RVK Good Sportsmanship Award

To nominate someone for the 2025 RVK award, complete this form by Friday, Dec 19.

Past award winners:

2024 – Laura Thomas
2023 – Karl Johnson
2022 – Kory Kaye
2021 – Heather Sather
2019 – Sue Kvale
2018 – Kirsten Storlie
2017 – Julie Heller
2016 – Betty Johnson
2015 – Carol Voelker
2014 – Kristine Delago
2013 – Stacy (Medley) Abraham
2012 – Judy Moore
2011 – Bonnie Griep
2010 – Terry Smorch
2009 – Martha Healy
2008 – Diane Clyne
2007 – Leona Hellesvig
2006 – Elizabeth Penning
2005 – Kelly McFaul-Solem
2004 – Jan Poole
2003 – Chris Mosley

Ruth Van Keuren

Ruth Van Keuren, founding member of the Minnesota Agility Club, honored all of us with her coaching and friendship through many years in agility. She especially gave of herself to Junior Handlers, writing the first JH book of exercises for USDAA and starting the JH program here in the Upper Midwest. Agility clubs across the nation have modeled their JH program after Ruth’s.

Ruth VanKeuren

Additionally, Ruth coached all of us regardless of age at ringside. She was a wonderful example, having a kind word for each of us coming out of the ring, and continually encouraging us to do our best for ourselves and most importantly, for our dogs.

Ruth was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2000. She was given 6 weeks to live. The agility community surrounded Ruth with the support she had provided us for so many years while fighting her battle, which lasted 3 more years until August 2003.

MAC honors Ruth and her legacy with this Sportsmanship award. Member nominations are taken during the time MAC members submit their yearly titles for the banquet. The MAC Board selects the recipient each year, revealing their selection at the annual banquet presenting them with a trophy to remember the award. A person may only receive this award once.

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  • What’s New?

    The December 5-7 CPE trial is open for entries until November 25. Karl Johnson is judging at On the Run. Download the premium to mail in your entry or enter online at My Dog Entry. We are also looking for a chief course builder on Sunday. Contact Brandi Rogers if you are interested.

    Our MAC year-end banquet and member meeting will be held on January 18 at TCOTC. Look for communications about the year-end award starting in mid/late October and start organizing your titles now. The award period runs from Nov 1, 2024-Oct 31, 2025, but we will be collecting title information from you on Nov 1-14. If you’re interested in joining the banquet planning committee, contact Brandi Rogers.

    The Jan 31-Feb 1 UKI trial will be held at On the Run with Joel Basa judging. Entries are open from December 3, 2025 – January 21, 2026. Enter online at My Dog Entry

    The UKI Midwest Classic takes place May 22-24. Rosanne Wesemann will be judging at On the Run. Entries open in mid-February. Join the Facebook group for more updates.

    The May 30-31, 2026 USDAA trial at Animal Inn has openings for trial chair, hospitality, judge’s attache, awards & Supplies (locker), and chief course builder. Contact Julie Heller if you are interested in joining the committee.

    The July 4-5, 2026 NADAC trial at Rush World in Rochester has an opening for a trial chair and other positions. Contact the MAC Board if you are interested.

    Other trial committee openings are listed on our events calendar.

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