Our club began with the inspiration and vision of a group of sportsmen. The year was 1950.
Motivated by a love of wingshooting over trained field dogs and dedicated to improving the performance of their own gundogs,
the group formed the Southern Michigan Springer Spaniel Training Club. Our club constitution states that the club exists
to "Promote the English Springer Spaniel as a Field and Hunting Dog". We are as dedicated now as they were in 1950.
John Blanock, a newcomer to Springer Spaniel Field Trials probably never dreamed he would impact the sport, promote the breed and assist the direction of the club he helped found over 55 years ago. John passed away early in 2005. Behind he left years of memories and friendships formed with both his contemporaries and newcomers to the sport. Those who came to know him remember him as a man of character, honesty and generosity. As a 20 year club president he helped to promote every club field trial, training session and advised novice trainers. The Blanocks hosted weekly training at their farm. During field trials whether he was running his dogs in competition, planting birds or shagging he engaged each task willingly. He took great pride in the efficiency with which we held our events. Starting on time and addressing every detail was his goal and is still the hallmark of our trial. Roy French, Larry McQeen, Steve Studnicki the Chudley brothers from England were John's peers. Each a great contributor to the sport.
Breeding puppies, starting a new prospect, judging trials all were the aspects of the sport activities he engaged in. After his passing his daughters spoke of his love for the game. For the members it was obvious in the enthusiasm he showed during club events. Watching young prospects develop in the field was his joy. He was inspired by the work of accomplished and competent gundogs whether they worked in competition or as club gundogs. He owned and trained several champions. John judged the 1962 National Trial. His proudest moment ,achieved with his dog Meadowcourt Daniel, was being awarded Best Dog Handled by an Amateur at the 1963 National Field Trial.
We will commemorate that accomplishment and the man at our annual field trial by making an award to the "Best Dog Handled by an Amateur in the Open All-Age Stake" (pictured above). A bronze statue of a springer spaniel flushing a pheasant will be presented by the club and engraved with the name of dog and handler who wins each year.
In later years he was always looking to promote one of his pups. "If I get one more good breeding I'm going to make a run at this thing." Forever the competator his spirit continues in the club he helped establish through all those years. We have a great many memories of John. A greatful club continues the grand tradition of upland shooting sport over fine dogs
John Skiba