The 2024 Flyball CanAm Classic raced to ESPN2 screens on November 17 as the nation’s largest flyball tournament. The action took place in Indianapolis, IN, at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The tournament was hosted by the North American Flyball Association (NAFA), and featured Premier and Multibreed tournaments. The teams battled it out bracket-style to see who was the speediest in the relay-style competition.
Each class ran in a single-elimination tournament, with the best three out of five runs. Teams that lost ran against each other in the first round to determine the where each team fell in a ranking of seven in the Premier tournament, and four in the Multibreed class.
Premier First Place
Skidmarkz Silent But Deadly
Winning a best three out of five races in the final round, Skidmarkz Silent But Deadly from Iowa City, Iowa, beat out High Velocity. Last year, Skidmarkz came in first place against Run Free. The team consisted of five dogs, as well as handlers and members Steve Branin, Emily Helin, Jayne McQuillen, Luke Montgomery, Nicole Ortz, and Katie Weihbrecht.
Start Dog: “Wire,” an All-American Dog
Second Dog: “Fission,” an All-American Dog
Third Dog: “Juice,” an All-American Dog
Anchor Dog: “Mission,” an All-American Dog
Alternate (Start Dog): “Mission,” an All-American Dog
Multibreed First Place
Skidmarkz Wet N’ Wild
This team from Iowa City, Iowa, won the Multibreed competition, beating out ‘Some Ruff Competition,’ a team from Ontario, Canada. The team consisted of five dogs, as well as handlers and members Gillian Cochrane, Emily Helin, Jayne McQuillen, Janessa Montgomery, Luke Montgomery, Hannah Ringsdorf, and Katie Weihbrecht.
Start Dog: “Pixar,” a Whippet
Second Dog: “Paint,” a Border Collie
Third Dog: “Flex,” an All-American Dog
Anchor Dog: “Mango,” a Brittany
Alternate (Start Dog): “Duck”
Final Placings
NAFA CanAm Regular Premier Class
- Skidmarkz Silent But Deadly
- High Velocity
- Full Tilt
- Launch
- Canine Dirt Diggers
- Animal Inn
- On the Fly
NAFA CanAm Multibreed Class
- Skidmarkz Wet N’ Wild
- Some Ruff Competition
- Spring Loaded
- Fur Fun
Want to Get Started in Flyball?
If seeing Flyball on TV has gotten you excited about participating with your own dog, getting started is easier than you think. The best way is to find a club near you that offers classes. Because Flyball is a team sport, you’re going to want to find a team that works for both you and your dog.
If you’re not ready to go to a class, many clubs host online classes and seminars, and you can try practicing jumps with at-home flyball equipment.
While you’re searching for Flyball clubs in your state, you can also read the NAFA Rule book to familiarize yourself with the sport.
Don’t think Flyball is for you? Don’t worry! There are many dog sports that are suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities.
The post Meet the Winners of the 2024 Canine Flyball CanAm Classic appeared first on American Kennel Club.