RDP Cross Country Running team poised to make an impact in 2025-26
The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Cross Country Running team will feature one of its largest and most experienced squads in several years. Ten of the team's 21 student-athletes have returned to the Kings and Queens teams this season, bringing skill and leadership.
"The team features a lot of depth with student-athletes highly committed to training and improving themselves," says Jenna Schnare, Head Coach, Red Deer Polytechnic Cross Country Running team. "They are diligent and eager to succeed. To complement the talent, we also have a great team culture."
Returning to the Queens from last year's gold medal winning squad are Alix's Emily Barritt, Jarvie, Alberta's Georgia Sawchuk, Red Deer's Myah Cota and Hadley Guenther, Sylvan Lake's Zoey Longman and Bentley's Kammy Park.
Guenther, a Bachelor of Education student
Newcomers Lily Dodd (Bachelor of Education Secondary), Julianna Chipiuk (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Kira Main (Bachelor of Education First Years) and Jennifer Ackainyah (Bachelor of Commerce) round out the Queens Cross Country Running team.
Last season, the RDP Queens placed seventh at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross Country Running National Championships in Windsor, Ontario—a result the team is eager to build upon.
Kenya's Japhet Kipkosgei, Red Deer's Owen House and Taelum Henfrey-Ferguson, along with Leduc's Leland Lusk have returned to the Kings.
Kipkosgei, a Univeristy Arts Diploma student
They are joined by Andrew Leffers, Jack Steeves (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences), Oliver Kelliher (Bachelor of Science in Engineering), Julian Jensen-Hook (Bachelor of Business Administration), Keaton Engel, Kohen Meckelborg (Bachelor of Business Administration) and Ryan Murei (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). With this deep lineup, the RDP Kings aim to improve upon last season's fourth place finish in the ACAC.
Preparation for the season began months ago, focusing not only on physical training but also on building team chemistry.
"We had multiple practices together every Thursday throughout the summer to build relationships and team culture," explains Michael Schnare, Head Coach, Red Deer Polytechnic Cross Country Running team.
These sessions have laid the groundwork for what the Kings and Queens hope will be a successful and memorable year. The team has ambitious, yet attainable goals.
"The ultimate goal is for both teams to win ACAC Championships and podium at CCAA Nationals," notes Jenna. "There is also a new opportunity in the new mixed division [at the CCAA level] where the times from the top three men and top three women from each institution are combined and compared to other programs."
The ACAC Cross Country Running season kicks off on Saturday, September 6, with Running Room Grand Prix #1, hosted by Concordia University of Edmonton.
"Our goal is to show up strong, healthy and ready to race," says Michael. "We want to begin our season on a positive note and shake off the dust from not racing all summer. This will be a great test of how our summer training has been going, as well as show us what we may need to work on."
Looking further ahead, the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves, who will host Running Room Grand Prix #3, will also host the ACAC Championships on October 25. With high hopes and a strong support system in place, the RDP Kings and Queens are determined to leave their mark.
"We are excited for what this year means for our program," adds Jenna. "We want to be a team that makes a difference in our league, not just through running, but through our interactions with others."