CIS football - UBC's Greene claims Hec Crighton trophy

Nov. 24, 2011

VANCOUVER (CIS) – Billy Greene, a fourth-year quarterback from the University of British Columbia, was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport football player of the year, on Thursday night.

The native of Surrey, B.C., became the third Thunderbirds' player to claim the Hec Crighton trophy since its inception in 1967. Running back Mark Nohra and quarterback Jordan Gagner were honoured in 1997 and 1987, respectively.

Other CIS recipients announced during the Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards at the Vancouver Convention Centre were Concordia linebacker Max Caron, who captured the Presidents' trophy as the nation's top defensive player; Laval defensive end Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, who became the first-ever multiple winner of the J.P. Metras trophy as the most outstanding down lineman; and Western Ontario running back Tyler Varga, who claimed the Peter Gorman trophy as rookie of the year.

It marked the first time in history that CIS award winners were honoured alongside the best of the CFL.

More CIS hardware will be handed out Friday morning during the Vanier Cup championship breakfast at the Convention Centre, including the Frank Tindall trophy (coach of the year), the Russ Jackson award (football, academics, citizenship) and the Gino Fracas award (outstanding volunteer assistant coach).

The 47th Vanier Cup final between Laval and McMaster will follow at 6 p.m. Pacific Time at B.C. Place Stadium, live on TSN and RDS, with TSN's pre-game show kicking off at 5:30 p.m. PST.

For all the info on CIS football: www.cis-sic.ca and www.vaniercup.com

HEC CRIGHTON TROPHY - Billy Greene (UBC)

Greene made his fourth season at UBC one for the record books. He was the architect behind one of the biggest turnarounds in program history as his Thunderbirds improved from a 2-6 campaign a year ago to 6-2 and a second-place finish in Canada West. UBC qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and earned its first post-season win since 1999.

In eight regular season games, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound English major led the country in passing yards (2,558) and total offence (380 ypg), tied for the CIS lead in touchdown passes (20), had the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the nation (20-4) and topped all CIS quarterbacks with a team-best 482 rushing yards. Along the way, he set single-season school records for TD passes and passing yards.

A product of Holy Cross High School in Surrey, Greene was at the helm of the second best passing offence in the country (326 ypg) and the fourth most productive offence overall (471 ypg).

"I'm very happy for Billy, because he took a big step this off-season as far as the work that he put in. It's always good to see a guy rewarded for the amount of work he puts in and to see a player start to fulfill his potential," said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. "This is a big as it gets. It's a huge honour and it's something that I think every CIS player dreams about. Very few end up being nominated and even fewer have the honour of being able to say they're a Hec Crighton winner."

Acadia quarterback Kyle Graves, Sherbrooke wide receiver Simon Charbonneau-Campeau and McMaster wideout Michael DiCroce were also nominated.

PRESIDENTS' TROPHY - Max Caron (Concordia)

Caron perpetuated Concordia's tradition of excellence at the linebacker position. Since 2004, Stingers' players have claimed the Presidents' trophy on five occasions, including Mickey Donovan in 2004, brother Pat Donovan in both 2005 and 2006, current Kansas City Chief Cory Greenwood in 2009, and now Caron.

In only his second university campaign, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound political science student led the country in solo tackles (67), total tackles (78.5) and interception returned for touchdowns (3) in nine league games. His 78.5 tackles are a new single-season RSEQ conference record, while his five interceptions overall were tops in Quebec and good for second place in CIS. The 22-year-old from Kingston, Ont., also collected 3.5 quarterback sacks, 11 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries en route to first-team all-Canadian status.

Caron, who came to the Stingers after playing for the Okanagan Sun of the Canadian Junior Football League, was named the RSEQ defensive player of the week three times and was twice honoured at the CIS level.

"Max has tremendous functional intelligence for his position. He knows what's going to happen before it happens. He's so good at anticipating what is going to happen, sometimes you'd swear he was in the offensive huddle," said Concordia head coach Gerry McGrath. "His work ethic is exceptional. He watches more film than anyone. He knows what everyone else's job is, not just his own."

