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(L) Chris Wandler and (R) Talbot Walton (RDC Athletics)
Filling In

Wandler temporarily replaces Walton as RDC Queens Volleyball head coach

Jun 17, 2021 | 3:19 PM

With head coach Talbot Walton taking an indefinite medical leave of absence, a familiar face will be guiding the Red Deer College Queens Volleyball team into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) 2021/2022 season.

Queens assistant coach Chris Wandler has assumed head coaching duties of the three-time national champion team.

“It is unfortunate that Talbot won’t be able to begin the season doing what he loves, which is coaching his promising group of student-athletes, but at this time it is important for him to take the time that he needs to recuperate and take care of his health,” says Sharon Hamilton, Dean of School of Community, Wellness and Health, in a release.

“I know the entire College community wishes Talbot well in his recovery and we all look forward to seeing him back on the sidelines coaching the Queens when his medical team deems appropriate.”

Wandler brings a wealth of coaching experience, expertise, and an important familiarity with the student-athletes and the Queens program.

He was an assistant to Walton with the Queens from 2003 to 2012, and again in the 2019/2020 season. He temporarily took over as the head coach of the RDC Queens Volleyball team from 2016/2017 to 2018/2019 and guided them to a pair of ACAC bronze medals.

Wandler was also named the ACAC 2018/2019 Women’s Volleyball South Coach of the Year.

Under Walton’s leadership, and in conjunction with other assistant coaches, Wandler has helped build the Queens into national championship contenders once again.

During 2019/2020, the RDC Queens rolled to an impressive 21-3 regular season record, finishing only two points behind the first place Briercrest College Clippers (22-2). The Queens went on to win silver at the ACAC championship and bronze at CCAA nationals.

The Queens will host the ACAC 2022 Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.