RED DEER POLYTECHNIC
Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics ranks among top programs in Canada

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Athletics has been recognized as the third most successful program in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) during the past 50 years.

At its recent 50th Anniversary Gala in Ottawa, the CCAA honoured the cumulative achievements of its member varsity programs for the past five decades.

"We are very honoured to be recognized as one of the top performing athletics programs in the country. Our third place ranking is a testament to the legacy that was established by previous student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff," says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life. "The current student-athletes work hard to continue this tradition as they strive for excellence in the classroom, communities and during competition."

Humber College and Mount Royal University, which is now a member of U Sports, are the only two athletics programs that rank ahead of Red Deer Polytechnic from 1974 to 2024. Two current member institutions from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) join RDP in the top ten. NAIT ranks fifth and SAIT is ninth.

The CCAA also ranked the top 10 member institutions in 11 sports for the past 50 years. Some of Red Deer Polytechnic's prominent rankings include second in Men's Volleyball, third in Women's Volleyball, fourth in Curling and fifth in Cross Country Running. The Polytechnic ranks second in Men's Hockey, although the CCAA no longer hosts a Men's Hockey National Championship.

Throughout the Polytechnic's rich athletics history, RDP Athletics teams and individual student-athletes have won 25 CCAA national gold medals and 199 ACAC team and individual titles. Most notably, the RDP Kings Volleyball team has claimed 13 national gold medals, the most in CCAA Men's Volleyball history.

In 2023/2024, the Kings and Queens earned 21 ACAC medals, including seven gold, nine silver and five bronze. In addition, 25 student-athletes competed on the RDP Royals Dance and Rodeo teams. At the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association Finals, the Royals won three event championships. The RDP Royals Dance team participated in two competitions and performed at the CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship, held in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Ten RDP student-athletes were named 2023/2024 CCAA Academic All-Canadians, achieving academic honours and elite athletic recognition such as an All-Conference selection.

Red Deer Polytechnic student-athletes also devote numerous hours in communities as coaches, youth mentors and volunteers with several central Alberta organizations. Since the Kings and Queens were formed in 1964/1965, they have been supported by communities in a variety of capacities.

"While we have dedicated and talented individuals within RDP Athletics, our program's success has also been fueled by the tremendous support from sponsors, donors, fans and members of our communities," adds Stewart. "We look forward to welcoming fans back for the 2024/2025 season."

The RDP Cross Country Running and Soccer teams will begin the 2024/2025 ACAC season September 7.

Red Deer Polytechnic team schedules are available at: rdpolytechathletics.ca.

More information about tickets, including how to purchase tickets, is available at: rdpolytechathletics.ca/tickets.