As the long, hot summer comes to an end, the eyes of the sporting dog world are cast towards Missoula, Montana — the site of the first event of the 2002/2003 ESPN Super Retriever Series October 10-13. Each made-for-TV Super Retriever Series event serves as an official qualifier for the ESPN Great Outdoor Games held each July.

Registered Teams

Scott Marcin/Maggie — Gallatin, TN Jeff M. Smith, Jr./Nitro — Missoula, MT Alan Catey/Boon — Missoula , MT Doris Hunter/Bear — Ronan, MT John Robinson/Yoda — Kalispell, MT Eric Fangsrud/Ritz — Ronan, MT Roger Fangsrud/Lil — Missoula, MT Armand Fangsrud/Mahfi — Missoula, MT Randy Huenergardt/Dixie — Florence, MT Jack Jagoda/Elvis — Goldvein, VA Larry Calvert/Windy — Charlo, MT Mrs. Leigh Larsen/Sweetie — Ronan, MT Diana Wilson/Eddy — Ronan, MT Raymond St. John/Krammer — Medimont, ID Jerry Holden — Clinton, MS

This year's events include an expanded four-day format featuring 50 of the nation's top retriever/handler teams, and an open competition in the "Big Air" category. Maloney Ranch in Missoula will be the setting Thursday for the first day of retriever qualifying. The competition then shifts to the Western Montana Retriever Club Friday, Saturday and Sunday as 25 teams compete for their place in the ESPN televised coverage. Competition begins at 7:00AM on Thursday and Friday, 8:00 AM on the weekend.

The unique Super Retriever Series format is designed to simulate a true hunting scenario that tests each dog/handler team and pushes natural instinct and trainability to the limits. The team that can retrieve the allotted number of "birds" with the fewest penalties, using time as a tie breaker, will take home the championship and earn a trip to the Great Outdoor Games.

"There is no question we are going to have the best retrievers in the world competing this season" said ESPN Great Outdoor Games and Super Retriever Series organizer Justin Tackett. "We are just thrilled to be heading to Missoula to give the teams out west a chance to get to the Great Outdoor Games."

	A Big Air event will be open to the public at the Missoula Super Retreiver Series.

A Big Air competition will also be held as a part of each Super Retriever Series event. The canine long jumpers will start their qualifying round Saturday at 2:00 PM, with the finals on Sunday afternoon also beginning at 2:00 PM. If you're looking for your shot at becoming a Big Air champion you can register on site Saturday morning 11 AM - 1 PM at the Western Montana Retriever Club or pre-register online at www.SuperRetrieverSeries.com. Registration for Retriever Trials is $100, Big Air registration is $25 and is open to the public.

The Super Retriever Series will be televised on ESPN2 beginning in June, 2003. Admission is free and dogs are welcome. The final two events of the season will be held at Mack's Prairie Wings in Stuttgart, Arkansas on March 13-16, and in Northfield, Minnesota in May at Tom Dokken's Oak Ridge Kennels (date TBD).

Additional information

Sponsors of the ESPN Super Retriever Series are Brunton, Natural Life Pet Products, PetSafe, Mack's Prairie Wings, and Dokken's Deadfowl Trainer.

JM Associates would like to recognize and extend a special thanks to the following people for playing an integral part in bringing the Super Retriever Series Trials to Missoula, Montana: C'Mon Inn, Best Western Grant Creek, Ruby's Inn, Dollar Rent a Car, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Missoula Downtown Association and Outback Steakhouse. For addresses, and phone numbers, or for more information on these fine establishments, please visit www.exploremissoula.com