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2026 Winter Classic Bench Show Judge Announcement

February 13-14, 2026

December 9, 2025

Source: Trevor Wade
Email: twade@ukcdogs.com

The UKC Winter Classic bench show is one bench show held over two days.

  • Friday is Registered and Pairs (judged by Courtney Risk).
  • Saturday is Champions and Grands (judged by Nicole Sedlecky).

The Top Ten Bench Show will take place Friday evening and be judged by the panel of all three qualified judges together: Courtney Risk, Nicole Sedlecky, and Alan Kalal.

Overall Top Ten Bench Show Winner: $3,000
Six Breed Winners from the Top Ten Bench Show: $2,000 each

Meet the 2026 Winter Classic & Top Ten Bench Show Judges:

COURTNEY RISK
Assignments: Top Ten Bench Show Panel Member on Friday, Winter Classic Friday Judge for Registered and Pairs.

Courtney Risk

First off, I just want to say what an incredible honor it is to be one of the three judges at this years UKC Winter Classic. My name is Courtney Risk, most folks just call me Court, and I'm originally from Traer, Iowa.

For the past 43 years, I've served in the U.S. military; 20 years as an Active Duty Air Force S.E.R.E. Specialist and the last 23 years as a DOD contractor. That career took me all over the world, but these days, I'm proud to call North Carolina and Iowa home.

Outside of the military, my true passion has always been the coonhound world. I've been involved for 49 years as a hunter, show enthusiast, and breeder.

  • I've had Treeing Walker Coonhounds since I was 14 years old.
  • I believe in showing what I hunt a true dual-purpose dog.
  • I became a UKC Bench Show Judge in 1991 and have judged shows across the country at every level: regional, state, and national.

None of this would be possible without my family and friends. I'm blessed to be the father of seven amazing kids and twelve wonderful grandchildren. They've been my biggest supporters through every step of this journey.

I know everyone here has worked hard, long nights and early mornings getting your hounds in peak condition. That dedication is what makes this event so special. So, let's celebrate that hard work, enjoy the competition, and make this a memorable Winter Classic.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing all the incredible dogs competing at the Winter Classic. Remember: every dog in this ring represents countless hours of passion and commitment. Win or lose, you've already achieved something great. Lets make this weekend one to remember!

NICOLE SEDLECKY
Assignments: Top Ten Bench Show Panel Member on Friday, Winter Classic Saturday Judge for Champion and Grand Champions.

Nicole Sedlecky

My love for purebred dogs began at a very young age, watching dog shows on television with my family. From that early foundation, I became fascinated with learning about different breeds and challenged myself to understand their histories, standards, and unique purposes.

As a teenager, I began attending UKC All-Breed shows with our Standard Poodles, earning many Group wins and Best in Shows. During my college years, I traveled across the country working for professional handlers, assisting in the care and presentation of many nationally ranked dogs. My hands-on experience with well over twenty breeds deepened my appreciation for the principle that form truly follows function.

For the past ten years, my work at the United Kennel Club has allowed me to share my passion for dogs and dog events on a broader scale. I've had a front-row seat to the development of many new UKC programs while working closely with our sport teams to bring national events to communities across the country.

I am honored to serve as a judge at the 2026 UKC Winter Classic and look forward to evaluating the outstanding Coonhounds that exemplify the tradition, purpose, and heritage of this sport.

ALAN KALAL
Assignment: Top Ten Bench Show Panel Member on Friday.

Alan Kalal

My name is Alan Kalal from Faribault, Minnesota. I have been married to my beautiful wife Kristi for 27 years and have three stepchildren; Kylie, Logan and McKenzie, and five grandchildren; Caden, Harper, Charley, Hendrix and Leona. I work at an asphalt company named Bituminous Roadways as the company's Maintenance Supervisor and am looking forward to retirement in one to two years. This will allow more time for family, travel and enjoyment.

I have been hunting and showing Treeing Walkers for over 50 years. In the past, I have been honored to be asked to judge several State Championships, Breed Days along with the Grand American, Winter Classic, Autumn Oaks and UKC World twice. I am currently serving as the President of the Treeing Walker Breeders and Fanciers Association, along with being a UKC Field Rep. The dog world has been extremely great meeting so many great people and friends through the years. Being asked to be one of the judges for the 2026 Top Ten is very humbling and quite an honor as well. I am looking forward to it, and it will be good to see everyone at Batesville, Mississippi in February.

Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 18,000 licensed events annually.

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