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Student-athletes from the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Royals Dance and Rodeo teams are joining the Kings and Queens for the 2024/2025 season.
“We are extremely excited to add student-athletes from the dance and rodeo teams to our athletics program,” said Kristine Plastow, Dean of Students, Division of Student Success. “Since the Kings and Queens were first established in 1964, our student-athletes have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, during competition, and as ambassadors in our communities. The inclusion of student-athletes from the dance and rodeo teams will grow and strengthen RDP Athletics, enhancing the overall brand.”
The dance and rodeo teams were previously part of RDP’s Ancillary and Sport Services and have continued to grow in prominence.
At the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) Finals, the rodeo teams won three event championships. In the previous season, two RDP student-athletes took top honours at the CCRA Finals, receiving the 2023 CCRA Cowgirl and Cowboy of the Year Awards. In total, RDP student-athletes have achieved 15 Canadian Collegiate Rodeo titles.
Last year, the 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. The student-athletes have also entertained sports fans at half-time of the Kings and Queens Basketball teams’ home games.
“As Kings and Queens, members of the dance and rodeo teams become part of a cohesive group of more than 190 student-athletes at Red Deer Polytechnic,” said Randy Stewart, Manager of athletics and Student Life. “Using the names Kings and Queens for all RDP student-athletes also creates consistency and clarity for sports fans and members of our communities.”
