A four-year starting quarterback on the Bluffton football team, Hemmert helped lead the Beavers to the NAIA national playoffs in 1987 and 1988.

At the time of his graduation in 1989, Hemmert held 24 school records. His career totals that still rank among the best in Bluffton football history include: 5,614 yards of total offense (fourth), 4,951 passing yards (fourth), 290 completions (fifth), a .522 completion percentage (seventh), 39 touchdown passes (second) and a pass efficiency rating of 141.1 (second).

Armed with a potent passing game and a powerful running attack, of which he was also a part (663 career rushing yards), Hemmert led four of Bluffton’s most successful teams, tallying a career record of 32-7 for an .821 winning percentage. He was named team Most Valuable Player in 1987, first-team NAIA District 22 in 1989 and A.C. Burcky Award winner in 1989.

After graduating, Hemmert played one season with the West London Aces in the European Football League, leading his team to an 11-1 record and a spot in the league playoffs. Hemmert then began a career with Bank One, where he has held positions as banking center manager, sales and service coach and district manager. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Ashland University in 2000.

Hemmert is also a licensed high school football and basketball referee who has officiated several playoff football games in Ohio.