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West Shore Rebels appoint new head coach

Mark Townsend takes the helm with more than two decades of experience
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Mark Townsend (centre), flanked by Roger Wade (left) and Rob Lervold (right), is the new head coach of the West Shore Rebels. (Courtesy of West Shore Rebels)

The West Shore Rebels have appointed a new head coach for the 2024 season.

Mark Townsend will replace Dexter Janke after the former head coach took up a position with the York University football team.

“I look forward to working with the talented players, coaching staff, and the entire organization to continue to build a winning culture that the community can be proud of,” Townsend said in a news release.

The incoming play-caller has over 19 years of experience managing and coaching football teams at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. He also helped lead the Mount Douglas Rams to nine consecutive championships.

His last coaching role was with the Kealakehe High School on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Rebels have competed in five BC Championship games in the last seven seasons while playing in two national title games over that period.

Townsend’s coaching style matches flawlessly with the organization, Rebels general manager Roger Wade said.

“Coach Townsend’s ability to develop and motivate players makes him the ideal candidate to guide the Westshore Rebels to success. His coaching philosophy aligns perfectly with the organization’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field,” Wade said.

Adding Townsend to the team will add to the winning culture that the squad has built over the years, Westshore Rebels president Rob Lervold said.

“We are delighted to welcome coach Townsend to the Westshore Rebels family. His extensive coaching background, strategic vision and commitment to player development make him the perfect fit to lead our team,” said Lervold.

READ MORE: ‘It’s validated their hard work’: Westshore Rebels celebrate playoff victory