Day 1 - Friday, May 2

Friday, May 2nd was the beginning of an exciting weekend with USA's top dogs and handlers arriving in Minnesota to heavy wind and rain. Our typical, wonderful Minnesota spring-time weather was missing with cold rain being the norm for the day. Despite the weather, check in went smooth.

Each handler and dog took their turn practicing on the equipment for a total of 6 minutes, comprised of three, 2 minute sequenced courses designed by World Team Coach, Nancy Gyes, and her Assistant Coach, Kathie Leggett. Toni Osojnicki, Trial Secretary, did her usual, outstanding job of organizing all the paperwork and scheduling of the practice times while Chairman, Lori Copsey, had both the food and event superbly organized as everyone arrived.

The draw for running order occurred at 6:00 P.M. Elicia Calhoun donated clickers that were hung on USA red, white, and blue neck bands - each displaying a random number. Each handler determined their spot in the running order by pulling a clicker out of the bowl. Current Director of Agility, Sharon Anderson, introduced the new Director of Agility, Andy Hartman, who received a warm reception from the crowd with the announcement of his June 30th start date. In great appreciation for all of her efforts towards AKC's agility program, the crowd also gave Sharon Anderson a standing ovation.

Sponsor, I Love Dogs, Inc. was present to give each exhibitor a wonderful red golf knit shirt for them to proudly wear commencing their World Team Tryouts participation. Appreciation gifts were given by AKC and I Love Dogs to judges, Scott Chamberlain and Don Farage. Their difficult task of sorting out the team members for the World Agility Championship in Helsinki, Finland begins tomorrow with three rounds of agility that will determine one team member per height in the 14", 18", and 26" jump height classes.