2025 Autumn Oaks Bench Show Judges

Liz Stocker Phipps & Corey Gruver!

December 18, 2024

Source: Trevor Wade, UKC Coonhound Program Manager
Email: twade@ukcdogs.com

UKC Autumn Oaks takes place August 28th August 30th, 2025.

The full judging scheduling will be available in the Autumn Oaks event ad (PDF), which will be published in mid 2025.

Liz Stocker Phipps
Liz Stocker Phipps of Oldtown Hounds and Pointers grew up in the countryside of Oldtown Valley, near New Philadelphia, Ohio. Today, she resides in Big Prairie, OH, alongside her husband, Sonny Phipps, where they share their home with a thriving kennel of coonhounds and pointers. By profession, Liz is an insurance agent, but her creative spirit shines through in her work as a freelance floral designer.

Raised on a small family farm, Liz developed a deep appreciation for animals early in life, gaining experience in breeding and showing both Quarter Horses and Holstein dairy cattle. Her journey with coonhounds began in 2004 when her brother, Chad, introduced her to coonhunting by bringing home a Treeing Walker named Poot. This pivotal moment sparked her passion for coonhounds.

In 2006, Liz attended her first Autumn Oaks, which further solidified her love for the sport. Shortly thereafter, she was gifted her first Black and Tan coonhound by her neighbor and mentor, Ron Stein. From that moment on, she became devoted to the breed and has never looked back. Liz has successfully handled a variety of coonhound breeds in nite hunts, bench shows, and conformation shows, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the sport.

Liz remains an engaged member of her state and local kennel clubs, contributing her passion and dedication to the community. In addition, Liz serves on the Ohio Conservation Federation, a coalition of national, regional, and statewide sportsman-leaning conservation organizations advocating for Ohio outdoorsmen rights. Her involvement underscores her commitment to preserving natural resources and promoting the time-honored tradition of hunting with dogs.

Corey Gruver
Corey Gruver is a proud family man, residing in Pennsylvania with his wife, Kayla, and daughters, Elliana and Blaire. Many recognize Corey from his time spent as a Hunting Programs Associate at the United Kennel Club, as well as his published works in many popular magazines and podcast appearances. Corey currently raises Plott Hounds and Mountain Feists.

Corey's journey with coonhounds began twenty years ago when he inherited a Bluetick Coonhound from his late grandfather. Throughout this period, he has owned and trained numerous breeds of tree dogs.

Corey's experience as a Bench Show judge has led to his involvement in prominent events, including the UKC Winter Classic & Youth Nationals, the Heartland Classic, and multiple breed days events.

Presently, Corey serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Mercer County Coonhunters Association in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 18,000 licensed events annually.