The McCarthy-Schwartz Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to members who show extraordinary service to the organization. The award is named after Homer Schwartz and John McCarthy, who were lifetime contributors to the game of lacrosse as administrators, athletes, and officials.

Homer Schwartz played his collegiate lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University in the 1960s. Homer was a two-sport athlete (basketball and lacrosse), two-sport team captain, and three-time lacrosse All-American. Homer was president of the US Lacrosse Potomac Chapter from 1998 to 2012. During this time, DC area lacrosse expanded to more than 20,000 members. Homer also had an immense impact on the officiating world. He recruited over 175 high school students to serve as boy’s youth officials. He taught many officials how to blow their whistle and throw their flags. Homer was inducted into the Johns Hopkins Hall of Fame. He was also honored by induction into the US Lacrosse Potomac Chapter and Greater Baltimore Chapter Hall of Fame.

John “Mac” McCarthy played his collegiate lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts in the 1970s. A lifelong association with the game continued as he coached lacrosse at DeMatha and Montgomery Blair High Schools. After his coaching career, John progressed to officiating and served as a key mentor for youth officials As part of his vision for DC area lacrosse, John promoted the game to such a degree that he was recognized as a major sponsor of the game in Montgomery County, Maryland. John effectively used lacrosse as a tool to steer “at-risk” youths to productive activities, materially changing them to motivated young men reaching positive goals, both within the game and in life. Mac’s irrepressible spirit and positive attitude, including his emphasis on sportsmanship and character development, had their effect on innumerable individuals over five decades. His genuine interest in all practitioners of the game, and his easy ability to connect with people, distinguished Mac as a remarkable person.

Award Inductees:

2024

• Rob Broxton

2023

• Mike Kleeblatt

2022

• Bob Manfuso

2021

• Don Woodruff

2019

• Charlie Younger

2018

• Frank Higgins

2017

• Will Plath

2016

• Ken Winegrad

2015

• Bill Harvey

2012

• Homer Schwartz

• John McCarthy