Life Member
Inducted 1991
Mark Schwartz joined ‘the Blacks’ from Sturt in 1974 and immediately made an impression with his skills, courage and determination. The hallmarks of his game were uncanny judgment, a strong approach to the ball and fierce tackling. Mark patrolled the back pocket in 128 A1 games, up to the end of the 1980 season when he temporarily retired due to an extended overseas trip.
Mark played in the 1974 and 1975 A1 Premierships and captained the A1 side in 1977, 1978 and 1979. He won the Gunning Medal in 1975 from the back pocket – a great effort. In addition, he was awarded the Best Team Man trophy in A1 in 1974.
Mark was rewarded with State selection, playing six State Amateur games in 1975, 1976 and also in 1978 when he was State Captain in the game against Western Australia at Football Park. He was named in the All-Australian team after the 1976 Carnival in Adelaide, which was won by South Australia.
After returning from overseas and a year in retirement in 1981, Mark coached the A3’s in 1982 into fourth position. In 1984 he joined long time cricket and football team mate David Bartlett for the 1984 A1 Reserves Flag. Mark later coached the A1 Reserves in 1987 when he also returned to active playing with a further 13 games.
Mark always stated that he would never retire, only in some seasons not play much (if at all). Hence his career of 185 games stretched from 1974 until 1993, with 36 games in the last 11 years.
Mark always took an active role in the administration of the Club, being Chairman in 1980 and Deputy Chairman in 1981. He was a most effective President from 1985 to 1995.
Mark Schwartz was made an Honorary Life Member of the Club in 1991 following a highly distinguished career, both on and off the field.
Coach Laurie Hoskins reflected on the great contribution of Life Member and long term President, Mark Schwartz.
“Any other reflections and comments make would be much remiss if I did not pay a tribute to the Club leaders in my short coaching era. Mark Schwartz was an outstanding A1 and Club Captain during my complete stint and his marvelous sense of humour turned sometimes difficult situations around. Mark was recognised at State level as a Captain which speaks volumes for his leadership qualities, quiet, highly intelligent both on the field and off it, but not frightened to give a ‘message’ when needed. Mark gave me marvelous support as a player, Captain and co- selector. His early death was obviously a tremendous loss to his family, but also to the Adelaide University Football Club as a past Captain, Chairman and President.