The 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario Women of Excellence Honourees
Sandra Cooper-Ryder
Sport, Fitness & Recreation
“Attend any high school or London Legion club practice, and all of the athletes line up to be coached by ‘Coop.” Children and teenagers idolize her. Parents tell us repeatedly that their daughters and yes even their sons, want to be like Sandy.”
Linda Findley,
Althouse College, The University of Western Ontario
The head of Physical and Health Education at Banting High School and the sprints, hurdles and jumps coach of Banting’s track and field team for the past 20 years, Sandy has been instrumental in winning eight overall OFSAA team titles and 12 Championship titles. She coached Olympian Jessica Zelinka during her five years at Banting. Sandy was a Canadian national team member and is still on the all time Athletics Canada rankings in three events; Pentathlon, High Jump and Hurdles.
Four years ago, Sandy launched the London Legion Track and Field Alliance, which has grown to be one of the best managed and directed clubs in Canada. London Legion Alliance teams have won three Ontario Indoor championships, finished second in the last two Ontario Outdoor championships, and placed third in Canada at the Canadian Junior Championships. Her teams have won the Ontario Indoor and Outdoor Multi-Event (Pentathlon) Championships for the last four years. Athletes from London Legion have set 41 Ontario records. She has recruited and developed 27 new coaches, more than tripling the number of track and field coaches in this region. Sandy has also coached her own son, Jamie the Canadian Junior Record holder, now attending the University of Nebraska on a T&F scholarship. Jamie, another former Banding graduate, is a hopeful for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Sandy has a deep personal connection with all the athletes at London Legion. Several have faced significant life challenges, and Sandy’s support has been critical in helping them achieve their personal best. London Lesion, under Sandy’s leadership has been recognized for delivering high quality athletic training, while being the one of the most inclusive T&F programs in North America. The year 2008 ended with London Legion receiving the largest ever Ontario Trillium grant for our region, to help build London’s first ever Indoor T&F Multi-Sport complex at the Agriplex on the Western Fairgrounds.
In February 2008 Sandy underwent major surgery. During her recovery she never missed a practice or competition, even during her toughest days. During this challenging time of her life, her family and her extended family of coaches and athletes helped Sandy tackle and overcome her toughest hurdle ever.
Sandy Cooper-Ryder’s skill, humanity, dedication and unquenchable spirit reflect the highest values in sport.
