WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cornell lacrosse legend Mike French '76 was honored with the 2026 Tewaaraton Legends Award on Thursday night at the annual Tewaaraton Award Ceremony, recognizing one of the most decorated players in the history of collegiate lacrosse.

French, a native of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, starred for the Big Red from 1974-76, establishing himself as one of the sport's all-time great attackmen. He ranks third in Cornell history in career points (296) and second in career goals (191). His 1976 season produced 105 points and 65 goals, ranking second and third, respectively, in Cornell single-season history.He recorded 47 consecutive games with at least one goal and one point from 1974-76.

A three-time All-American, French earned first-team recognition in 1975 and 1976 and third-team honors in 1974. He was named the Ivy League Player of the Year in 1976 and was recognized as athlete of the year by both The Ithaca Journal and The Cornell Daily Sun that same season.

In 1976, French received the Lt. Raymond Enners Award as the outstanding player in Division I and the Jack Turnbull Award as the nation's top attackman. That year, he helped lead Cornell to an unbeaten season and the NCAA Championship, scoring seven goals in a 16-13 overtime victory over Maryland in the title game, the first NCAA lacrosse championship to receive national television exposure.

French was inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame in 1992, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2001, and was named to the NCAA Silver Anniversary lacrosse team in 1995. He also captained the Canadian National Team to a stunning upset of the United States at the 1978 World Lacrosse Championships.

The Tewaaraton Legends Award is presented annually to former collegiate lacrosse players whose careers have had a lasting impact on the sport.