The Red Deer Polytechnic rodeo team earned two championships and two awards at the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association Finals.
The three-day competition was held in Rimbey from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18.
“I am very proud of the Kings and Queens for their hard work and accomplishments this season,” said Trina Carroll, RDP student life co-ordinator.
“Since the inception of the RDP Rodeo team in 2013, we have qualified for the CCRA Finals each year, highlighting the dedication of the student-athletes and coaches, as well as the strength of our program.”
Leading the way was Casey Thomson, an RDP electrician apprentice, who captured the All-Around High Point Cowboy of the Year. This was the third consecutive year a member of the Kings has won this award. The Longview native finished the season at the top of the bareback leaderboard. He also won the 2024/2025 CCRA Bareback Championship, recording scores of 70, 71 and 78 from May 16-18.
Garrett Cullum, a heavy duty mechanic apprentice, won the Steer Wrestling Reserve Championship, saving his best performance for Sunday (4.9 seconds).
Taylor Cholach, a social work diploma student, received the Darrell Paulovich Memorial Award for demonstrating positivity, resilience and dedication to rodeo. She received a $1,000 scholarship and a commemorative memorabilia piece.
In addition, Ryan Collett was sixth in tie-down roping and 10th overall in steer wrestling, considering results from all three performances. In pole bending, Elyse Terpsma finished eighth overall. Julia Holtkamp placed 11th in goat tying after three performances.
“The student-athletes continue to demonstrate excellence in the classroom, during competition and as leaders in communities,” said Carroll.
“We are excited to build on this success as we prepare for the 2025/2026 CCRA season.”
A total of 82 student-athletes from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan qualified for the CCRA Finals, showcasing the breadth of talent across western Canada.
Other competing institutions included Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, Lakeland College, University of Saskatchewan, Central Alberta Rodeo Team, Northern Lights College, and Southern Alberta Intercollegiate Rodeo Team, which is comprised of student-athletes who attend post-secondary in Calgary, Lethbridge or Medicine Hat.
The RDP Rodeo team will return to action in fall 2025.
