Weyburn's LaBatte, Jones win CFL awards

Two Weyburn sons, Brendon LaBatte and Brett Jones, have won honours at the 2013 CFL Awards in Regina. LaBatte, from the Roughriders, is Offensive Lineman of the Year. Jones, from the Stampeders, is Rookie of the Year.

LaBatte, 27, captured the honour Thursday at the CFL's awards banquet. Centre Jeff Keeping of the Toronto Argonauts was the other finalist in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada and eight CFL head coaches.

The six-foot-four, 323-pound LaBatte is in his sixthyear in theCFL.He anchored an offensive line that paved the way for
Kory Sheets to become the CFL's second-leading rusher, with 1,598 yards.

During his speech, LaBatte quipped that he is not expecting a new sign to go up in Weyburn. He joked that he can't compete against the likes of golfer Graham DeLaet and famed politician Tommy Douglas.

LaBatte also thanked Rider Nation and, to end his speech, said the team will do their best to bring home the Grey Cup on Sunday.

Jones could have been a Rider

Jones won his award playing for Calgary after that club picked him up in the 2013 draft because the Roughriders took a pass, thinking Jones would pursue a medical career.

Jones, 22, is a former Regina Rams star and thanked his university coaches during his speech.

He added he still has his sights on medical school.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats running back C.J. Gable was the other finalist in the Rookie of the Year category.