Who has the most GC trophies?

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by schildkoi I got to thinking (never a good thing) about the original question/statement. Is the person with the most GCs really the mark of America's greatest hobbyist? What about those who have made significant other contributions both inside and/or outside of the show ring? A few other names come to mind that could be added to the ones already mentioned (many of which also have significant contributions outside of just GCs: The Finnegans Burt Ballou Galen Hanson Spike Cover JR The Lembkes Norm Meck Joe (and Sherry) White And the list goes on. Steve

That is very true Steve, winning trophies does not make someone the best hobbiest, it is only part of the equation. There are so many other facets to the hobby. I would think that the Finnegans would have to rate as #1, they our the blood behind AKCA, but then, Burt and Galen are both part of that also. Then Spike well heck he is the main man behind KHV.. There are so many people out there that make this hobby what it is today. The judges are also another part of the equation, without there time and dedication to the hobby who would be there to judge all those beauties. I don't think there is anyway to say just 1 single person is the best or number 1 hobbiest in the USA. It takes the whole population of the hobbiest to make the hobby what it is. JMO

[dinh]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. That is very true Steve, winning trophies does not make someone the best hobbiest, it is only part of the equation. There are so many other facets to the hobby. I would think that the Finnegans would have to rate as #1, they our the blood behind AKCA, but then, Burt and Galen are both part of that also. Then Spike well heck he is the main man behind KHV.. There are so many people out there that make this hobby what it is today. The judges are also another part of the equation, without there time and dedication to the hobby who would be there to judge all those beauties. I don't think there is anyway to say just 1 single person is the best or number 1 hobbiest in the USA. It takes the whole population of the hobbiest to make the hobby what it is. JMO

Very well said Nancy....

No Steve, person with the most GCs does NOT the mark of America's greatest hobbyist. But we appreciate these folks who willing to show their beauties for hobbyists to enjoy, to learn as well as koi appreciation.....

[dizzyfish]

Let's just more clearly define this as a search for the person/persons who have been the most successful on the show circuit. I think a long list of victories is impressive in that it shows the person/persons have stuck to the hobby/show circuit well past the thrill of that initial first victory. The fact that they continue to catch and show fish is impressive and deserving of recognition.
Mitch

[dinh]

Quote: Originally Posted by dizzyfish Let's just more clearly define this as a search for the person/persons who have been the most successful on the show circuit. I think a long list of victories is impressive in that it shows the person/persons have stuck to the hobby/show circuit well past the thrill of that initial first victory. The fact that they continue to catch and show fish is impressive and deserving of recognition. Mitch

Yes, agree.....

Here is the list of Norcal folks have Grand Champion Koi that I remember:

1) Carolyn Swanson
2) Duke Nguyen
3) Dr. David Tran
4) Sheuan Tsuei
5) Nathan Truong
6) Ann Nguyen (Young Koi Show Grand Champion)
7) Alex Wang (First time show and won Grand Champion)

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by dinh Yes, agree..... Here is the list of Norcal folks have Grand Champion Koi that I remember: 1) Carolyn Swanson 2) Duke Nguyen 3) Dr. David Tran 4) Sheuan Tsuei 5) Nathan Truong 6) Ann Nguyen (Young Koi Show Grand Champion) 7) Alex Wang (First time show and won Grand Champion)

Here is the list of Socal that I can think of:
Don Kobashigawa 5 GC
Joe Co 10 GC
Alvin Au 2 Gc
Chai T. 2 GC
Kim & Vaughn Monis 3 GC
Louie & Ginger Hernandez 1 GC ( I think 1 maybe more)
Frank & Nancy Morales 9 GC
Roger Spradlin 2 GC

[farne230]

Just a thought, but while we are on this subject. It would sure be fun and helpful to start a post with photo's of all the GC as they occure across the country including information on koi age, owner, breeder, seller, size and what ever else the group feels is important. I believe this would help document and provide needed info to the general public for this special forum. What do you think?

[lildude]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters It would be nice if there were never any politics, but do you really think that it could ever go away? It goes against human nature.LOL

I guess people need to argue to learn, in a way. but overdoing it......phew!

[JasPR]

Hi All, I was reading this thread with great interest. It is great fun to see and count the "great wins' of so many dedicated hobbyists. But I couldn't help but be a little sad that that such emphasis is put on the BIG win and not all the other wins in a show.
For this judge, the GC is the number one fish in the show and Reserve is the number two fish in the show. And again , for me, a very exciting, respectable and achievable win is in Best Of Size. This is a super fish in the show and really the third place award. I have found this award the most satisfying an award to win as an exhibitor.
I’m not really sure how to express this thought but I’ll try– Taking NOTHING away from the accomplishments of the Super fish that can win a GC or Reserve GC, I think the better education for the exhibitor is in shooting for best of size. This is a fish that can win by conditioning over pure God given genetics. And some of these fish are really living examples of what happens to a pet that is ‘worked on’ to stun the judges on the day.
I have 4 GCs and 1 RGC to date. But I think I learned the most from my ‘not quite GCs’. Its been a great journey.
This is my ‘Nishikigoi room’, Part library ( other three walls) and this part is my trophy case. Each one of those trophies and ribbons represents a fish that I worked with and enjoyed greatly. Some of the ‘cover gals’ are great memories even though they were never GC material. I think this reminds me NOT of victory in competition but learning through raising and exhibiting mere mortal koi. Enjoy. JR

[Brutuscz]

JR...nice koi room!!! Nice sentiment as well. I have 2 kokugyu, 3 best in variety and a judges award..as well as a bunch of other awards. I take great pride in them because I picked the koi...and raised the koi in my pond. It is nice to drop a load of money and have a sure thing shipped right to the show...I would love to do it (it's gotta be fun to have that little smirk..and know you have the ringer)..but I don't think I would be particulary proud of it. The hard work, and close attention is what makes it a proud moment to receive an award.

[111whalen]

I was talking to Burt B yesterday and he reminded me of a family that used to win every championship around here. The Allisons. Anyone remember them? Lots of ZNA, OC, etc.