Offensive lineman Spencer Wilson is the Calgary Stampeders’ nominee for the 2016 Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award. The honour is annually presented to the Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans — strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities. The award is named after Gaudaur, a former CFL commissioner who was a pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.

Wilson is a six-year veteran of the Stamps and has twice been honoured as a division all-star and once as a CFL all-star. He has displayed both durability — despite playing a physically demanding position, he has suited up for every game in three consecutive seasons. He has demonstrated versatility by making starts at all five positions because of injuries to other members of the offensive line. Wilson has also rarely missed a practice day during his Stamps career.

The Calgary product started his Stamps career as an invited practice player and through determination and perseverance eventually earned a practice-roster spot, then became a backup and finally a starter. Wilson is a popular member of the team and often hosts team-bonding events for members of the offensive line.

Wilson is an active member of the community and currently as the team representative for CUPS, a Calgary organization dedicated to assisting adults and families in Calgary to become self-sufficient despite living with the adversity of poverty and traumatic events. He is also involved with the Jump Rope for Heart program and visits numerous schools to encourage kids to be active.

The winner of the 2016 Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award will be announced at the CFL awards night on Nov. 24 in Toronto.