Members of the Red Deer Polytechnic Indoor Track team have been recognized by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
Justine Larson of the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens was named the 2021-22 ACAC Women’s Indoor Track Rookie of the Year. Ethan Duret, who is a member of the RDP Kings, was selected ACAC Men’s Indoor Track Rookie of the Year and Kari Elliott earned the distinction of ACAC Indoor Track Coach of the Year.
With Elliott’s guidance, the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings won gold this season and the Queens solidified their third silver medal in the past four years of competition at the ACAC Indoor Track Championships.
“Since assuming the head coaching duties in 2016-17, Kari has done an excellent job of recruiting student-athletes and developing the Polytechnic’s Indoor Track program into one of the elite ones in the ACAC,” said Randy Stewart, RDP Athletics and Student Life manager.
“Kari’s passion and expertise have resulted in the Kings winning their first gold medal in the team’s history and the Queens earning silver with only four competitors. Three of the team members were first-years.”
This season, the Kings and Queens had a total of eight first-year student-athletes, one second-year and three third-years.
“Kari’s ability to connect with student-athletes and coach them to new heights is second to none,” said Stewart.
“The Indoor Track team is young, and it will be enjoyable to follow the Kings and Queens’ ongoing progression next season.”
The prestigious awards were announced at the 2022 ACAC Indoor Track Championships on March 27 co-hosted by Concordia University and St. Mary’s University at the Universiade Pavilion in Edmonton.
Larson was a “fierce competitor and has progressed at a profound rate” for the Queens, said Stewart.
“She is a multi-dimensional student-athlete who also participated with the Queens Cross Country Running and Basketball teams this season,” said Stewart.
“Justine balanced academics with training and competing, and showed dedication to all facets of being a Red Deer Polytechnic student-athlete.”
Duret continued to improve throughout the season for the Kings as well, Stewart added.
“It will be interesting to follow his development next season as the Kings look to defend their championship title. Ethan has a very promising future,” he said.
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