Athletics Hall of Fame
Semerad, class of 1935, was a three-year, three-sport varsity star in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1934, Semerad was named to the Little All-American Football Team and received honorable mention honors at the Major All-American level. In 1959, Semerad was named to the 1959 Silver Anniversary All-American Football Team, announced by Sports Illustrated, for his accomplishments as the quarterback and leader of the 1932, 1933, and 1934 Union football teams. Astoundingly, during his four-year football career at Union, Semerad played every minute of every game. On the baseball diamond he was captain during his senior year, and over three varsity seasons, he committed only one error, was a .400 hitter, and had a perfect fielding percentage as a centerfielder. Upon graduation he successfully tried his hand at professional baseball before turning down an offer from Newark, of the Yankee organization, to pursue a career in law. While at Union, Semerad was elected Phi Betta Kappa, earned the Pullman prize for his scholastic standing, and was awarded the Daggett prize by the President of the College. After graduating from Union, Semerad went on to Harvard Law School where he received his J.D. in 1938. He returned to Union to coach varsity football and basketball from 1941-1943, followed by a two year stint as an FBI special agent. Over the next 30 years, Semerad was a professor of law at Albany Law School of Union University. Semerad served as a trustee at Union College from 1964-1972 and as the dean of Albany Law School from 1973-1975 before passing away in 1977.
