AKC OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD NOMINATIONS
The following BSCA Members have been nominated for the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. I was quite conflicted with the
nominations, and was going to withhold two of them, because I felt that many may think it was planned, but I decided in all honesty,
ALL the nominations submitted to me should be read and voted on by our Membership. This is truly and completely coincidental—
The list of nominees are posted in the order which they were received:
Marion Heise
I wish to nominate Marion Heise for the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award and Medallion for 2015. Marion is a tireless worker for
the BSCA. To my knowledge, she is the most qualified, and certainly the most willing, accountant-member to act as BSCA Treasurer, a
position she has filled for a several years. Prior to that she was Recording Secretary. She has also served the BSCA as Chief Ring
Steward at National Specialties and by serving on the National Specialty Advisory Committee and the Constitution Committee. Marion
was instrumental in establishing the BSCA Rescue Trust and has seen it through the first five (5) years of its work. Her continued
service provides continuity to the BSCA Board.
She is a responsible breeder who takes good care of all her dogs into and through old age. She is always willing to help both
established members and new fanciers with the intricacies of BSCA membership, dog shows and dog showing. I believe she is an
imminently suitable BSCA member to receive this award.
Respectfully submitted,
Claire Trethewey
Barbara Trezza
In 1991 my husband and I were looking for a Belgian Sheepdog. Since the Internet was unavailable, a local kennel gave me a listing of
breeders from an “AKC Breeders Directory.” There were four names for NJ breeders, which we contacted. Only one took the time to
talk to me and spent well over an hour educating me on Belgian Sheepdogs. Although she had no puppies available, she gave me a
contact and shortly afterward we brought home our first Belgian Sheepdog puppy, Bullet. I did call her back to thank her, and shortly
afterward I received a very nice note along with information about joining the BSCA as well as a local Belgian Club. As I was not
interested in dog clubs, or dog shows, I just kept her lovely note.
Ten years later, when we wanted another Belgian, I contacted the ‘nice lady’. We chatted for quite a while and again she had no
puppies but referred me to a few breeders. That resulted in TWO puppies (and that’s a story in itself) but now we had a show puppy--and I had to learn all about showing a dog. And then came that fateful day when I finally met the ‘nice lady’.
Because of how she has affected my life, both in the Belgian world and personally, I nominate Barbara Trezza for the AKC Outstanding
Sportsmanship Award. She is a Lifetime BSCA Member, an AKC Breeder of Merit, an AKC Breed Judge, a mentor, a confidante, and
wonderful friend.
Barbara never ceases to talk about her beloved Belgians and willingly shares her knowledge (and she has forgotten more than I’ll ever
know) readily to anyone who may ask her anything about a Belgian Sheepdog. Barbara is always smiling and encouraging. I have
seen her ease a newcomer’s fear and offer support at ringside. She is proud of her wins and always congratulates fellow competitors
when defeated -- in style.
As a judge, she is honest. I’ve seen her be gentle and fun examinating puppies, encouraging to exhibitors, and pleasant and respectful
to everyone in her ring.
As a breeder, she is a stickler for temperament, health and structure. The dogs she’s bred produced many winners—not only in the
show ring, but more importantly, by winning the hearts and enriching the lives of the people who are and were lucky enough to have
one of her Belgians as a family member.
As a BSCA Club member, Barbara has been a productive member for a very long time. She has done past newsletters (before digital
submissions and printers), chaired a few National Specialties, and has been a Board member. She is also a member and has held
several officer positions in the Raritan Belgian Sheepdog Club and some All-Breed Kennel Clubs in both NJ and in GA.
To me, this is what “Outstanding Sportsmanship” is all about and it is my honor to nominate Barbara Trezza for this year’s AKC
Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.
Respectfully submitted,
Carleen Wiles
Julie Hite
I nominate Julie Hite. Julie is a long time BSCA member, BSD owner and breeder. Julie participates in multiple venues with her
Belgians and ALWAYS has a smile for everyone she meets. Julie is welcoming to new fanciers and willing to provide guidance to new
owners based upon what she has learned over the years.
Julie is also active in Columbus All Breed Training Club and the National Border Terrier Club.
Sincerely
Sherri Swabb
Sarron Belgians
Linda Stuart Brady
Linda loves to win. And she has, many times, in conformation, obedience, and agility. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit. Dogs bred by
Linda are wonderful in temperament and work ethic, they are usually beautiful and have earned many awards in their own right! She is
a professional dog trainer and always a true competitor. In her classes, she works every day to ensure that all of her students’ dogs
can “give her a run for her money,” no small task since she is a spectacular trainer and her dogs often set the performance standard.
She loves to help people understand the goals of competition, and encourages each of her students to set high standards for
themselves and their dogs.
From a personal perspective, she has encouraged me to pursue goals that were not even on my radar. With her help and support, I
have achieved more with my Belgian Sheepdog than ever seemed possible. As I observe her work with and interact with other people
training (and loving) their dogs, I have been most impressed by her unerring refusal to write someone off or give up on a human/dog
team. As long as a person (or a dog) was willing to try—she sticks with the team and brings them along, with encouragement, tough
love, gentle love, humor, and persistence.
A true sportsman or sportswoman is someone who takes the competitive challenge, is willing to put themselves on the line again and
again, and encourages others to be all that they can be, always celebrating and believing that each of us is enriched by good
competition and each other’s successes.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Agacinski
Carleen Wiles
I first "met" Carleen, by mail, in 1991 when she contacted me about a puppy. I didn't have a puppy available for her but sent her to
someone else. Our paths didn't cross again until she was looking for another puppy some years later. I still didn't have anything for her
but suggested another breeder. This time we actually met in person when she picked up her puppy. We got to know each other better
and I now consider myself fortunate to call her friend.
Friendship doesn't make you a Good Sportsman Candidate, your actions do. If there's a job that needs to be done, Carleen will do it
and do it well! She has been the main fund raiser for the Raritan Belgian Sheepdog Club for at least the past 10 years. Even when
running a very successful business with her husband, Carleen always made time to get things done. She eagerly stepped up to act as
Show Chairman for the 2012 BSCA National Specialty and put on an excellent show. Win or lose, Carleen is always complimentary to
the Winners and humble in accepting Congratulations.
Carleen also sees all dogs and most people with her heart. She sees the best in every one!! Because she sees the best in people, she
brings out the best in them.
The AKC Code of Sportsmanship says, in part: "Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous
competition, as well as winning and losing with grace."
Carleen believes in following the rules and she believes in being fair to all, that epitomizes Good Sportsmanship. She wants to help
newcomers any way she can, she wants everyone to have an equal opportunity to be their best. She shows dogs because she loves
them, winning is certainly something she enjoys but I know she feels she always takes the "BEST" dog home to sleep on her bed.
Sincerely,
Barbara L Trezza