Wade McNaney: A National Dog Trainer

Wade McNaney; when most Northwest students hear this name, they think of the pencil to the paper. What most may not think of when they hear the name? National Dog Trainer, and this outside passion has become a mere profession for this high school teacher. “It starts as a simple concept and whether its training a dog or training a student, I just love to develop things and feel the reward of the progress,” said McNaney. It started when his dad had always preached to him from a young age to “be a life-long learner, be a life-long changer”. Through this, McNaney has developed a passion to grow things and he has exercised this through K-9’s. A more important K-9, his dog Biscuit, is an English Pointer that has been his own prodigy and a testament to his diligence. These passions have manifested and this young female dog has meant the world to McNaney in his process. Taking 4th in Nationals is no easy task, of course. Through a sharp and quick learning curve, McNaney knuckled down with Biscuit and took their relationship to new heights. “I started with Biscuit when I trained with a professional in Archie, Missouri. He got me my start when she was 11 months and it has opened a world of opportunities,” McNaney said. Back in the fall of 2013, McNaney introduced his young dog to the world of obedience. Since then he has trained his dog and others through hunting skills that range from the basics to retrieving a 40 pound pheasant almost the same size as the dog. McNaney recently brought Biscuit to her first trial this past December 21st in Muddy Creek, Topeka. Not knowing what to expect, he began his round. The training, the hard work, the pressure all seemed like it would crumble on top of him. His approached the first bird and shot it down. Biscuit’s time to shine came, and she didn’t disappoint. She made a full 120-yard retrieval on the first bird, which happened to be incredibly impressive. Biscuit continues and retrieved the next two unphased. “Just thinking about that moment. The bird’s tail was dragging on the ground because it was so big…but in that moment, I remember the tingle that ran through my skin,” McNaney said. “It was that moment of pride, everything I had been doing was rewarding me in front of my eyes”. The round finished in a flourish, Biscuit ran as fast as she could to retrieve the last of them. With tail wagging, the real connection between Biscuit and McNaney was alive. This is McNaney’s calling, he knows that this is the reason he has accomplished what he wanted. This is why he is such a great teacher, and this is why he has been ranked 4th nationally in training. “I’ve always wanted to see how I can affect things and watch them progress, this is how I knew I had done that, the comradery with her was just there” McNaney said. “Like I said…be a life-long learner, be a life-long changer.”

Celebration of Me- Video

Newcomb: Journey to 100

Last year Doug Newcomb was competing with top competition across the Sunflower league and state. This year, he is doing just about the same thing, only glorified with the title of a 100-win varsity wrestler. Newcomb has competed all across the nation in Iowa, Nebraska, Arizona, and even ranging to Maryland. His limits are none and his determination is everything. He simply takes the competition as they come and doesn’t bat an eye. “I make sure that whoever it is, they know I mean business and am here to beat them,” Newcomb said. All of this confidence has been fed through his motivating parents, his mentor, Coach Mesa, and his teammates who will carry them across the finish line to state. “Evan Pardue, Taylor Jokerst, and Will Whitaker will carry this team, it’s all a mission,” Newcomb said. Through the process of it all comes mental and physical taxation. Sweat from every pore, blood from different body parts, and just about all limbs at a stand still by the time workouts are over. “This would be one aspect that truly takes over all aspects of like,” Newcomb said. “Cutting weight and maintaining it really can take a toll physically and mentally, sometimes I can’t even focus in class.” When passion meets challenge, Doug has learned to step up to anything the sport has thrown at him. From an outside aspect, you cannot truly understand the incredible push and pull this sport requires. “I strive to be the best and I know that everyday should be one step closer, not further,” Newcomb said.