New RDP coaches ready to build on athletics program

Two Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Athletics assistant coaches are taking on head coach roles, leading the Kings and Queens in the 2024/2025 season.  

Past assistant coaches, Michael and Jenna Schnare have accepted head coaching roles for the Cross Country Running and Indoor Track teams for the upcoming season.  

“Both Michael and Jenna bring a high level of dedication and expertise to the RDP Cross Country Running and Indoor Track teams,” said Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life. “Their familiarity with our athletics program will be beneficial as they help our student-athletes excel in the classroom, during competition, and as ambassadors in our communities.”  

During the last six years, Michael and Jenna have made significant contributions to the teams, and are ready to guide the teams, while continuing the work previous coaches have done, an RDP media release said.  

“Jenna and I are very honoured to be a part of such a strong program,” Michael said. “Brian Stackhouse, Kari Elliott, and most recently Doug Spicer, have provided amazing leadership to build this high-performing program.”  

The RDP Cross Country Running and Indoor Track program is regarded as a premier one in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).  

Both the Kings and Queens Cross Country Running teams solidified silver medals at the 2023/2024 ACAC Championships. Then at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross Country Running National Championships, the RDP Kings finished fifth and the Queens tied for ninth.  

“This season, we want to finish at the top of ACAC Cross Country Running on both the men’s and women’s sides and bring home some hardware from the CCAA National Championships in Windsor, Ontario,” Jenna said.   

In addition to earning 13 individual and team relay medals, the RDP Queens Indoor Track team won gold and the Kings earned bronze at the 2023/2024 ACAC Championships.  

Going forward, the Schnares want to extend the team's focus beyond medals.  

“Aside from the results, we want to foster a supportive environment that helps our student-athletes succeed academically and in their daily lives,” Michael said. “Jenna and I look forward to growing our connections with the student-athletes and strengthening the community within the program.”  

The coaches are eagerly waiting for the upcoming season, and plan to begin practices with the Cross Country Running Team.  

“Many of our student-athletes have already been training for the upcoming season,” Jenna said. “This month, we will begin weekly team practices for the student-athletes who live in the area.”  

They are currently finalizing the Cross Country Running team’s roster. The teams will begin the ACAC competition on Sept. 7.