More ACAC awards for RDP

A total of 13 ACAC awards were handed out to Red Deer Polytechnic athletes this week. Along with the curling awards (see related story below), honours were handed out for basketball, volleyball and coaching.

Basketball

The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) has recognized Tyronn King, Eduardo Crespo and Amy Szymanek on the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens Basketball teams for their positive impact throughout the season. RDP Kings fifth-year guard King was named 2021/2022 ACAC Men’s Basketball South Player of the Year and an ACAC South First All-Conference team selection.

Teammate Crespo was recognized as ACAC Men’s Basketball South Rookie of the Year and a member of the ACAC South Second All-Conference team. As Crespo adjusted to playing basketball in the ACAC, his ability to positively influence a game steadily increased over the season. The six-foot-three forward averaged 14.4 points per game.

Third-year Szymanek was a difference maker throughout the season and led the Queens Basketball team (7-9) with 15.1 points per game. Szymanek’s talent, effort, and leadership abilities were recognized across the league, resulting in an ACAC Women’s Basketball South Second All-Conference team selection. Her motivation to continually improve helped the entire team develop which resulted in a playoff berth.

Volleyball

Eight student-athletes on the first place Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (12-4) and Queens Volleyball (16-0) teams have been recognized by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) for their outstanding efforts and results this season.

Kings outside hitter Brett Lower was named ACAC Men’s Volleyball South Rookie of the Year.

“I think what’s most impressive about Brett is his all-around game and his desire to get better,” said Aaron Schulha, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Volleyball Head Coach. “He thinks the game at a high level for a rookie and he wants to learn the game at an even higher level.”

Lower led the Kings with 185 kills, ranking fourth in the league. His 3.14 kills per set were sixth in the ACAC. The Bachelor of Science Nursing student from Red Deer finished with an impressive 0.421 hitting percentage.

Anna Carlson, an outside hitter for the RDP Queens, was recognized as ACAC Women’s Volleyball South Player of the Year.

“This honour is well deserved,” said Chris Wandler, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Volleyball Interim Head Coach. “Anna is a dominant player in this conference – a dominant force offensively and blocking wise.”

The Bachelor of Science Nursing student recorded 137 kills (2.49 kills per set) with an efficient 0.478 hitting percentage, which ranked second in the league. Carlson, a fifth-year from Sylvan Lake, added 82 digs, 27 service aces, 26 blocks and seven assists.

Lower and Carlson also earned spots on their respective South All-Conference teams and were joined by several teammates. The undefeated Queens dominated the ACAC Women’s Volleyball South All-Conference team selections. In addition to Carlson, outside hitter Tess Pearman, middle McKenna Olson, setter Emma Letkeman and libero Kaylee Domoney made the prestigious team.