To say the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens Curling teams had great performances at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Championships would be an understatement.

Not only did the Kings earn gold and the Queens pick up silver, but three Red Deer Polytechnic student-athletes, along with their coach, received recognition for their performances and dedication to their sport and team.

The Polytechnic’s Hollie Vincent was named ACAC Female Curler of the Year and ACAC Women’s Curling All-Conference skip.

“This recognition is a reflection of Hollie’s elite talent and commitment to her team and the Red Deer Polytechnic Curling program,” said Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life. “Hollie has been able to skip the Queens to a silver medal among a very talented pool of ACAC Women’s Curling teams.” Third-year Vincent was a valuable leader for the RDP Queens earning a 3-1 bonspiel record in January. The Queens ranked first in the women’s standings at the ACAC Curling Championships in Camrose, going undefeated over four draws and earning a berth in the finals. With an accurate final shot, the host University of Alberta Augustana Vikings got by the Queens to solidify gold.

Delburne’s Kaylee Raniseth received two honours – 2021/2022 ACAC Women’s Curling Co-Rookie of the Year and ACAC Women’s Curling All-Conference third.

The first-year Bachelor of Education Elementary student adjusted extremely well to curling at the post-secondary level. Raniseth made a positive impact on her team and was a key contributor to the Queens’success. “Kaylee had an excellent season on the ice for the Queens. Her play and demeanour were beyond a typical first-year student-athlete,” added Stewart. “What is impressive about Kaylee is with continuing growth and experience at the post-secondary level, she will continue to evolve her game to another level.”

Red Deer Polytechnic Curling Head Coach Brad Hamilton was recognized as ACAC Curling Coach of the Year for the third time.

“Brad is well deserving of this award. His ability to teach and lead the student-athletes on and off the ice is exceptional, as demonstrated by the gold and silver medals at this year’s championships,” said Stewart. “In conjunction with Queens Coach Eldon Raab and assistant Andrew Jones, Brad does a marvelous job of recruiting and bringing out the best in each student-athlete.”

Hamilton has been the Red Deer Polytechnic Curling Head Coach since 2010. With his leadership, the RDP Kings have won ACAC gold three times. The Queens have earned one conference title and two Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national gold medals. Since 2010, both teams have also picked up a combination of five silver and six bronze medals at the ACAC and CCAA levels. Even though there is not an RDP Mixed Curling team this season, that squad has won an ACAC silver medal and four bronze with Hamilton’s guidance. Hamilton received the honour of 2016/2017 CCAA Women’s Curling Coach of the Year.

In addition, Red Deer’s Nicole Homan was named ACAC Women’s Curling All-Conference second.

The first-year Bachelor of Education Secondary student was a valuable team member who strengthened the Queens and Red Deer Polytechnic Curling program this season.

For more information on Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics, the student-athletes and teams, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.