History of the St. Paul Downtown Lions Athlete of the Year Award

It all began in 1943 on a train trip to a New York Speed Skating meeting when Herbert F. Schwarz, Sr. read an account of the Heisman Trophy award. Schwarz was a participant and promoter of all athletics and figured that a similar award could be presented yearly to an outstanding amateur athlete in the St. Paul area.

Upon his return to Minnesota, Schwarz presented his idea to the St. Paul Downtown Lions Club and in 1944 they agreed to sponsor the first "Herb Schwarz Award" which was presented to basketball star Richard Kaess. In 1951, the name was changed to the Lions Amateur Athlete of the Year.

Athletes were originally chosen from the city of St. Paul but are now selected from Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties. With the exception of 1945, when no winner was selected, a single winner was named until 1985. Since 1986, a male winner and female winner have been selected each year.

Historically, finalists were chosen from a pool of amateur athletes of all ages. From 2001 to present, the selection field has been narrowed and only high school seniors may be nominated for the award.

Prior to 2005, the award banquet was held in February and athletes were honored based on their accomplishments in the prior calendar year. In 2005, the banquet was moved to May and athletes are recognized for their achievements in the current school year.

The St. Paul Downtown Lions are proud of the legacy of this event.