The accolades continue for Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish. On Wednesday, the 27-year-old was named the Calgary Booster Club’s male athlete of the year for 2011.
 
Cornish, who is going into his sixth season with the Stamps, took over feature running back duties in 2012 and rushed for 863 yards on 119 carries. His 7.3-yard average per carry was best in the CFL. Cornish also had 385 yards and two touchdowns on 26 receptions, giving him 1,248 yards from scrimmage. Cornish was named the CFL’s top Canadian in Weeks 14 and 16 and was the top offensive player in Week 14.
 
“I’m truly honoured to be chosen by the Calgary Booster Club as male athlete of the year,” said Cornish. “I had a chance to look at the list of prior winners and I’m thrilled to be associated with so many fantastic athletes. I also want to wish Christine congratulations on her great season.”
 
Cornish and Nesbitt will formally receive their awards on Mar. 19 during a dinner at the Red and White Club at McMahon Stadium.
 
Cornish is the 13th member of the Stampeders organization to be named the Calgary Booster Club’s male athlete of the year. Previous winners are: Don Luzzi (1959), Harvie Wylie (1963), Lovell Coleman (1965), Wayne Harris (1967), John Helton (1973), Willie Burden (1976), James Sykes (1981), Rick Johnson (1987), Dave Sapunjis (1994), Jeff Garcia (1999), Dave Dickenson (2001) and Henry Burris (2009).
 
“Congratulations to Jon Cornish on winning this prestigious award,” said Lyle Bauer, president and COO of the Stampeders. “Jon joins a proud list of former Stampeders who have won the award and we’re all thrilled for him. We were excited to see Jon’s progression in 2011 and we look forward to more great things from him this upcoming season.”
 
The award was started by the Calgary Press-Radio-TV Sports Club in 1958 as the Scott Mamini Award and was presented annually to the city’s top athlete chosen by local media. The format continued until 1987, at which time the award evolved into the Male Athlete of the Year.
 
Among the past winners of the award are skeleton racer and Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery, hockey players Jarome Iginla and Mike Vernon, speed skater Jeremy Wotherspoon and swimmer Mark Tewksbury.