Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has announced that starting tomorrow, Thursday, January 20, Athletics competition will resume as scheduled.

• No spectators will be permitted at practices and games, until further notice. Select games will be broadcast online through ACAC TV for fans to continue to show support for the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens.

• Just as some courses and programs remain in-person so students can achieve identified learning outcomes, the Polytechnic believes that for student-athletes to thrive in their chosen sport, they must be involved in some level of in-person applied skill development for continued learning and development.

• With enhanced COVID-19 protocols and the institution’s vaccination program in place, the health and safety of Red Deer Polytechnic student-athletes, coaches and Athletics staff remains paramount.

The Kings and Queens Basketball teams will begin 2022 with a weekend series against the Ambrose University Lions.

The Polytechnic Volleyball squads will play the Lions twice and the Kings Hockey team will face-off against the Briercrest College Clippers in a pair of road games.

The Indoor Track team will commence its season in Edmonton and the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey team will challenge the Olds College Broncos in a home-and-home series.

Kari Elliot, Red Deer Polytechnic Indoor Track Head Coach talks about the team “I am thrilled to have our student-athletes from cross country running competing on the Polytechnic’s Indoor Track team,” . “Like other sports, it’s been a slower start to the season as we continue to navigate safely through COVID-19, but our athletes are excited to train and compete.” Captain Devin Saunders, a third-year student-athlete from Red Deer, will lead the Kings Indoor Track team into the ACAC 2021/2022 season. He is joined by returning third-year Daniel Szucs and second-year Axsivier Lawrence, along with first-years Ethan Duret, Kevin Edmonson, Wyatt Grainger, Daniel Humbke, and Jayden Wildcat.

Queens captain Lauren Pasiuk, a Bachelor of Science Nursing student, is the only returning member of the women’s squad. First-years Justine Larson, Kammy Park and Halle Reid occupy the remaining spots on the team. Jenica Swartz was planning to compete with the Queens until she suffered a season ending injury.

**with information provided by Red Deer Polytechnic