Who let the dogs out?

A record 137 dogs competed for a chance to appear in the ESPN Great Outdoor Games this past Sunday. The dogs were outnumbered — by far — as thousands of fans packed the Sparks Marina to witness the eight-hour event.

The registration was nearly five times more than the average number of competitors — usually around 30 — that have entered the qualifying season's previous nine events.

"The turnout was tremendous, both human and canine," said Eric Matijevich, director of the ESPN Great Outdoor Games from his office in Reno.

"This is a major milestone for us, and just goes to show that there's an aspect of the outdoors for every person and interest. It took great support to make the Big Air Classic fun and free to attend. After this weekend, we're even more excited about what we'll see at the Great Outdoor Games."

Organizers estimated that about 75 percent of the entries were local dogs, although the winner, Xena, was from Prior Lake, Minn. Xena's winning jump was 23 feet, 6 inches, clinching a spot for her at the Games.

The Great Outdoor Games will be staged July 10-13 in Reno-Tahoe and will air on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 beginning July 17.

Welcome, Matt!

Lumberjack Mathew Gurr of Deloraine, Tazmania, may be timber's best-kept secret. Gurr has the distinction of being the youngest man ever to win a lumberjack world title. (He was 21 at the time.) Now 37, Gurr will make his first-ever trip to the United States in order to compete in the Great Outdoor Games.

The hot dog

It seems that a gold medal in agility was just the starting point for 4-year-old border collie Luz. Not only has Luz spent the past year watching his gold medal-winning performance on video, but handler Olga Chaiko reveals that Luz has also become the recording artist behind the bark track for "Sounds Like My Dog," by Val Gaina. What's next, a movie deal? Stay tuned.

Fixer-upper

Before Great Outdoor Games silver medalist Randy Ulmer could win a world championship title, he needed a little help from his friend.

Ulmer spent a week at Jackie Caudle's home in Gadsden, Ala. before the championship tournament, a stop at which Caudle says he taught Ulmer everything he needed to know about archery.

"I fixed his bow for him and he won the world championship," Caudle said. "And he sent me a commission for helping him get his bow ready."

Wonder if Ulmer will get the same level of service before he faces off with Caudle at this summer's archery competition?