(Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics/Supplied)

By RDP Athletics

New coaches

New leadership to guide the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball program into 2026

Dec 16, 2025 | 2:35 PM

The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Kings basketball team will see new leadership on the sidelines in January 2026 following the departure of head coach Jedell Foster.

Stepping into the role of head coach is Tim McLenahan, while Rob Blais joins the program as assistant coach.

“I am excited to welcome Tim and Rob to RDP,” said Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life, Red Deer Polytechnic. “They both bring renewed energy and a wealth of experience to the Kings Basketball team. I look forward to following the progression of the team throughout the second half of the season.”

McLenahan’s background makes him a strong fit for the role. A former student-athlete in U Sports Basketball, he most recently guided the Burman University Bobcats men’s basketball team.

His résumé also includes coaching at the high school and club levels, as well as serving as an assistant coach with the Kings back in 2009. This blend of experience positions him to provide both technical expertise and mentorship to the current roster.

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“I recognize that a change during the middle of the season presents challenges for both the coaching staff and the student-athletes, but Rob and I are both enthusiastically looking forward to working with this team of athletes,” said McLenahan. “We are excited to provide a positive student-athlete experience and a clear path forward for the program to be successful.”

Complementing McLenahan’s leadership, Blais brings more than 25 years of teaching and coaching experience. His long-standing commitment to athlete development will be an asset to the Kings program, offering stability and insight as the team navigates the remainder of the season.

“I am very excited to build relationships and bring my record of competitive coaching to the post-secondary level,” noted Blais. “I hold my student-athletes to a high standard of commitment, yet I focus on daily growth and development, always prioritizing the collective needs of the team above everything else.”

Both coaches will officially begin their duties on December 15, giving them time to integrate with the team before competition resumes in January. Their arrival coincides with a pivotal moment for the Kings, who are fielding a youthful roster this season.

With 10 first-year student-athletes, four second-years, and one third-year, the team is brimming with potential. Among the standout performers is first-year guard William Tcherkacine from Toronto, who currently leads the Kings with an average of 14.2 points per game.

The Kings (1-9) will return to action against the SAIT Trojans (10-0) on Friday, January 9, in Calgary. Following that matchup, ten games will remain in the regular season schedule, offering opportunities for the team to grow under its new coaching staff.

Historically, the Kings program has enjoyed success, capturing three Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Championships. The most recent title came in 2014, a reminder of the program’s competitive legacy and potential for future success.

More information about the RDP Kings is available at: rdpolytechathletics.ca.