Linebackers Tom Labenski of Acadia, Ryan Chmielewski of McMaster and Sam Hurl of Calgary were also up for the Presidents' trophy.

J.P. METRAS TROPHY - Arnaud Gascon-Nadon (Laval)

Gascon-Nadon, who also claimed the J.P. Metras trophy a year ago, became the first multiple winner of the award since its inception back in 1974. His stellar play this fall helped the Rouge et Or finish atop the RSEQ standings with an 8-1 mark and earned him a spot on the first all-Canadian team for the second year in a row.

In his second season at Laval, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound independent studies student tallied 13.5 tackles in nine conference games including seven quarterback sacks, which ranked fourth in the country, and nine tackles for losses, the fifth highest total in the RSEQ. He also forced a fumble, recovered another, and scored the first touchdown of his CIS career on a 19-yard interception return. The native of Montreal was the anchor of a defensive unit that finished first in CIS for least points allowed for the fourth straight year (12.0 ppg) - and for the sixth time in eight campaigns - and was the stingiest in the nation against the run (53.7 ypg).

After three honour-filled seasons with Cegep du Vieux-Montreal, Gascon-Nadon started his university career in the NCAA with the Rice Owls in 2008, earning a spot on the Conference USA all-rookie team. He represented Canada at the 2007 world junior championship in Florida.

"Arnaud is a dominating force at the defensive end position. He is blessed with a rare combination of speed, power and ultimately explosiveness. He is equally effective versus the run as well as the pass," said Laval head coach Glen Constantin. "There is no doubt that opposing offensive coordinators need to account for him on all plays. He plays the game with great intensity and passion. Arnaud is relentless and his energy level is contagious, making him a great leader."

The other finalists for the Metras trophy were Acadia defensive tackle Jake Thomas, Queen's defensive end Osie Ukwuoma and Regina defensive end Akiem Hicks.

PETER GORMAN TROPHY - Tyler Varga (Western Ontario)

Varga, who hails from Kitchener, Ont., is the third Western player to claim the Peter Gorman trophy. He follows in the footsteps of receiver Andy Fantuz (2002) and running back Sean Reade (1992).

To say the 5-foot-10, 218-pound back started his university career with a bang would be an understatement. He scored on a 39-yard run five minutes into his first game against Waterloo on Sept. 5 and, 17 minutes into that first contest, he had already found the end zone three times. The following week against eventual OUA champion McMaster, he added another four rushing touchdowns and 149 yards on 25 carries. Despite sitting out the final game of the regular season to nurse injuries, Varga finished with a CIS-best 15 rushing majors - a single-season record for a freshman - and his 799 yards were good for second in Ontario and fifth in the country. His average of 114 yards on the ground per contest was the third best in the nation this fall, while his 15 rushing TDs rank ninth all-time on the CIS single-season list and are one off the school record set in 1991 by former Hec Crighton trophy winner Tim Tindale.

A product of Cameron Heights CI in Kitchener, Varga was one of the most highly rated prospects in the country last year and played a big role in the Mustangs' first-place finish in the OUA (7-1). As well as being a top-notch athlete, he is a dedicated student. He is in the Science program at Western with the goal of being an eye surgeon once his playing days are over.

"Tyler has been a complete running back," said Mustangs head coach Greg Marshall. "He has done a great job in his pass protection and blocking. He is a complete football player, an outstanding student and a pleasure to coach."

Mount Allison defensive tackle Jacob LeBlanc, Sherbrooke quarterback Jérémi Doyon-Roch and Saskatchewan offensive lineman Jordan Arkko were also nominated for the Gorman trophy.

