BEREA, Ohio – D3football.com announced this afternoon that Baldwin Wallace University senior All-Ohio Athletic Conference running back Jon Murray, Jr. (Cincinnati/Withrow) has been named a semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy.

The Gagliardi Trophy, which has been given annually since 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is named after the late John Gagliardi, Saint John's legendary Hall of Fame head football coach who retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history. Gagliardi passed away in October 2018 at the age of 91. The Gagliardi Trophy winner will be announced live on D3football.com on Friday, December at 7 p.m.

Murray, Jr., who is one of 15 semifinalists and one of four running backs, makes the national ballot for the first time in his career. 

This season, he led the team and was second in the OAC in carries with 193 and led the squad and was fourth in the league with 896 yards. Murray, Jr. was tied for eight in the league in touchdowns with five.  He also caught five passes for 36 yards. 

For his career, Murray, Jr. appeared in 42 games and ends his career as the school's all-time leader rusher in yards with 3,611, carries with 746 and touchdowns with 40.  He also caught 29 passes for 246 yards with one touchdown.  Murray, Jr. was a five-time All-OAC selection, two-time BW Outstanding Offensive Back Award recipient and a D3football.com All-Region 4 first-team pick in the fall of 2021.

BW finished the season with a 7-3 overall record and in third place in the OAC with a mark of 7-2.