By Jonathan Anderson
Stampeders.com

Records are made to be broken, as the old saying goes, but sometimes records last so long that their vulnerability comes into doubt.
Friday, Stampeders running back Jon Cornish knocked down one of those time-tested records as he topped Normie Kwong’s 56-year-old mark for most rushing yards in a season by a Canadian.

Cornish entered the contest with the record in his sights, needing only 50 rushing yards. Heading into the third quarter, Cornish only needed just 10 yards.

Then, with a bust of speed, Cornish got a gaping whole and headed upfield for a 22-yard gain. Mission complete: Record broken. 

“Im not sure if I was trying to force it,” said the new record-holder after the contest. “Our offensive line was making holes and there were two times when I was just trying to make it look nice. I said the whole week I wanted to do it in style.”

He did just that —  after breaking the record, Cornish retired for the evening as he finished with 69 yards on the ground in three quarters of play.

Cornish is awed by the exclusive company in which he finds himself.

“(Normie Kwong) hasalways been that name,” he said. “He’s been the top of the top for Canadian running backs. For me to be now mentioned at the same time as him is an honour.”

Cornish hopes to build on this year’s success.

“I’m hoping next year, considering the play of the offensive line and our run game since the bye week, we will be able to get this in 15 games,” said Cornish in reference to the number of games it took Kwong to set the previous standard.

Cornish finishes the season with 1,457 rushing yards, good for the league’s rushing lead. He is looking to become the first Canadian to win the CFL rushing title since Orville Lee did it with Ottawa in 1988.