May 11-14, 2012, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Team USA was an impressive force at the event, bringing home an amazing 36 medals, 14 of them gold. The team won many individual and all-around awards as well as the team championship. This success was truly a team effort, with parts played not only by the competitors but also the team coach, Rachel Sanders, team manager, Dave Grubel, and various spouses, friends, and helpers. The end result was not only a team that won, it was a team that worked well together. Sanders says, “I heard so many compliments about the team from spectators, members of other teams, and their coaches about how cohesive our team was, how they supported each other and had their heads in the game and the event. That, in addition to all the hard work and training before the event, showed itself in the results.” Grubel agreed: “[There was a] great atmosphere and camaraderie within Team USA, as well as with other teams. Team USA really gelled once we all arrived in Texas and I think that showed with our performance.”
Team members got a lot out of the competition, from enjoyment to exciting challenges. Stuart Mah, who medaled in several classes, says, “I thoroughly enjoyed the event. Attending these events always makes you take your agility performance to the next level. It becomes contagious so that everybody pushes the performances to become better with each run. Thanks to Rachel and Dave, our coaches. Also thanks to USDAA for hosting the event.” Jeannette Hutchison, who also made it to the podium many times, says, “I had a wonderful experience. The Team was great and I enjoyed the friendships that will last a lifetime. So many highs and some lows watching all the teams run…. Everyone supported all the teams, regardless of nation.” Kevin Brown, who was very successful with his Shetland Sheepdog, Hunter, adds, “This was my first international experience and I could not have enjoyed it any better. Our coaches Rachel Sanders and Dave Grubel did a great job of making us a team and doing all the little things to help us all succeed. I will never forget the support from my teammates and the home crowd cheering every time I went to the line to run. I was very proud to represent the USA and Hunter and I thank you all for your support.” And Dudley Fontaine, the only team member to compete with two dogs on the team, says “I am so proud and grateful to have been part of Team USA for the IFCS 2012 World Championships! The facility was lovely, [with] gorgeous footing, great equipment, and challenging courses. Everyone that was a part of the team: fellow competitors, coaches, and supporters worked together to create a fantastic group. It was a pleasure and an honor.”
Team Triathlon (Overall Team Winners)
Gold Medal, USA1
Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble
Jean Lavalley and Cheer
Stuart Mah and Ares
Silver Medal, USA2
Kevin Brown and Hunter
Terry Smorch and Presto
Mia Grant and Vic
12″ Class
Dana Chamberlain and Tangle
Gold Medal, Individual Snooker
Bronze Medal, Individual Jumpers
Gold Medal, Biathlon
Daneen Fox and Masher
Gold Medal, Individual Jumpers
Andy Mueller and Crackers
Gold Medal, Individual Standard
Silver Medal, Individual Gamblers
Silver Medal, Individual Jumpers
Gold Medal, Individual All-Around
Silver Medal, Biathlon
16″ Class
Maureen Waldron and Mickle
Bronze Medal, Individual Gamblers
Bronze Medal, Individual Jumpers
Jean Lavalley and Cheer
Silver Medal, Individual Snooker
Gold Medal, Individual Standard
Silver Medal, Individual Jumpers
Silver Medal, Individual All-Around
Gold Medal, Biathlon
Kevin Brown and Hunter
Gold Medal, Individual Snooker
Silver Medal, Individual Standard
Gold Medal, Individual Gamblers
Silver Medal, Biathlon
22″ Class
Stuart Mah and Ares
Silver Medal, Individual Standard
Gold Medal, Individual Gamblers
Gold Medal, Individual Jumpers
Gold Medal, Biathlon
Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble
Bronze Medal, Individual Snooker
Gold Medal, Individual Standard
Silver Medal, Biathlon
Dudley Fontaine and Sweet
26″ Class
Mia Grant and Vic
Silver Medal, Biathlon
Terry Smorch and Presto
Silver Medal, Individual Snooker
Silver Medal, Individual Jumpers
Bronze Medal, Individual All-Around
Dudley Fontaine and Maverick (replaced Ann and Scream)
Bronze Medal, Individual Snooker
Silver Medal, Individual All-Around
Bronze Medal, Biathlon
Ann Braue and Scream (unable to compete due to illness)