The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Rodeo team is gearing up for the new Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) season with a fresh look and plenty of talent.
This year’s squad is made up entirely of Queens, seven dedicated student-athletes who are eager to showcase their skills in rodeo arenas across the Prairies.
“We have a young team of all Queens this season,” said Trina Carroll, RDP Student Life and Rodeo Team Coordinator. “They all have a strong background in their individual events. I am excited to watch these ladies compete.”
Leading the way is Elyse Terpsma of Alhambra, the lone returning member of the Queens, joined by six rookies: Aidyn Thomas, Brieanna Nyal, Emily Cline, Kaybree Zunti, Marli Sandum and Mattie Jensen.
The team brings considerable depth, particularly in barrel racing and pole bending:
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Terpsma, Thomas, Nyal and Jensen will compete in both events.
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Sandum will enter barrel racing.
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Cline will represent the Queens in breakaway roping and goat tying.
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Zunti will compete across four events: barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and pole bending.
The Queens are coached by Head Coach Guy Kelley and Assistant Coach Stacey Terpsma.
The season kicked off last weekend (September 13–14) with the Central Alberta College Rodeo Team (CACRT) and RDP Shootout Rodeo in Benalto.
The Queens wasted no time making an impression:
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Terpsma placed seventh in pole bending with a time of 22.517.
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Zunti ranked sixth in goat tying (8.9) and seventh in breakaway roping (3.6).
Next up, the Queens head to Delisle, Saskatchewan this weekend (September 20–21) for the University of Saskatchewan Fall Rodeo.
Carroll is optimistic about the year ahead. “The Queens will absolutely make their mark this season,” she said.
For more information about RDP Rodeo, visit rdpolytechathletics.ca.
**With information from RDP
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