NBHA Northern Regional Championship 3-28-26 results
Championship Caption:
(l to r) Zach Erne, Chelsea Novak, Judge Mick Rodegherio, Brandon Smith, Garry Malzone, Jillian Stuhr with CH Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior, James Kleve, Mary Sue Schalk, John Dlobik, Deb Dlobik, Andrea Ward with RUCH Tallgrass King, Tom Waite, Ken Millikin, Judge Chad Chawell and Chris Fields.
The 2026 NBHA Northern Regional Championship was held at the Yellowstone Wildlife Management Area, near Argyle WI. The grounds are very rolling with plenty of acreage to allow a dog to stretch their legs yet be in touch with their handler. No mowing was done this past summer which provided dense cover with patches of thorns. The 12 O'clock FTC hosts a very welcoming, warm event, and this year was no different. The field consisted of American Field/UKC Champions as well as major Futurity winners. Thank you to each owner and handler who joined this Championship.
Our judges this year were Chad Chadwell of Springfield, IL and Michael Rodegherio of Duluth, MN. These two gentlemen are duly qualified, and kept a keen eye on all the competitors. They did a great job and were welcomed kindly by all participants. Thank you, Chad and Mick!
This year drew a reputable entry from across the country. We welcomed entries from professional trainers traveling from New Jersey, Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin, as well as a handful of amateur handlers. We experienced cool temperatures and brisk winds that kept the wind chill between 35-40 degrees each day. The cool temps, strong wind and a blue bird sky made it tough for bird finding! Numerous dogs finished the hour, including...Indian Creek Spur (Malzone), Indian Creek Pineapple (Malzone), Blair’s Holy Thunder (Waite), Erin’s Deja Vue (Malzone), Raintree’s Simply Singular (Waite), Baker’s Shining Star Duke (Baker), Boatright’s Iron Eagle (Kleve), Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior (Malzone), Kissimmee’s Grousewood’s Tea (Malzone), Tallgrass King (Waite) and Hytime Dixie (Kleve).
The 2024 NBHA Northern Regional Champion is Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior (Malzone) who ran in the seventh brace (first on Friday morning). The Runner Up Champion this year is Tallgrass King (Waite). King ran Friday morning just prior to lunch.
CH Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior (Buddy), is a male Pointer owned by Jillian Stuhr, handled by Garry Malzone and scouted by Jillian all from Indian Creek Kennels out of Franklin, NJ. Buddy, and his bracemate Boatright’s Maverick, both started boldly to the front after the breakaway. Neither dog was seen after the first few turns but Buddy was found pointed to the front at the 18 minute mark. Garry flushed and all was in order. Buddy was carried forward and after another 5-7 minutes James requested the tracker for Maverick. Garry handled Buddy through the back of the course, securing another two finds. He punctuated his win with a good finish to the front. He was classy on the ground, handled kindly and stayed comfortably to the front.
RUCH Tallgrass King (King), is a male Gordon Setter owned by Michael Tewes of Sioux Falls, SD, handled by Tom Waite and scouted by Andrea Ward all from Dale Creek Gundogs. King, and his bracemate Kissimmee’s Grousewood’s Tea, both started strong with Tea disappearing to the front. King was quick, snappy and light on his feet, always seen to the front. Tea appeared at the 15 minute mark and secured a find with all in order. As we approached Tea, King was found pointed 75 yards in front of her. Tom flushed with all in order. King continued to be bold and snappy. He was hitting the edges and the cover even through the thorns. King’s finish sealed the deal for this young and exciting Gorgon Setter!
After completing the Championship, we started the derby stake Sunday morning. Our judges were John and Deb Dlobik. We can’t thank them enough for sticking around and watching these youngsters. The stake drew eight competitive derbies – two of which are battling it out for NBHA Open Derby of the Year! Derby placements were secured as follows. First place went to Loghome Lizzie, a tri-color female English Setter, owned by Rick Torres of Burlington, WI and handled by Tom Waite. Indian Creek Arrowhead (Scooter), an exciting female Pointer, owned by Jillian Stuhr and handled by Garry Malzone, both from Franklin, NJ. Rounding out the placements was Run to Wynn, a male Pointer, owned by Brett Eikenbary of Mt. Croy, OH and handled by Zach Erne of Rittman, OH. Wynn is the ‘leader in the clubhouse’ for the NBHA Derby of the Year, with Lizzie a close second! All three placements showed application and desire for the entire 30 minutes.
The 12 O'clock FTC would like to thank our national sponsors, Purina Pro Plan, Garmin, Mule Brand Clothing, OnX Hunt, Gun Dog Supply and Gun Dog Central. We also would like to thank our dedicated dog wagon driver Milt Shafer, bird planter John Dlobik and scouts, who helped everyone who needed assistance, for their time and hard work. It is greatly appreciated!
