CDS Coach Named as Inductee to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Sandy Townsend for being named to the 2024 Class of Inductees of the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame at the Town Council Meeting Tuesday evening!
Coach Townsend has dedicated over 35 years to growing and building the game of rugby, establishing himself as a pillar of the sport both locally, nationally, and internationally. His storied career includes coaching the Aurora Barbarians Rugby 18U Boys to provincial championships in 2002 and 2013, showcasing his exceptional ability to develop young talent and lead teams to victory.
In 2015, Sandy expanded his coaching influence by participating in the Ontario Provincial Competition at the Las Vegas 7s, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier coach. His role extends beyond technical training; Sandy is a mentor who helps young athletes pursue their goals, maintain focus, and build confidence in themselves and their teammates.
A resident of Aurora since 1997, Sandy has also been a dedicated educator at CDS, where he has taught rugby since his arrival. His commitment to the sport is evident in his success as both a coach and an athlete, with his 2021 induction into the Queen’s University Rugby Hall of Fame highlighting his achievements on the field.
Sandy’s coaching experience spans multiple institutions and levels, including Lower Canada College, The Country Day School, Seneca College, Toronto Rugby Union, Ontario Summer Games, and the Aurora Barbarians (since 2001). He is certified Level 3 by Rugby Canada, enabling him to teach other coaches and further promote the sport's development.
Many of the athletes Sandy has coached, including numerous CDS alumni, have gone on to compete at the international level, a testament to his ability to nurture and develop top-tier rugby talent. His contributions to rugby are vast and his influence continues to shape the sport for future generations.
Coach Townsend will be officially inducted alongside three other outstanding Aurora athletes (Marcel Gery, Milton Hart and Grace Wong) at the 11th Aurora Sports Hall of Fame's Annual Induction Celebration November 7th.
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.