"I love agility and I knew that I did not want to just be sitting in the stands watching. I wanted to be in the middle of the excitement and be part of the action." Dozens of vendors, offering everything from canine massage to gourmet treats, set up their booths Thursday.

The competition kicks off Friday morning with the State Team Tournament and the International Sweepstakes Class (ISC) events. The Wisconsin team will be geared up to defend its 2008 national team championship.

Eukanuba and J&J Dog Training Supplies are the sponsors of the 2009 National Agility Championships.
AKC thanks its sponsors and also its committee chairmen for the event:

Trial Secretary - Steve Herwig
Awards - Nancy Davis, Mark Sjogren
Catalog - Diane Craig
Chief Course Builder - Jim Smotrel
Chief Ring Steward - Judy Smotrel
Crating Supervisor - Doug Hurley, Barb Budnar
Equipment - Greg Fontaine
Exhibitor Check-in/Welcome Bags - Peggy Franklin
Facilities - John Schoeneman
Hospitality - Lynne Stephens
Information Table - Diane Holleman
Judges Hospitality - Rae Tanner
Merchandise Sales - Lisa Strickland
Ring Coordinator Manager - Gail Storm
RV Coordinator Manager - Rich Mackintosh
Score Table Coordinator - Steve Herwig
Site Preparation Manager - Doug Hurley
Vendor Liaison - Pam Manaton
Volunteer Coordinator - Penny Leigh
Data Processing - Jean Murray