The 2022 Super Retriever Series (SRS) began in fashion at the annual Big Hats and Bowties event at the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana. This year, 68 professional and amateur teams will compete in a five-day event that hosts the best retriever/handler teams from around the country.
Handlers, owners, and even the dogs themselves kicked off the event by sporting their finery on the “pink carpet” before being ushered into the event center by the Shreveport Second Line Brass Band. After introductory remarks by Shannon Nardi, owner/operator of Dancin Dog Productions, and a state of the SRS address by Leo Joseph, the ceremony began by presenting the Nike Award to Scott Greer of Dyersburg, Tennessee. The Nike award is a peer-awarded honor given to competitors who embody the spirit of the SRS in their integrity and sportsmanship. 2021 Nike Award winner, Luke Cour presented the award to Greer, a twenty-year SRS competitor, amid a room of applause and encouraging remarks.
“Being judged and recognized by your peers is the ultimate reward and I feel very honored,” said Greer. “This award means a ton to me because more than being known as a dog handler I want to be known for my character and for being a good Christian man.”
After the presentation of the Nike award, Shannon Nardi named the 2022 Eukanuba Teams of the Year. John Lamar and his Labrador-retriever Smokie received first place in the amateur division, with Ernest D’Antoni/Bang and Dustin Hightower/Jeep received second and third place respectively.
In the open division, Stephen Durrence/Onyx took the first position, while Leo Joseph/Gus placed second, and Justin Hergert/Cash finished in third.
The first series of this year’s SRS Crown Championship will begin at 8 am on November 2 at the Palmetto Golf Course in Benton, Louisiana. The judges for this year’s SRS Crown Championship include Randy Price, Jerry Day, and Shawn Sims. The event is free and open to the public.
