Earlier this summer, the USA and AKC were represented by an incredible group of juniors at the FCI Junior Open Agility World Championship in Vantaa, Finland. To shake off the long plane ride and get a last training session before the event, the team attended a seminar by gifted presenter and Finnish agility expert Ville Luikke (thanks to a generous donation from Megan Foster of Synergy Dog Sports). Then from July 14-17, the juniors competed in team and individual rounds in their age brackets. The results were impressive, with several top 10 finishes across the three jump heights. For complete results go to https://www.joawc2022.fi/world-champions, and to watch the full recap go to https://www.facebook.com/AmericanKennelClub/videos/2930539080425613/
Some highlights:
Under 15, Small – Madeline and Magic – 5th in Agility, 11th in Jumping, 6th Combined
Under 15, Large – Chloe Bales and Nova – 8th in Agility, 12th in Jumping, 11th Combined
Under 19, Medium – Ava Gardner and Merlee – 10th Agility, 16th Combined
Under 19, Large – Charlotte Gunby and Archie – 4th in Agility, 19th Combined
Tessa Trusner and Lina – 11th in Agility, 12th in Jumping, 5th Combined
Sterling Wanninger and JT – 6th in Agility, 19th in Jumping, 7th Combined
Jada Sawhney and Smudge – 10th in Agility, 13th in Jumping, 8th Combined
Finley Richgels and Charisma – 7th in Agility
Katie Cones and Dash – 9th in Jumping
USA Teams – USA Smooth Criminals (Finley Richgels and Joker, Abigail Zerm and Taupe This!, Jada Sawhney and Zulu, Maggie Hill and Breeze) – 10th Combined Large
USA Up N’ Comin (Tessa Trusner and Lina, Charlotte Gunby and Archie, Katie Williamson and Voulez, Chloe Bales and Nova) – 11th Combined Large
USA Ankle Biters (Madeline Koeppe and Magic, Brie Schaff and Streak, Megdalyn Loesch and Daisy, Ryan Ford and Denali) – 13th Combined Small
But this adventure was not just about competing. From the Opening Ceremony (including a dance-off with Great Britain) to Closing (with an emotional send-off to those aging out), the team embraced the multitude of life experiences and lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, and friendship.
Congratulations to 2022 team:
Coach Susan Cochran
Assistant Coach Deb Schulman
Team Manager Debby DuBay
Small Dogs
Ryan Ford and Denali
Sarah Ford and Hazel
Maddie Koeppe and Magic
Meg Loesch and Daisy
Brie Schaff and Streak
Medium Dogs
Allyssa Daube and Piper
Ava Gardner and Merlee
Danielle Wagner and Rainee
Abby Zerm and Halley
Large Dogs
Chloe Bales and Nova
Deltin Cinotto and Rascal
Katie Cones and Dash
Katie Doane and Jolt
Katie Doane and Lucy
Ashlynn Faas and Nick
Tian Griffith and Luna
Charlotte Gunby and Archie
Maggie Hill and Breeze
Maggie Hill and Trix
Finley Richgels and Charisma
Finley Richgels and Joker
Jada Sawhney and Smudge
Jada Sawhney and Zula
Tessa Trusner and Lina
Danielle Wagner and Twix
Sterling Wanninger and JT
Kinze Williams and Voo
Katie Williamson and Voulez
Abby Zerm and Taupe This!
This experience wouldn’t have been possible without the very generous support of the agility community and fans. A huge thank-you to everyone who gave time, money, supplies, and support, including Poodle Club of America; Miniature American Shepherd Club of USA; Cocker Spaniel Club of RI; Heartland BC Club of America; Anoka County MN Kennel Club; American Spaniel Club; Megan Foster, Synergy Dog Sports; Squid vs. Shark Weekend (run by Jen Dreese, Lisa Mason Stoddard, Kathy Marshall); Nancy Gagliardi Little, Endzone Dog Sports; Cassie Schmidt and Lori Michaels for hosting Team Practice Weekend; York County Day School and Anthony Rotelle; WAG Wheatstate Agility Group; Dr. Christine Scruggs; Brilliant K9 for the team harnesses; MAD Agility for the team uniforms; Joyce Miller for the team duffle bags; Ann Koening; Leslie Nelson, Sarah Cassis, and Taylor Lima of Tails U Win; Stefanie Rainer; George Trainer, Ret USAF Purple Heart Recipient; Katie Cameron; Max200; Toby Neubig; AKC Agility judges Frank Gilmer, Tim Pinneri, and Cheri Tyre-Roberts; Talcott Mountain Agility Club; Bella Vista Training Center; Andi Turco-Leven; Joanne Smith; Grace Heck; Alyssia Black; Dr. Andrea Lee; North East Ohio English Cocker Spaniel Fanciers; Kathy Pudenz; Southern Adirondack Agility Club; and all the agility enthusiasts who donated and participated in fundraisers.
Donations can be made through PayPal.me/AKCEOJ18