There are no more storied or scenic prairie field trial grounds than the Johnson Ranches near Trail City, South Dakota, where the Southwestern Championship moved from Arkansas many years ago, thanks to Marshall Loftin who summer trained there more than three decades. From Scull Peak, the highest point, one can see thirty-five miles of unbroken undulating grasslands stretch, a challenge for the most ambitious all-age birddog.
Marshall’s customer John Seawright, was entrusted with oversight of the trial by Mary Oliver, Hall of Fame patron of many great dogs like National Champion Hattie of Arkansas handled by Jack Harper. John, known affectionately as “The Squire” shepherded the trial from its move until shortly before his death January 26, 2025.
John was widely known as a “straight shooter,” insistent on a fair drawing. In fact he borrowed a mechanical bingo calling device from a local radio station to insure a random draw. He was fond of saying, “Field trials need more White Hats, not Black Hats,” Jadie Rayfield recalls.
Marshall was also generous in welcoming other trainer-handlers to his camp over the years, notably Fred Dileo, who became like a son to Marshall and his wife Myrtle. Fred won the Southwestern in 1997 with Funseeker’s Gem, dam of Funseeker’s Rebel (HOF), with which he won the National Championship in 2007, shortly before his tragic death. (He also won Runner-Up in 1997 with Chicoan Hummer and in 2001 with Million Dollar Man). Jamie Daniels apprenticed there several summers with Fred. Lee Phillips trained with Fred through the years and is still training there (I spoke with him by phone last week). Also there with Lee now is Luke Eisenhart.
The 2025 Southwestern Championship starts September 3rd after the Labor Day holiday.
Mary Oliver, Jack Harper, Marshall Loftin, John Seawright, Fred Dileo and Million Dollar Man, Jamie Daniels, Lee Phillips, Luke Eisenhart.