Rogue Ringsport: Rogue Ringsport would like to submit Jake Schneider for this year’s for Sportsman of the year. We feel it is not just the ones who are given an opportunity to show sportsmanship at major events but also the guy behind the scenes giving his everything daily to help out.

In 2012 Our club had some changes and it was Jake who stepped up and accepted the position of leadership and accountability for our members — handling and decoy work. He assured that training happened even in the worst of conditions. In the evenings, late, when temperatures are dropping well below zero, there he was standing in a mist of steam from his own body heat — The barn we train in is dirt floors and basically filthy – frequently we will find Jake cover by a tarp lying in the dirt, hiding from dogs in search. Alone working the dogs one after another, while the handlers, look on from inside the heated room.

(Left) is a picture of him going to the ground in his freshly washed suit to empower a young dog.
These are not just club dogs, our open door policy sometimes will double the number of dogs in a night sometimes finishing us up 1or 2 am.

A few weeks back we had visitors from South Dakota, they come maybe once every other month. Last night I remember hearing Jake say he would be able to come out and train Friday night, Saturday day and then again Saturday night. His specific words being “It is not to train my dog I’m more concerned with helping the new decoy”.

Sometimes the dogs have problems with the work, I know one boxer who came to our club that had difficulty opening her mouth enough to gather enough suit for a grip. Jake offered a less than desirable location to help this. Java overcame her handicap and became the first FR1 boxer in America.

The 2013 Nationals this year — Jake has spent countless hours coordinating sponsors, trophies, field location etc. When I discovered his ability I asked him to be on the USMRA National committee. He agreed.

When his dog went nutty at the trial because his dog in white was a bitch in heat — did he complain — not once.

Jake is a Great sport and a tremendous asset to USMRA. A good sport is someone who can look at adversity and smile and try their very best to make it positive. That pretty much describes the way Jake is, on the field competing, in the pouring rain/snow/heat decoying, in everyday life with everyone. A great sport!