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Novice & Advanced Class Action: Both novice & advanced classes were created this year from the old amateur division. Creating two new classes expanded the competition opportunity for newer trainers and younger dogs of more experienced trainers. We are proud of our commitment to the growth of our sport by inclusion of these classes where by newer trainers can gain valuable insight and training education from the pro’s and veterans who attend this competition. In the novice class overall, Steve Olsen & Zeus took the top dog honors by beating out Darrel Earle, who finished 2nd & 3rd with Nitro Nana & Bo. Steve was last year’s amateur champion and won again in this new class even with a foot fault in the speed disc event. Darrel Earle & Nitro Nana edged out David St. Clair & Sketch by 6 tenths of a second in the novice speed disc event. Robert Gutierrez & Kekoa rounded out the field. Steve Olsen & Zeus edged out David Rosell & Tango by one point in the novice distance pyramid, followed by 10 year old David Brisse & Zipper, who edged out Mimi Winter & Reactor Core by just 2 feet 6 inches. Darrel Earle & his two dogs Bo and Nitro Nana respectively dominated the novice obstacle course, rounded out by Steve Olsen & Zeus. Darrel was on fire all weekend on the obstacle course, making the finals in the match play championship round on Sunday against Mark Brisse & Gabby.
The advanced class included a one minute freestyle event that saw some exciting action from what will become the next generation of pros. In the advanced overall, Clint Marlow & Casey took first place with strong scoring on the distanced pyramid and obstacle course, and most importantly gathering points on all of the objectively scored disciplines. Cassi Anderson & Gwnevere cruised to a 2nd place finish even with a crushing blank in the speed disc event. Rounding out 3rd was a surprising performance from 10 year old Katie Brisse & Zipper, who showed a veteran-like competition demeanor by scoring in all the events. Katie Brisse & Zipper won the advanced freestyle event by edging out Jim Florence & Rain by 1.25 points. Rounding out the event was Cassi Anderson & Gwnevere. Katie & Zipper topped the speed disc event, followed by Clint & Casey and 3rd went to Jeff Hill & Sydney. Clint & Casey topped the distance pyramid, followed by Cassi & Gwnevere and 3rd going to Jennie Byassee & Jake. Finally, on the obstacle course, Clint & Casey once again came out on top, followed by Jeff & Sydney with 3rd going to Cassi & Gwnevere.
Pro Class Action: In the pro class overall, Darron Barrus & The Moo came focused with all eyes on the prize, knowing full well that every throw counted, and count they did, topping the class with 88.25 points out of a possible 100. Robert Gutierrez & Zephyer came in second, even though Robert was competing with a serious injury to his hand sustained while water skiing weeks before the event. Rounding it all out was Matt Diano & Maggie. Matt’s nick name is “all or nothing” and this year it put him and Maggie on the winner podium, nudging out Roo & Wallace by a mere quarter point. The pro freestyle was as close as it has ever been, with not a full point separating the top three. Last year’s Cynosport champs, Roo Yori & Wallace rose to the top, followed by Steve Malmlov & Foster, with Darron Barrus & The Moo taking third.
The pro speed disc was fast and furious with Matt & Maggie coming out on top with the lowest time of 25:53 seconds, earning 9 points. The next fastest time went to Al Erikson & George at 27:53 seconds for 8.5 points. George has been a best small dog winner at this event and he and Al proved without a doubt they can run with the big dogs. Darron & The Moooooo took 3rd with a time of 30:16 seconds for 8.5 points. The pro distance pyramid was a game of inches as Steve & Foster pushed the disc down field to 165 feet, coming out on top by just 6 inches over Darron & The Moo. Mark & Gabby took 3rd at 157.1. Matt Meiring & Buckaroo scored big and often on the pro obstacle course with a 35 out of 40 points. Roo & Wallace followed with 33 pts. Darron & The Moo brought up the rear with 32 pts. Further examination of the scoring box shows a tough miss on the 6th station for Darron for a 1 point catch.
