Herb Semper

LEGENDARY JAYHAWKS Herb Semper (1949-52)

A member of the Kansas cross country program during its golden era under the direction of head coach Bill Easton, Herb Semper firmly established his mark in the lore of Kansas cross country. Semper became the first Jayhawk to win an NCAA championship, prevailing in 1950 and 1951. He remains the only runner in KU history to win two cross country individual national championships. Under Easton’s guidance, Semper was a member of two Big Seven Conference championship teams (1950 and 1951) and was a two-time Big Seven individual champion (1950 and 1951). Semper is also a member of the KU Hall of Fame. Semper’s excellence extended to the Kansas track and field team as well. A four-time Big Seven Conference champion in the two-mile run (1950-52 indoor; 1950 outdoor), Semper was a two-time outdoor All-American after back-to-back third-place finishes in the two-mile run at the NCAA Championships. Semper’s statue at Rim Rock Farm (see map below) is surrounded by three ponds (Teardrop Pond, Jayhawk Pond and Pat’s Little Pond) on the northeast portion of the course.

SEMPER’S ACCOLADES

• 1950 and 1951 NCAA Cross Country Champion • 1950 and 1951 Big Seven Individual Conference Champion