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About Frank
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 Frank
started mushing 25 years ago, when he first came to the Yukon.
What began as a hobby – with just two dogs (one was pregnant
with his future team) – soon developed into a way of life.
For 10 years, Frank lived and worked in Pelly Crossing, a small
community 180 miles north of Whitehorse. He built a log cabin
on the shores of the Pelly River and began to develop his first
dog team.
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 In
1984, Frank started down the race trail, one of the few Canadians
to enter the very first Yukon Quest, a marathon soon labelled
"the toughest race on earth." He has entered the race
every year since – the only musher to do so. And in 1995,
Frank won the race in record time. |
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 Frank
is known for more than winning the Quest: he has received international
recognition for dog care. In 1991, Aleyska created the Vet's
Choice Award, for exceptional care of dogs in the Yukon Quest,
and Frank was the first recipient. The objective always is to
finish the race with happy, healthy dogs and every year Muktuk
Kennels is recognized for fine care of dogs. |
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 When
Frank won the Quest in record time in 1995, even more important,
he finished with 10 dogs, more than any of the other top five
teams. To the right is his 1st place trophy from 1995, and behind
that his first Vet's Choice Award. |
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 And
in 2001, Frank was again recognized for his excellent dog care
with a second Vet's Choice Award. Only one other musher has
won this prestigious award twice, our friend and fellow Quest
champion, John Schandelmeier. To the left is the beautiful bronze
Frank received for his 2nd Vet's Choice Award. |
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 Frank
knows the 1000-mile trail between Whitehorse and Fairbanks better
than anyone, and has thousands of stories to tell about his
sixteen years on the Quest trail. He has also entered a number
of shorter races: Percy DeWolfe, Carbon Hill, & Copper Basin
300. |
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 Frank
has long been dedicated to making a contribution to our community.
He welcomes students at the kennels, and helps raise funds for
Learning Disabilities Association of the Yukon and for Special
Olympics. |
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