The wait is finally over and a new head coach of the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball team is making his way to central Alberta from Ontario.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball program and RDP Athletics department have announced the hiring of Jedell Foster, the former head coach of the Fleming Knights Men’s Basketball team of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

Foster, who is a former collegiate basketball player, also has experience coaching in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.

Moving from eastern Canada to Alberta was not an easy decision to make for Foster, but one he felt was necessary. With guidance from some of his mentors, including former Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball Head Coach Clayton Pottinger, Foster realized it was an enticing opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

His plan to build a successful program includes implementing four essential pillars for his players that he hopes his team will follow even after their years of playing college basketball. The pillars are Winning Culture, Player Development, Academic Excellence and Community Engagement.

He wants his student-athletes to be successful on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

“We will raise the bar, compete at the highest level and achieve remarkable results on the court. By providing comprehensive training, personalized coaching and mentorship, I hope to empower our student-athletes to reach their full potential and excel both athletically and personally. We will aim to produce well-rounded student-athletes ready to thrive in all aspects of life. Lastly, through outreach programs, volunteering and positive contributions, we will make a lasting impact, both on and off the court.”

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Randy Stewart, Manager of Athletics & Student Life at Red Deer Polytechnic, is very enthusiastic about hiring the coach from Hamilton.

“We are excited to have Jedell join our Kings Basketball program. His extensive recruiting network, knowledge and experience will bolster this on-the-rise program.”

Last year, the Kings (13-8) finished fourth during the regular season in the competitive Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) South Division and then dropped their second play-in game to the St. Mary’s University Lightning 80-77.

The RDP Men’s Basketball program will prepare for the2023/2024 ACAC season with a training camp starting on August 28. The Kings’ regular season and home opener will be on October 20, 2023at 8 pm, when they take on the SAIT Trojans at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.