Obstacle Course Match Play Championship: This year’s match play championship had an interesting turn of events. Through 3 rounds of exciting competition, the cream began to rise. Making the journey to the semi final round was last year’s champion and record holder, Mark Brisse & Gabby, last year’s finalist, Matt Meiring & Buckaroo, and Darrel Earle with Bo & Nito Nana. It was shaping up to be a finals match if Darrel could win with both of his dogs in the semi. In round one of the semi, Mark & Gabby beat Darrel & Nitro Nana 4 to 2, and in round 2 Darrel & Bo beat Matt & Buckaroo 3 to 2. This set up a finals match featuring Mark & Gabby vs. Darrel & Bo. The stands were full of cheering crowds as they watched the match unfold through twelve stations of play. With the score standing at 5 to 2 with three left to play Mark & Gabby shut the door on Darrel & Bo by completing station 10 for the max 7 points.
Cynosport Overall Championship: The Cynosport overalls represent an Olympic style decathlon. Competitors in the pro class combine all 4 FDDO event scores along with their best score from the AWI Semi final freestyle round to determine the placing. Getting to the winner podium here requires competitors to have a tremendous amount of stamina, as well as demonstrating the highest degree of dog and disc training skills along with the ability to put it all on the line in one big weekend. Darron Barrus & The Moo ($300) with 132.35 points came out on top for the 07 Cynosport championship and took home the gold, followed by (06 Cynosport gold medalist) Roo Yori & Wallace Silver medalist ($200) with 128.30 points, and Matt Diano & Maggie Bronze medalist ($100) with 126.85 points. Of interesting note, Roo & Wallace were poised on Sunday to take home the gold once again. Unfortunately, they had a difficult and uncharacteristic time making the catch in speed disc ring, which proved to be their Achilles Heal. All three finishers announced that a portion of their winnings would go help animal organizations of their choice, showing great sportsmanship and generosity.
Thanks and Kudos: Another awesome weekend of disc dogging and friendship is
in the history book. I first would like to thank Mr. Ken Tatsch and the great folks Bill Watters/Director |
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True to the extremes we experience in the
Sonoran Desert, so it was this year at the 07 Cynosport World Games held at West World in Scottsdale, Arizona. The mercury rose almost 30 degrees from the cool morning temps of the low 60’s to a high of
90. The disc dog action was intense, surprising and hotter than the field temperatures. This season kicked off a new era for the FDDO with new classes, rules and scoring changes. All of which created
more opportunities, excitement and multiple successes for the competitors across the board. For the Brisse’s and their 10 year old triplets; Katie,
Nicole, and David, it was a family vacation that would give Disneyland a run for its money. Another story is that of Benny and Becky Wong, who have competed in the FDDO
since the beginning, making this their 13th year. These are just a few of the colorful stories that are the backdrop and mantra of sportsmanship, family and fun that is the FDDO.
at the CynoSport World Games for all their hard work and dedication promoting dog sporting events. Ken contacted me over 4 years ago with an "out of the box" idea
about an event that could merge multiple disc dog organizations for a new kind of disc dog championship. A championship requiring a shift in event paradigm, and a new
spirit of cooperation from both organizers and competitors, alike. This is what has been transpiring in Arizona over the years. 
As we learn and grow each year, this event has gotten better and better. You can expect your experience at the CWG to be top notch. More
thanks to the AWI and their crew for running a great event as always, Alex Stein, Tom & Chris Wehrli, Ed Jakubowski, Lawrence Fredrick and Chris Sexton. Added thanks to Hero Disc USA;
John Ahart, Sam Ferrins and Shimbo for their sponsorship of AWI and CWG, 
including their generosity for the pizza & beer party on Friday night and discs for the event. I would like to mention Hyperflite for also contributing discs and cool store items to the
FDDO. And finally to a wonderful crew, who has supported and believed in this event over the years, another warm heartfelt thanks. You are without a doubt the best and most friendliest group of disc
dogging fanatics out there; Mike Miller, Brad Harris, Brian & Melinda Heuett, Manny Rodriguez, Ken Roberts, Bob & Kathy Swan, and Patrick & Elizabeth (PHADD
Members) who helped out on Saturday. Last but not least, I can not forget all the enthusiastic
competitors who truly supported this event and showed the crowds at the CWG what our sport is all about.