From Marti Nickoli's speech at the 2000 ESSFTA Nationals . . .
In 1998 the ESSFTA voted to recognize the ultimate "do it all dog." It was Randy Capsel's idea and Randy was the driving force behind a two-year journey to put an award in place. We, the members of the Awards Committee attempted to put together certain criteria that would allow every springer an opportunity to earn this prestigious recognition. It is no easy feat…in fact it is down right challenging. The recipient must:
- Be a champion in one endeavor
- Achieve the highest level in a second endeavor
- Have accomplishments in at least two other areas
- Have one of the four areas be hunting or field
All together there are six possible endeavors - Breed, Obedience, Hunting, Tracking, Agility and Field. Accomplishments in all areas are considered to be titles earned.
Last year, we recognized the very first Versatile Springer.
This evening we are here to recognize the second and third Versatile Springers. Both of these dogs are delightful. They have been wonderful ambassadors for the breed, honoring the tradition of early multi-purpose dogs who made our breed so cherished. The awards will be announced in the order in which they were earned.
THE 1999 VERSATILE SPRINGERS ARE . . .
"RIP" - FC PRIDE 'N JOY'S SHORTSTOP, CD, MH, NA
(FC/AFC PONDVIEW'S WINDY ACRE'S YANKEE X FC/CFC SUNRISE RINGER, CD, MH)
March 24, 1994
Owner:
Janet l. Kolakoski
Read an interview with Julie Hogan, Rip's breeder, here
1994 1st place "Pee Wee Puppy Derby" Mid-Atlantic Hunting Spaniel Club
1995 Junior Hunter Title
1996 Companion Dog Title
1st Puppy Pittsburgh ESSFTC
3rd Puppy Bushy Hill SSFTA
UKC Agility Title U-AgI
1997 Senior Hunter Title
1998 Novice Agility Title
Win Amateur All-Age Central VA ESSFTC
4th Place Amateur All-Age Keystone ESSC
Win Open All-Age East Ontario ESSC/Canada
Win Open All-Age Maine Spaniel FTC
Master Hunter Title
UKC Companion Dog Title
1999 Win Open All -Age Keystone ESSC
Qualify/ Water Test Bushy Hill SSFTC
Field Trial Champion Title
CH. HILLCREST NAMTN KOCR COLOURS CD TD NA MH WDX VS
March 12, 1994
Breeder-owners:
Henriette Schmidt, Daisymae Mayer, Marah Bolden
Read more about Colours here. Commentary by Marti Nickoli.
1995 CGC
AKC Junior Hunter
1996 AKC Senior Hunter
1997 AKC Master Hunter
ESSFTA Working Dog Excellent
AKC Companion Dog
1998 AKC Conformation Champion
(Group IV - Field of Champions Invitational Dog Exposition)
1999 AKC Novice Agility
2000 AKC Tracking Dog
