Hall of Fame Inductee
Sargenti, Bill
Year Inducted : 2023
A MAN OF CHARACTER AND AN EXAMPLE OF TRUE SPORTSMANSHIP
Born in 1953, Bill began his professional career in 1965. Rex Carr of Carr Lab Kennels brought him onboard at 12 years of age. By 16, Bill was going to school full time, taking care of the kennel, and doing breakout work. It was at this time that Bill learned and followed Rex's very precise and innovative retriever training program.
Bill became extremely enthusiastic about the sport and in 1990 he went out on his own. Over his 60+ year career, Bill was guided by two very basic principles - a true love and respect for retrievers & helping others to achieve their goals of becoming a better trainer, handler, and sportsman.
Over the years, he shared not only his time and knowledge but his property and resources with anyone willing to put in the work. Bill has always had a unique way of sharing his enthusiasm and passion for retriever training, and once explained, it is not easily forgotten. He has a huge heart that he wears on his sleeve.
Bill's numerous accomplishments include:
Over 60 years of training retrievers
Won the National Open Retriever Championship in 1999 with NFC AFC Croppers Riverwater Black Teal
High Point Open Dog with FC AFC Slick When Wet III
High Point Open Dog with FC Adams Acres Water Lilly
High Point Purina with FC Adams Acres Water Lilly
Qualified many dogs for National Retriever Championship
Numerous National Retriever Championship finalists
Over 150 Open wins
More than 500 Open placements
Over 1300 Open points
More than 65 FC titles
Coached and mentored many amateur trainers and their national finalists, field champions, and amateur field champions
Supported weekend trials for several local Retriever Clubs
Spent numerous hours teaching and supporting young trainers how to approach the art of field dog training
In addition, Bill mentored many amateurs who went on to become crucial resources within the sport. Under his watch, these people organized weekend trials, put on seminars, worked nationals, chaired nationals, served on both the NRC and NARC boards, served on the Retriever News board, were judges corner contributors, served on rules committees, and served as national judges.
Over the years, Bill has developed many close relationships both in and out of the sport. However, the relationships Bill cherishes most are with God and his beloved mother.
