Hall of Fame Inductee
Cosgrove, William
Year Inducted : 2024
Bill has had 45+ years involvement in local clubs throughout the Ohio area and has provided his expertise and guidance in Spaniel National Championship events including chairing several. He and Jim Lightfoot coordinated and chaired the first Hall of Fame trial. Bill also judged the first Cocker National in North America. As a handler, breeder and judge Bill has few peers.
Bill has been involved in over 40 breedings of field bred Springers of which 26 were his own breedings resulting in 360 English Springer Spaniels - nearly all serving in hunting/field trial families. Bill has bred many field champions, creating the recognized and reputable "Ivanhoe" line. He developed NAFC FC AFC FTC Ivanhoe's Irish Twist (Whitey) from "puppyhood" all the way to his Hall of Fame induction. Whitey ran five puppy stakes winning all five for national high point puppy honors and is second only to Annie in total all-age wins with 25. Bill is also an author of numerous self-help articles in Spaniels in the Field, Spaniel Journal, and AKC Afield and has streamed numerous live FB genetics and breeding sessions.
Bill has judged over 200 stakes in the US and Canada, as well as six National Championships. His accolades include four AKC Breeder/Owner/Handler awards and the Dan Langans Legacy Trophy.
Bill's motto: "I believe our trial game attracts good people. I believe in my family. I believe in the Almighty. I believe I have been blessed. I believe in destiny, but I don't believe in luck."
