Laval's Mital named Hec Crighton Trophy winner after impressive U Sports campaign

LONDON, Ont. — Laval Rouge et Or receiver Kevin Mital was named the winner of the Hec Crighton Trophy as the most outstanding player in U Sports football at the annual Vanier Cup all-Canadian awards banquet on Thursday.

Mital led the country in receptions (58) and receiving yards (751) in eight regular-season contests. His 12 touchdown receptions were a school record and tied the conference record held by Rob Harrod of Ottawa (1998) and Alexander Fox of Bishop’s (2013).

The St-Hubert, Que., native became the first receiver to win the award since Western’s Andy Fantuz in 2005 and the first winner from Laval since Benoît Groulx in 2008.

Montreal Carabins linebacker Nicky Farinaccio claimed the Presidents' Trophy as the standup defensive player of the year, having led the country with 10.5 sacks, just 2.5 short of the national single-season record.

St. Francis Xavier X-Men head coach Gary Waterman grabbed his first Frank Tindall Trophy as coach of the year after leading his squad to an 8-0 regular-season record and second straight Loney Bowl title in the AUS.

UBC Thunderbirds offensive lineman Theo Benedet won the J.P. Metras Trophy as the top lineman, McGill Redbirds quarterback Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald took home the Peter Gorman Trophy as rookie of the year and Saint Mary's Huskies quarterback Duncan Patterson won the Russ Jackson Award, for best exemplifying athletic skill, academic achievement and community service.

Windsor's Mike Circelli was named the Gino Fracas Award winner for outstanding career service by a volunteer assistant coach.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2022.