2011 HEC CRIGHTON TROPHY NOMINEES (player of the year)
AUS: Kyle Graves, quarterback, Acadia
RSEQ: Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, wide receiver, Sherbrooke
OUA: Michael DiCroce, wide receiver, McMaster
CWUAA: Billy Greene, quarterback, UBC (recipient)

2011 PRESIDENTS' TROPHY NOMINEES (defensive player of the year)
AUS: Tom Labenski, linebacker, Acadia
RSEQ: Max Caron, linebacker, Concordia (recipient)
OUA: Ryan Chmielewski, linebacker, McMaster
CWUAA: Sam Hurl, linebacker, Calgary

2011 J.P. METRAS TROPHY NOMINEES (outstanding down lineman)
AUS: Jake Thomas, defensive tackle, Acadia
RSEQ: Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, defensive end, Laval (recipient)
OUA: Osie Ukwuoma, defensive end, Queen's
CWUAA: Akiem Hicks, defensive end, Regina

2011 PETER GORMAN TROPHY NOMINEES (rookie of the year)
AUS: Jacob LeBlanc, defensive tackle, Mount Allison
RSEQ: Jérémi Doyon-Roch, quarterback, Sherbrooke
OUA: Tyler Varga, running back, Western Ontario (recipient)
CWUAA: Jordan Arkko, offensive lineman, Saskatchewan

ALL-TIME CIS FOOTBALL MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

HEC CRIGHTON TROPHY (Outstanding Player)

2011 Billy Greene, UBC, QB
2010 Brad Sinopoli, Ottawa, QB
2009 Erik Glavic, Calgary, QB
2008 Benoît Groulx, Laval, QB
2007 Erik Glavic, Saint Mary's, QB
2006 Daryl Stephenson, Windsor, RB
2005 Andy Fantuz, Western Ontario, REC
2004 Jesse Lumsden, McMaster, RB
2003 Tommy Denison, Queen's, QB
2002 Tommy Denison, Queen's, QB
2001 Ben Chapdelaine, McMaster, QB
2000 Kojo Aidoo, McMaster, RB
1999 Phil Côté, Ottawa, QB
1998 Éric Lapointe, Mount Allison, RB
1997 Mark Nohra, UBC, RB
1996 Éric Lapointe, Mount Allison, RB
1995 Don Blair, Calgary, REC
1994 Bill Kubas, Wilfrid Laurier, QB
1993 Tim Tindale, Western, FB
1992 Eugene Buccigrossi, Toronto, QB
1991 Tim Tindale, Western, FB
1990 Chris Flynn, Saint Mary's, QB
1989 Chris Flynn, Saint Mary's, QB
1988 Chris Flynn, Saint Mary's, QB
1987 Jordan Gagner, UBC, QB
1986 Blake Marshall, Western, RB
1985 Larry Mohr, Queen's, RB
1984 Phil Scarfone, McMaster, QB
1983 Greg Vavra, Calgary, QB
1982 Rick Zmich, Ottawa, QB
1981 Dan Feraday, Toronto, QB
1980 Greg Marshall, Western, RB
1979 Scott Mallender, Windsor, QB
1978 Jamie Bone, Western, QB
1977 Bob Cameron, Acadia, QB/P/K
1976 Bob Stracina, Acadia, REC/K
1975 Brian Fryer, Alberta, REC
1974 Al Charuk, Acadia, FS
1973 Dave Pickett, Saskatchewan, QB
1972 Andrew Parici, Windsor, QB
1971 Mel Smith, Alberta, REC
1970 Paul Paddon, Ottawa, QB
1969 Dave Fleiszer, McGill, FB
1968 Mike Raham, Toronto, RB
1967 Mike Eben, Toronto REC

PRESIDENTS' TROPHY (Outstanding Defensive Player)

2011 Max Caron, Concordia
2010 Henoc Muamba, StFX
2009 Cory Greenwood, Concordia
2008 Thaine Carter, Queen's
2007 Mat Nesbitt, Regina
2006 Patrick Donovan, Concordia
2005 Patrick Donovan, Concordia
2004 Mickey Donovan, Concordia
2003 Neil McKinlay, Simon Fraser
2002 Adam MacDonald, StFX
2001 David Stipe, Bishop's
2000 Joey Mikawoz, Manitoba
1999 Mike Letendre, Saskatchewan
1998 Warren Muzika, Saskatchewan
1997 Jason Van Geel, Waterloo
1996 Derek Krete, Western
1995 Paul Frlan, StFX
1994 Cory Delaney, Waterloo
1993 Lou Tiro, Toronto
1992 Alex Eliopoulos, Saint Mary's
1991 Ray Bernard, Bishop's
1990 Randy Power, Mount Allison
1989 Mark Singer, Alberta
1988 Leroy Blugh, Bishop's
1987 Brent Lewis, Western
1986 Mark Norman, UBC
1985 Darcy Kopp, Calgary
1984 Larry Oglesby, Mount Allison
1983 Tom Timlin, Carleton
1982 Mike Emery, UBC
1981 Mike Emery, UBC
1980 Rich Payne, Wilfrid Laurier

