Preston Anderson Named 2023 Youth Handler of the Year
During the 2024 MNRC mandatory Handlers Meeting, Jack Morris, President of the MNRC Foundation, happily introduced Preston Anderson of Charlotte, TN as the 2023 Youth Handler of the Year in the 13 to 17 year old category. As a 16 y/o first-time MNRC handler in Thomasville, GA, Preston and Sprig, his 2 ½ year old yellow Lab made it to the 3rd series before going out on the water blind.
Preston and Sprig are back again for the 2024 MNRC Hunt Test and will be competing in Flight G. Preston has participated in all of Sprig’s training with help and guidance from Jodi Ware. Preston was presented with the Youth Handler of the Year plaque, his name has been inscribed on the 13 to 17 year old Youth Handler of the Year perpetual plaque, which is displayed at every MNRC annual event, and he received a check for $1,000.
Following the presentation and a huge round of applause, Preston thanked the Foundation for the award as well as all those who have helped him along the way. He specifically thanked Jodi Ware for all of his help and support.
Attendees were reminded by Mr. Morris, “The future of our sport is handlers just like Preston. If you train with, hunt with, or see youth handlers at the weekend hunt tests, I know all of you will help and encourage them.”
As has been reported on the MNRC Blog, the 2023 Bill T. Teague Handler of the Year Award was recently presented to Dr. Katie Quarles, DVM of Washington State. You can read all about Katie and her devotion to dogs, handlers, and the MNRC on the Master National website.
Mr. Morris also used a small portion of the presentation time to remind all of the history of the establishment of the Foundation Awards program and shared a glimpse his personal friendship with the late Bill T. Teague, for whom the adult Handler of the Year award is named. A complete history of the Foundation and the Foundation Awards program can be found on the MNRC website.
All 2024 participants are encouraged to watch those around you during this year’s MNRC Hunt Test and submit an awards nomination. Information regarding the criteria for nominating someone and how to submit a nomination for in any of these Foundation award categories can be found on the MNRC website. Nominations open at the conclusion of the 2024 event and will close on November 30, 2024.
Morris concluded the Foundation awards presentation by reminding all that “our sport is all the better because of your participation and good luck to all handlers and dogs.”
