RDP Rodeo Team (RDP Athletics)

By RDP Athletics

Next Competition Oct. 12-13, 2024

Red Deer Polytechnic Rodeo team off to a great start in 2024/2025

Oct 2, 2024 | 12:59 PM

In the early stages of the 2024/2025 Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) season, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Rodeo team has demonstrated qualities that are integral to achieving success.

“The RDP Kings and Queens are strong, experienced and don’t quit,” says Trina Carroll, Student Life Coordinator. “Our goal is to win the CCRA Banner and bring it back to RDP.”

The Red Deer Polytechnic Rodeo team is a talented and dedicated group of 10 student-athletes. Members from the Queens include::

• Emma Busson (Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping)
• Taylor Cholach (Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping)
• Julia Holtkamp (Goat Tying)
• Brienna Leer (Barrel Racing)
• Rylee Peck (Barrel Racing, Pole Bending)
• Harlee Peck (Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping)

Members of the Kings include:

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• Chad Cooper (Tie Down, Team Roping – header)
• Casey Thomson (Bareback)
• Ryan Collett (Tie Down, Team Roping – heeler)

The RDP Kings and Queens have quickly become a cohesive team.

“Rodeo has many individual events, but the student-athletes contribute to each other’s success,” says Carroll. “Along with practicing and competing, they attend meetings and spend time together which have strengthened their bond. They have become a tight knit group.”

This season, Guy Kelley has joined the RDP Rodeo program, bringing post-secondary coaching experience from Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.

“I am excited to be part of RDP’s Rodeo team and help develop the program and strengthen the team within the CCRA,” says Kelley, RDP Rodeo Head Coach, Events and Training.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens practice at least twice a week, seeking continuous growth and improvement. “Our team trains Tuesday and Thursday at Rock n’ Horse Ranch, which is only 15 minutes from RDP’s main campus,” adds Carroll. “We have also held additional stock practices in collaboration with Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.”

The Red Deer Polytechnic Rodeo team had a tremendous start to the CCRA season, earning eight top 10 finishes at the Vermilion Agricultural Society Rodeo hosted by Lakeland College.

There were several notable performances, including Fort St. John’s Thomson finishing first in Bareback Riding. Ryan Collett (22.9) ranked second in Tie Down Roping. Ponoka’s Chad Cooper (header) and Botha, Alberta’s Collett (heeler) solidified second in Team Roping and Cholach (15.14) placed third in Barrel Racing.

Then, the Kings and Queens had another strong outing at the Northern Lights College Intercollegiate Rodeo in Dawson Creek, BC, delivering 10 performances in the top 10. Once again, Thomson earned first place in Bareback Riding. Collett (12.1) was the fastest in Tie Down Roping and Cooper (21.5) ranked fourth.

Previously competing as Royals, the RDP Rodeo and Dance teams officially joined Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics in August, rebranding as Kings and Queens. This will contribute to the ongoing legacy of excellence and enhance the overall brand of RDP Athletics.

“The Rodeo program has built momentum over the last 10 years, especially the past two” says Carroll. “We are extremely proud to be Kings and Queens. Representing RDP during competition and in communities is an absolute honour.”

Since the Polytechnic’s Rodeo program began in 2013, it has qualified for the Canadian Collegiate Finals Rodeo each year. Several RDP student-athletes have also earned special recognition, including All Around Cowgirl and All Around Cowboy.

The RDP Rodeo team will compete at the Lakeland College Fall Classic in Vermilion on October 12 and 13.

For more information about RDP Rodeo, including the schedule, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.

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