Four-year Bangor High swimming standout as free-style champion, he captained the 1968 state Class A champions as the 50-100 meter event ruler.

Following his career in Southern Connecticut State University where he handled all four strokes, Emery coached his Bangor alma mater to a dual meet record of246-41-1 in 31 years; 18 state Class A championships; 15 undefeated seasons; 19 Penobscot Valley Conference championships; and the 1975 New England Championship.

He coached 8 swimming and diving All-Americans and 20 Academic All-Americans.

Emery was voted Coach-of-the-Year 12 times by his fellow mentors. The former Ram aquatic ace also served as an official for 15 years at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national championships.

Since 1978 Emery also has served as the state's high school swimming championship meets director.

Appointed in 2000 as Zone One Director (New England, New York, New Jersey) for the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association. Emery received that organization's 1992 Outstanding Service Award, one of six accorded nationwide each year.

Emery was also awarded the 2000 Bruce Hutchinson Citation by the swimming team alumni of Southern Connecticut State for outstanding achievement in coaching.

Emery resides in Brewer. He has two daughters, Julie Emery and Jennifer Roeder.