Scottie Lofton wins Youth Championship

Aurora, KY - It was the fifth trip to the PKC/JOY Youth Championship for the Morganfield, Kentucky sevente en year old but definitely worth the effort. Scottie Lofton, who won the Youth essay contest back in 1998, this writer's first trip to the Youth Championship beat a field of 64 youth to capture the coveted 2002 JOY Youth Championship with his Walker female Dolly.

The final cast proved to be an exciting contest after a shaky start when the four hounds split up in pairs to hunt in opposite directions. Dolly, sired by Master Latch teamed with J.R. Depriest's Trouble dog and went east with the cast following. Michael Dominey hunting Bill Morris' King Coma and Justin Dake hunting Stanton's Tiny Girl were hunting in the opposite direction, unknown to the cast. Trent Poff who called the action back to the Tennis Center as it was relayed to him by Tracey Fincher who accompanied the cast in the woods revealed that Coma and Tiny Girl could be heard from the trucks but not by the cast.

Judge Mike Goodpaster made a decision concerning the safety of Dolly and Trouble as they neared a busy roadway and called time. This allowed the cast to regroup and continue as a unit.

In the final minutes of the cast, Dolly and Trouble fell victim to a persimmon tree, the nemesis of the southern coon hunter, and took minus. But Dolly's early lead held and she emerged victorious, taking home a $4000 scholarship for her owner. J.R. Depriest finished second, Justin Dake third, and Michael Dominey fourth. Each youth also received a Bandit Light from Basil Kittell and $200 cash from the Twin Lakes Coon Club in addition to the scholarship award.

We a PKC deeply appreciate JOY's devotion to our youth by continuing to sponsor this great event.

Congratulations to all the youth hunters who came to compete in Aurora. We look forward to seeing each of you again next year, either as a youth hunter or as a graduate into the adult ranks.

Photo Caption: Scottie Lofton with Dolly. Standing, left to right are Judge Mike Goodpaster, Basil Kittell of Bandit Lights, Mike Harper of JOY, PKC CEO Larry Meeks, JOY President Chip Kohser, and Guide Daniel Hamby.