On King's Court

Rustlers women's basketball players speak out on coach's firing

The firing of Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball head coach Chris King isn’t sitting well with players.

The Rustlers announced a coach change in a statement on Dec. 5.

“Chris King is no longer the head coach,” read the statement. “Work is underway to hire an interim head coach for the team. The Rustlers resume play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference on Jan. 17.”

The news comes after King was put on administrative leave on Nov. 28 after a former player allegedly filed a complaint with the college.

King has bled green and gold for 17 years and is the most high-decorated coach in the program’s history.

King’s players were completely dumbfounded by the news. Many even stated they’re done playing basketball at Lakeland due to the way the college handled the investigation process, which they are calling an injustice.

“Chris being gone … I don’t know if I’m even coming back. We don’t know as a team, I don’t know as an individual, and they don’t know as a college,” said newly-acquired Rustler Andria Stitt.

The players stand behind their coach and went as far as leaving hundreds of post-it notes with messages supporting King throughout the college.

Fifth-year Rustler Sarah Dacuycuy, third-year Susan Ayaa and Stitt spoke about their coach’s situation on a recent episode of the Shaun Newman Podcast after the Source initially broke the story on Dec. 5.

The 40-minute interview tells the tale of a devastated basketball program left in the dark until it was too late.

Red Bicycle caps off 10 years with donations

Red Bicycle Communications is celebrating 10 years in Lloydminster by giving back to the community.

Over the past year, they’ve been making donations in the amount of $1,000 to 10 different community organizations as part of the 10-year celebration.

Jill Kelly, owner of Red Bicycle, says she was inspired by her father.

“My dad, Bryan Morrison, has run a business in Lloydminster for as long as I can remember,” said Kelly. 

“Growing up, I always remember him asking, ‘What are we doing for the community?’ As a business owner myself, I’m honoured to follow that legacy. Our goal isn’t just to provide employment and contribute through taxes alone but to maximize our impact on our community. I want to live in a city that thrives both socially and economically, and I’m proud to contribute to that vision.”

Santa serves up smiles over weekend

Citizens were filled with festive anticipation as hundreds of kids awaited the arrival of the big man in red on Dec. 7.

Lloydminster’s 17th annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day brought families together for a fun-filled day of free community activities.

The event, held downtown, featured everything from bouncy castles and horse-drawn carriage rides to hot dogs and photo booths.

Organizer Kurt Price explained the mission behind the day.

“We do this so families can spend time together without worrying about any monetary pressures,” he said. 

“Everything’s free, mom and dad don’t have to worry about anything—just come down and enjoy the day.”

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