Michael and Jenna Schnare honoured as ACAC Cross Country Running Coaches of the Year

Michael and Jenna Schnare, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Cross Country Running Head Coaches, have been named the 2025-26 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Cross Country Running Coaches of the Year. This acknowledgement celebrates the Schnares' successful leadership and ability to inspire student-athletes to reach their potential.

"Michael and Jenna's recognition as ACAC Cross Country Running Coaches of the Year is well-deserved," says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life, Red Deer Polytechnic. "Their unwavering dedication to developing student-athletes, instilling a competitive spirit and nurturing a culture of excellence has not only sustained, but elevated, the longstanding success of the RDP Cross Country Running program."

That culture was on full display throughout the 2025-26 ACAC Cross Country Running season. With coaching support from both Michael and Jenna Schnare, the RDP Kings and Queens consistently performed at a high level, finishing at or near the top of the standings during the Running Room Grand Prix series.

Their momentum carried into the ACAC Cross Country Running Championships, hosted by Northwestern Polytechnic, where both teams delivered gold-medal performances on October 25. The Kings dominated with 26 points, outpacing the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks (46 points) by a commanding 20-point margin. Meanwhile, the Queens secured their own team gold, scoring 35 points to surpass the Medicine Hat College Rattlers (56 points) by 21.

Individual student-athletes also shone brightly. Three members of the Queens finished in the top 10. Julianna Chipiuk (23:27) earned individual silver, finishing just five seconds behind the gold medalist. Chipiuk was also named to the ACAC Women's All-Conference team. Georgia Sawchuk (24:53) and Kammy Park (25:15) placed eighth and ninth respectively, rounding out a strong team showing.

Among the Kings, Japhet Kipkosgei (25:46) claimed individual silver and All-Conference honors. Andrew Leffers (27:32) finished fifth and joined Kipkosgei on the All-Conference team. Ryan Murei (28:22) secured eighth place, contributing to the team's overall dominance.

The ACAC Coach of the Year award was announced during the championship event, underscoring the Schnares' impact on the program and the broader collegiate running community.

The RDP Kings and Queens will participate in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross Country Running National Championships on November 8 in Prince Edward Island.