The Canadian Press
TORONTO–It’s one of the few CFL accomplishments to have evaded Ricky Ray.
The Toronto Argonauts’ veteran quarterback was named the East Division’s outstanding player nominee yesterday.
Edmonton’s Mike Reilly got the West Division nod.
It’s the third time Ray, a three-time Grey Cup champion over 15 CFL seasons, has earned the nomination.
In 2013, he was the runner-up to Calgary running back Jon Cornish of New Westminster, B.C. before finishing behind B.C. linebacker Solomon Elimimian in ’14 when the Lions’ star became the first pure defensive player to win the honour.
“Any time you can win an award, I mean, it’s nice,” Ray said.
“I don’t want to downplay it too much but during the season, it really doesn’t mean anything just because you’re so focused on what you’re trying to accomplish as a team.
“There’s always been great players in this league and I just haven’t played well enough to win that award,” he added.
“Even with the all-star and MOP stuff, those are for the individual to enjoy at the end of the year, whereas now it’s all about the team and we want to be the team at the end of the year saying we’re the best.”
On Wednesday, Ray was named an East Division all-star.
Toronto (9-9) finished first in the conference and will host either Saskatchewan or Ottawa on Nov. 19 in the East final.
“Obviously, it would be great to win [MOP],” Ray said.
“But coach has talked about how you become immortal as an athlete is by winning a championship.”
The other nominees include linebackers Alex Singleton of Calgary and Kyries Hebert of Montreal (defensive player), Winnipeg running back Andrew Harris and Ottawa receiver Brad Sinopoli (Canadian), and Winnipeg tackle Stanley Bryant and Toronto centre Sean McEwen (lineman).
Rounding out the nominees are Calgary’s Roy Finch and Ottawa’s Diontae Spencer (special teams) and Calgary receiver Marken Michel and Toronto running back James Wilder (rookie).
Marc Trestman (Toronto) and Calgary’s Dave Dickenson are the nominees for coach of the year.
Dickenson was the CFL’s top coach last season.
He led Calgary (13-4-1) to first place in the West Division this season and home field for the conference final.
Trestman, the CFL’s top coach in ’09 with Montreal, joined Toronto after four seasons in the NFL.
After finishing last in the East Division with a 5-13 mark last year, the Argos finished first under Trestman this season.
Voting was conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and eight CFL head coaches.
The award winners will be honoured Nov. 23 in Ottawa.
