Honoring Mike French as 2026 Tewaaraton Legend and Jack Emmer with Spirit of Tewaaraton Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Tewaaraton Foundation has announced that lacrosse icons Mike French and Jack Emmer will be recognized at the 2026 Tewaaraton Award Ceremony Presented by Stifel.

The Tewaaraton Legend Award is bestowed upon individuals whose careers have left a lasting legacy on the game of lacrosse and would have won the Tewaaraton Trophy had it been awarded when they played. Few embody that distinction more than French, the Cornell legend whose impact spans generations and borders. Emmer will be recognized with the Spirit of Tewaaraton Award, which honors individuals who exemplify the values and traditions of the game while contributing to its growth and integrity.

A native of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, French began his lacrosse journey in the Canadian box game before arriving at Cornell, where he quickly became one of the sport’s most dominant offensive forces. He led Cornell to three straight final fours, including winning the 1976 national championship with an undefeated record as the recipient of the Lt. Raymond Enners Award as the nation’s top player. A three-time All-American who topped 60 goals in each of his three varsity seasons, French’s creativity, vision, and scoring ability defined one of the greatest dynasties in college lacrosse history and helped shape one of the sport’s most exciting eras.

A member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and the NLL Hall of Fame, French remains one of the rare figures enshrined in both the U.S. and Canadian halls, underscoring his global impact on the sport. Cornell’s all-time leading scorer (in only three years of varsity lacrosse) until 2013 Tewaaraton Award winner Rob Pannell broke his goals record and 2025 Tewaaraton winner CJ Kirst broke his points record, French now sits third all-time in points with 296 and second in goals with 191.  

“Mike French set the standard for excellence in our sport during one of the most dominant eras in college lacrosse,” said Andy Phillips, President the Tewaaraton Foundation. “His achievements at Cornell and his lasting influence on the game make him a truly deserving Tewaaraton Legend.”

One of the most respected coaches in lacrosse history, Emmer built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and sustained excellence. Over the course of his career, he guided his programs to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances and retired as the NCAA’s all-time winningest coach with 326 career victories.

Emmer is one of only two coaches in lacrosse history to lead three different programs—Cortland, Washington & Lee, and Army—to NCAA semifinal appearances, reflecting his rare ability to build winning programs at multiple levels of the game.

Beyond wins and postseason success, Emmer’s influence is perhaps best measured through the generations of players and coaches he has shaped. A former U.S. National Team head coach who led Team USA to the 2002 World Championship, Emmer’s impact spans collegiate and international lacrosse, as well as decades of mentorship and leadership within the sport, including serving as co-chair of the Tewaaraton Selection Committee.

Emmer’s commitment to lacrosse extends far beyond competition. He has long been a steward of the sport’s traditions, embodying the respect, sportsmanship, and dedication that define the Spirit of Tewaaraton.

“Jack Emmer’s career reflects everything the Spirit of Tewaaraton Award represents,” said Jeffrey Harvey, Chairman of the Tewaaraton Foundation. “His leadership, innovation, and commitment to mentoring generations of players and coaches have left an indelible mark on the sport. His impact goes far beyond wins and championships.”

French and Emmer will be recognized during the 2026 Tewaaraton Award Ceremony Presented by Stifel, bringing together the sport’s top collegiate players, legends, and supporters for one of lacrosse’s most prestigious nights.

For more information on the Tewaaraton Foundation, visit tewaaraton.com. Like and follow The Tewaaraton Foundation at facebook.com/tewaaraton, x.com/tewaaraton, tiktok.com/@tewaaraton, instagram.com/tewaaraton, and youtube.com/@thetewaaratonfoundation.

About The Tewaaraton Foundation

The Tewaaraton Award is recognized as the preeminent lacrosse award, annually honoring the top male and female college lacrosse player in the United States. Founded at the University Club of Washington, D.C., the award was first presented in 2001 with permission from the Mohawk Nation Council of Elders. “Tewaaraton” is the Mohawk word for lacrosse, and The Tewaaraton Award symbolizes lacrosse’s Native American Heritage. The Tewaaraton Foundation ensures the integrity of the selection process and advances the mission of the Foundation. Each year, The Tewaaraton Foundation presents two scholarships to students from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy – the Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora Nations.

Stifel Company Information

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a diversified financial services firm providing wealth management, commercial and investment banking, trading, and research services to individuals, institutions, and municipalities. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm operates more than 400 offices across the United States and in major global financial centers. As a firm where success meets success, Stifel works closely with retail and institutional clients aiming to transform opportunities into achievement. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at Stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases. Like and follow Stifel on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.