RDP Indoor Track team focuses on growth, team culture and competition in 2026
Fueled by a strong team culture and a roster that blends experience with new talent, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Indoor Track team is poised for another impactful Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season.
Head Coach Michael Schnare, the 2025 ACAC Indoor Track Coach of the Year, says the program's goals extend far beyond the podium.
"We want to see each student‑athlete make personal improvements throughout the season while working together as a team," he explains. "Beyond medals, fostering community within the team, supporting one another and creating positive relationships with other teams in the ACAC are also values of the RDP Indoor Track team."
The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens will compete in the 50 m, 300 m, 600 m, 1,500 m, 3,000 m, 4 x 200 m relay and 4 x 400 m relay races.
The Queens, who captured ACAC gold in 2025, will once again feature sprinter Eiley Morrison (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). She is joined by new sprinters Jennifer Ackainyah (Bachelor of Commerce) and Asia Perry (Bachelor of Science in Psychology). The distance running group brings both experience and talent, with Kammy Park (Pharmacy Technician Diploma), Georgia Sawchuk (Bachelor of Science in Psychology), Lily Dodd (Bachelor of Education), Hadley Guenther (Bachelor of Education) and Zoey Longman (Legal Assistant) all returning. They are joined by Julianna Chipiuk (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), another dual‑sport athlete who competed in Cross Country Running this fall. Sylvan Lake's Kira Main (Bachelor of Education), a member of the Queens Basketball team, adds further versatility to the roster.
Park
The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings, 2025 bronze medalists, feature four returning student-athletes—sprinter Mbagara Gacheru (Kinesiology, Fitness & Health Diploma) and distance runners Japhet Kipkosgei (University Arts Diploma), Leland Lusk (Bachelor of Science in Psychology) and Taelum Henfrey-Ferguson (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences). New sprinters Josh Gillard (Kinesiology, Fitness & Health Diploma) and Jake Bouchard (Bachelor of Education) bolster the short-distance lineup. RDP Cross Country runners Jack Steeves (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences), Kohen Meckelborg (Bachelor of Business Administration), Ryan Murei (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and Oliver Kelliher (Bachelor of Science in Engineering) transition onto the track to strengthen the Kings' distance squad.
Lusk
Training has been steady and intentional as the Kings and Queens build toward competition.
"The team has been practicing Tuesdays and Thursdays to prepare for the season," says Jenna Schnare, Head Coach, Red Deer Polytechnic Indoor Track team. "On off days, the Kings and Queens have also been cross training and working out at the gym to increase their strength. We want to be injury free by monitoring our track usage and getting creative with other means of workouts off the track."
The 2026 ACAC Indoor Track season begins with Running Room Grand Prix #1 on Saturday, January 24. The event will be hosted by Concordia University of Edmonton.
"For the first competition, we are not putting pressure on ourselves," adds Michael. "The goals are to stay healthy, shake off the dust and get back into the feel of racing on the track while having fun."
The RDP Indoor Track team will host Running Room Grand Prix #2 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Saturday, February 14.
"While busy, it is always fun to host a grand prix and race on our track," notes Jenna. "It's also a good opportunity for family and friends to watch the Kings and Queens compete."