J.P. METRAS TROPHY (Outstanding Down Lineman)

2011 Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, Laval
2010 Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, Laval
2009 Matt Morencie, Windsor
2008 Étienne Légaré, Laval
2007 Scott Evans, Wilfrid Laurier
2006 Chris Best, Waterloo
2005 Dominic Picard, Laval
2004 Troy Cunningham, Concordia
2003 Ibrahim Khan, Simon Fraser
2002 Israel Idonije, Manitoba
2001 Carl Gourgues, Laval
2000 Randy Chevrier, McGill
1999 Tyson St. James, UBC
1998 Garret Everson, Calgary
1997 Mike Kushnir, StFX
1996 James Repesse, Saskatchewan
1995 Harry Van Hofwegen, Carleton
1994 Paul Connery, Bishop's
1993 Paul Chesser, Concordia
1992 Chris Konrad, Calgary
1991 Jason Rauhaus, Manitoba
1990 Chris Morris, Toronto
1989 Chris Gioskos, Ottawa
1988 Veron Stiliadis, Wilfrid Laurier
1987 Pierre Vercheval, Western
1986 Louie Godry, Guelph
1985 Mike Schad, Queen's
1984 Boyd Young, Ottawa
1983 Jim DeSilva, Carleton
1982 Peter Langford, Guelph
1981 Tony Grassa, StFX
1980 Scott McArthur, Calgary
1979 Jim Muller, Queen's
1978 Dave Willox, Alberta
1977 Dick Bakker, Queen's
1976 Gerry Inglis, Alberta
1975 Mark Pothier, Saint Mary's
1974 Bart Evans, Manitoba

PETER GORMAN TROPHY (Rookie of the Year)

2011 Tyler Varga, Western Ontario
2010 Eric Dzwilewski, Calgary
2009 Linden Gaydosh, Calgary
2008 Jordan Verdone, Waterloo
2007 Liam Mahoney, Concordia
2006 Dalin Tollestrup, Calgary
2005 Martin Gagné, Montréal
2004 Kyle Williams, Bishop's
2003 Maxime Gagnier, Montréal
2002 Andy Fantuz, Western
2001 Jeremy Steeves, StFX
2000 Jean-Frédéric Tremblay, Laval
1999 Sébastien Roy, Mount Allison
1998 Kojo Aidoo, McMaster
1997 Paul Carty, StFX
1996 Jeff Johnson, York
1995 Éric Lapointe, Mount Allison
1994 Andre Arlain, StFX
1993 Jerome Pathon, Acadia
1992 Sean Reade, Western
1991 Dominic Zagari, Manitoba
1990 Bill Kubas, Wilfrid Laurier
1989 Chris Banton, Ottawa
1988 Grant Keaney, Mount Allison
1987 Dan Farthing, Saskatchewan
1986 Michael Soles, McGill
1985 Mark Brown, Carleton
1984 Jeff Funtasz, Alberta
1983 Paul Nastasiuk, Wilfrid Laurier
1982 Mike Fabilli, Ottawa
1981 Glenn Steele, UBC
1980 John Hutchinson, Mount Allison
1979 Joey Tynes, StFX
1978 John Lowe, Guelph
1977 Gord Goodwin, Calgary
1976 Jim Reid, Wilfrid Laurier

About Canadian Interuniversity Sport

Canadian Interuniversity Sport is the national governing body of university sport in Canada. Fifty-two universities, 10,000 student-athletes and 550 coaches vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. CIS also provides high performance international opportunities for Canadian student-athletes at Winter and Summer Universiades, as well as numerous world university championships. For further information, visit www.cis-sic.ca.

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