A well-known Red Deer basketball coach will take over the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens in the interim.
Ed Major, who has been a huge part of the Notre Dame High School Cougars basketball program over the past 15 years, will step in as the Queens coach when they resume play in the new year.
Major takes over for Mandy Botham, who resigned last week. Botham took over as the Queens coach in the 2019-20 season. Major will officially begin coaching duties on Jan. 4, with the Queens starting play on Jan. 14 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre against the St. Mary’s University Lightning.
“We are very pleased to add an interim coach with Ed’s experience, knowledge, and coaching ability to guide the Queens into the latter half of the schedule,” says Randy Stewart, Red Deer Polytechnic manager, Athletics and Student Life.
“His skills and resume are extensive which include coaching basketball at Notre Dame High School over the past 15 years. Ed’s familiarity with the Red Deer Polytechnic Basketball program will also help create a smooth transition into his new role with the Queens.”
RDP is 3-3 to start the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season, with 10 games left on the regular-season schedule in 2022.
The Queens are averaging 63.3 points per game in the first half, while shooting 33.1 per cent from the field and 30.9 per cent from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they are shooting just 62 per cent. All three of their victories have come on the road this year.
“Under Ed’s guidance, we look forward to following the progression of the Queens over the final 10 regular season games,” added Stewart. “The team is young, full of potential, and has a core of strong student-athlete leaders who will be valuable as the Queens look to solidify a berth in the postseason.”
Third-year guard Amy Szymanek of Stauffer has led the way for the Queens, averaging 14.8 points per game, while averaging 9.8 rebounds per game. First-year forward Lauren France of the U.K. has also been a strong contributor, with 12.8 points per game.
The Queens kick off the second half of the ACAC season on Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. against the Lightning.
byron.hackett@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter