Allen's Final Reflections on This Year's Winter Classic

February 17, 2026

2026 UKC Winter Classic
Allen Gingerich, Director of Hunting Ops, United Kennel Club

Another Winter Classic is in the books. The 2026 event came with slightly fewer entries, which was expected, but it was still a great one. Considering the ice storms that swept through the area three weeks prior - bringing extended power outages and significant damage in certain areas - we're grateful we were able to be there at all.

Fortunately, the impact on hunting conditions was minimal. Pine trees took the brunt of the ice, and some timber came down, but navigating broken branches and rough terrain is nothing our hunters aren't used to. These places aren't manicured golf courses - our hounds go wherever the coons are, whether that's in swamps, along crop edges, or anywhere in between.

The Winter Classic has become one of my personal favorites, and I heard that same sentiment from several others again this year. The atmosphere is hard to beat, thanks in large part to the warm hospitality of the local community. The weather was ideal for a southern coonhound event, and game movement seemed good. Only a couple of scorecards each night came back without plus-point cast winners.

The arena floor was packed with vendors - maybe even a bit too packed. Although the crowd was lighter than usual, the vendors seemed glad to be there and happy to be part of what makes the Winter Classic special. The Civic Center layout gives this event a unique feel unlike any other coonhound event in the country.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved; those who entered their hounds in the hunts and shows, our sponsors, our vendors, and the satellite clubs in Vardaman, Mississippi, and Marianna, Arkansas. Thanks to all the guides, the landowners who shared access to their private grounds, the judges who committed to judging their casts for the duration of their hunts, and the non-hunting guides who showed up ready to help even when they weren't needed.

Thank you to the Mississippi Raccoon Hunters Association for hosting the warm-up slams on Wednesday and Thursday. Alongside the $1,000 added purse from Coondog Wear, the State Association contributed an additional $500 each night for their members placing in the top four. Ronnie Starke, JJ Potts, Joey Walters, and their team did an outstanding job.

A special shout-out goes to Darren Tedder at Vardaman. Every major event is better off with folks like him who consistently go the extra mile. The same goes for Philip Heron and his crew at Marianna. They take this event seriously and prepare far in advance. While Marianna is our furthest satellite club, many hunters appreciate the quality of the hunting there and don't mind the drive. And speaking of Marianna, thank you to Mike and Lori Galbreath for stepping up to take several extra casts onto their private Arkansas farms, which were unaffected by the ice. That generosity was truly appreciated.

Thanks as well to our Field Reps: Alan Kalal, Doug Cundiff, Jamie Estep, and Mark Vest. Trevor always called them the best in the business, and I agree. It's been a while since I worked directly in the hunt office, but this weekend reminded me how solid they are. If there's ever an error at the entry table, it will eventually show itself - but this year, not a single handler reported missing them when casts were announced.

I also want to thank our UKC team. This was Dave McVay's first event with us, and it was immediately clear he'll be a tremendous asset. He jumped right in and contributed in a big way. Danielle Champ handled all the shows on the arena floor and did an excellent job taking the lead in that role. Nicole and the rest of the crew were equally impressive; we're fortunate to have such a strong team.

There are always unsung heroes, and none more behind-the-scenes than Lacey Merriam. She is second to none. From her home in Michigan, she took on as much work as anyone during and after the entry confirmation process. She compiled scores each night, organized breed winner lists - you name it, she handled it.

And finally, another unsung hero: Lexi Koperdak. She holds down the fort at the office while the rest of us are on the road. She never complains and manages the Hunting Ops department solo like a champ. When we get back and ask how things went, she always has a cheerful, positive answer. She is essential to the team as those who attend the events in person.

Thank you again to everyone involved - we truly appreciate it. Be sure to check out the 2026 UKC Winter Classic winners on the results page, along with the great reels and clips our media team posted on Facebook and Instagram.

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.