Prince George's Jordan Botel didn't win the most prestigious award in Canadian university football. He did, however, take home a consolation prize.
Botel, a running back for the Mount Allison University Mounties of Sackville, N.B., was one of four players nominated for the Hec Crighton Trophy, given annually to the most valuable player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport. On Thursday in Quebec City, quarterback Jordan Heather of the Bishop's University Gaiters was revealed as the winner.
Other nominees were quarterback Will Finch of the University of Western Ontario Mustangs and running back Mercer Timmis of the University of Calgary Dinos.
Heather, named player of the year in Quebec, set a single-season CIS passing record by throwing for 3,132 yards in eight league games. He tossed 20 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions.
Quarterbacks have now won the Hec Crighton Trophy for seven consecutive years.
Botel, selected as the most outstanding player in Atlantic Canada, led his conference in rushing. The 24-year-old racked up a total of 758 yards on a CIS-leading 170 carries (average of 94.8 yards per game). As well, he was second in the conference in all-purpose yards (812) and scored six touchdowns. Botel finished the season without a single fumble.
While Botel didn't get the nod for the Hec Crighton, he was chosen as a second-team All-Canadian.
Botel, a 2007 graduate of College Heights secondary school, was in his second season with the Mounties and led them to a conference championship.
Last weekend, the Mounties faced the Laval Rouge et Or for a berth in the national final but lost 48-21.
In the Vanier Cup, Saturday in Quebec City, the Rouge et Or will clash with the Dinos. Laval is the defending champion and will be trying for its third title in four years.
