11/15/2025
As I sit in South Georgia, held gently by the hush of plantation-cut pines at Al’s 24th National Open, I am overcome by the weight of this moment. This sport—its heritage, its heartbreaks, its triumphs—runs like a living river through the generations of Sandhill Retrievers.
Last Saturday, Al rolled into the field that will forever be sacred ground to our family—the home of NFC-AFC Keeno’s Gizmo. Ten years ago, beneath this same sky, Dad (Al) stood with Mr. Bruce and President Carter as he celebrated his very first National Champion title. That memory still lingers in the air.
And this morning, as Al crossed the pond toward the place where his own father stood victorious 40 years ago with NFC-AFC Dynamite Duke IV, something in me stilled. Time folded in on itself. The past walked beside us.
When Al stepped to the line today for the final series of the 2025 National Championship, I could feel them all—Gizmo, Papa, Mr. Marshall Dr Strickland and “Big Boy Bruce Hall”—running in stride with him, their spirits brushing the tall grass, guiding his footsteps, reminding us that greatness never truly leaves; it echoes.
Dad, there is not a single shadow of doubt in our hearts. You are our champion—then, now, always. Rain or shine, you carry the kind of strength that weather cannot touch. You have already made us so proud.
As you walked to the line this morning, I pray you felt me, Hugh III, and Ruby Cullars behind you—every heartbeat, every prayer, every ounce of love—lifting you, believing in you, cheering you forward into the magic this National has written for you.
Let the legacy speak.�Let the moment rise.�Congratulations on your 15th National Finalist.
