Riders look to Canadian Football League rookie to handle kicking duties

The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed non-import kicker Rob Pikula on Monday to replace departing veteran Paul McCallum.
Pikula, 23, spent four seasons with the University of Western Ontario, where he was voted the country's best kicker. The Brantford, Ont., native was named a CIS first-team all-Canadian in 2004 as a kicker, and a second-team all-Canadian as a punter.
"We have had Rob in our sights for awhile now and are very excited about signing him," said Roughriders head coach Danny Barrett. "We are very confident that Rob will be able to build upon his success in the CIS and can fill the job of kicker and punter for the upcoming season."
The Roughriders moved quickly to find a replacement for McCallum, who signed with the B.C. Lions Feb. 22 after 12 seasons in Saskatchewan. The 36-year-old went 31-for-42 in field goals for the Roughriders in 2005.
Saskatchewan also re-signed non-imports Mike McCullough and Neal Hughes. McCullough, a linebacker, played in all 18 regular-season games last season, and started the East semifinal. Hughes returned 11 kickoffs for 185 yards and added 11 special-teams tackles.