Each year, the Maryland Football Coaches Association honors people who have had a significant impact on the sport of football in our state. These awards are the John W. Voight Award, The Jerry E. Mears Service to Football Award, the Maryland High School Coaches Hall of Fame, and the John Harvill Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Maryland Football Coaches Association hosted the 34th annual awards ceremony for the 2023 on April 29th before the University of Maryland’s Spring Football Game. The awards presentation was in the Gossett Team House auditorium, and Maryland Head Football Coach Mike Locksley gave opening remarks. The following coaches were honored:
The John Harvill Lifetime Achievement Award:
This is the top award in the MFCA. It was established in 2015 and was named after legendary high school coach John Harvill, who coached at Gaithersburg High School for 41 years. Coach Harvill is a member of the Maryland State Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and won two state championships, and was a finalist five times. His record of 312-108 (74% winning percentage) is legendary in the state of Maryland.
The 2024 John Harvill Lifetime Achievement Award winner is:
- Jerry Franks, Calvert, Huntingtown, and St. Mary’s Ryken High Schools
The Maryland High School Coaches Hall of Fame:
The Maryland High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize coaches who have not only succeeded on the gridiron by winning games and championships, but have also served as dedicated mentors to the youth of the state of Maryland. The name of each member is engraved on a bronze plaque installed in the University of Maryland Football Team house.
The 2024 Maryland High School Coaches Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Eric Wallich, Damascus Mill High School
- Sean Murphy, Archbishop Curley High School
The Jerry E. Mears Service to Football Award:
This award is given to an individual who has dedicated his career to promoting the sport of football in the state of Maryland. It is named after Hall of Fame coach Jerry E. Mears, who coached at Arundel and Meade high schools. Coach Mears was also the first president of the MFCA in 1984.
The 2024 Jerry Mears Service to Football award winner is:
- Adam Rudel, The Baltimore Ravens
The John W. Voight Award:
This award honors coaches in the state of Maryland who have 20 years of loyal service as an assistant football coach. The award was established in 1994, and is named after John W. Voight, who was one of the founders of our state organization and a hall of fame coach from High Point High School.
The 2023 award winners are:
- Larry Hurd, St. John’s College High School, as well as Quince Orchard, Gaithersburg, Churchill, Poolesville, Northwest, Clarksburg, and Walter Johnson High Schools
- Jim Seabright, Boonsboro High School
- Michael Carter, Dunbar High School
Every year, the MFCA honors the coaches that wins these awards at a ceremony at the University of Maryland spring football game. It is a great atmosphere and we are thankful for the help and support of Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley and Maryland Director of Football Operations Tom Paolucci.
Members are encouraged to nominate coaches for each of these awards. If you feel that you know of a person who qualifies for one of these awards, please email Bob Milloy at bmilloy79@hotmail.com and let him know why you feel this person should be honored. Please note: The Jerry E. Mears Service to Football Award can be awarded to someone who was not a high school football coach in Maryland.
Click the link below to download last year’s Hall of Fame Ceremony Program
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