WESTOVER – Saturday, Aug. 24, marked the opening of the college football season and also the latest dock diving competition at WestRover Water Sports.

Organizers, canine competitors and their owners wore their team colors and set up tailgates Aug. 23-25 for the event that served as a qualifier for the North America Diving Dogs organization.

“It’s a ball,” said Jay Crisman of 280 Animal Medical Center, sister business of WestRover Water Sports. “People have a great time, and the dogs really have fun.”

The Tailgates & Touchdowns NADD Qualifier included eight total distance splashes and three total air retrieve splashes, and was the third event of the year hosted at WestRover.

Dogs from several states travel to compete in the events. Vendors offer food, information about adoptions, training and more.

Crisman and his wife, Jennifer, served as judges—while wearing referee uniforms.

Winners included:

• Open Elite Distance, Shazam, owned by Babette DeLaune.
• Open Master Distance, Amie, owned by David Clemmons.
• Open Senior Distance, Logan, owned by Jenny McRoy.
• Open Junior Distance, Lewis, owned by Molly McCown.
• Open Novice Distance, Rubix, owned by Cat Clutton.
• Open Master Air Retrieve, Shazam, owned by Babette DeLaune.
• Open Senior Air Retrieve, Ryder, owned by Lori Mize.
• Open Junior Air Retrieve, Ryut, owned by Lori Mize.

Dog/handler teams were also awarded prizes for most team spirit, best dressed, most enthusiastic dog and most interceptions (air retrieve grabs), with a grand prize for best weekend tailgate set-up.

Tailgates & Touchdowns also offered “try-it” sessions for dogs that had not competed before.

Dock diving is the fastest growing canine sport, Crisman said.

“It’s fun, and it’s easy to participate,” Crisman said. “It doesn’t take a lot of training and practice like something like agility. If your dog likes to fetch and play with a toy, once we get them used to swimming, they can participate.”

Dock diving offers many benefits, including helping with behavior and obesity issues.

“The dogs have fun and gain confidence,” Crisman said.

WestRover sports opened in June 2018. In addition to competitions, the facility can used for training and rehabilitation sessions.

For more information, visit WildWestoverK9.com.