Oberlin College Athletics

A seven-time letter-winner in three sports, Tom Palmer was a tremendous athlete. Despite being undersized, he started at offensive guard for three seasons, helping the Yeomen finish 7-1 in his senior year. An elite pole-vaulter, as a junior Palmer won the Ohio Athletic Conference title in the event. During his senior year, when he served as team captain, he set a then-school record by clearing 13-00.75. He was also on the diving team that year and went on to place second in the event at the OAC Championships.

In addition to being a standout in three varsity sports, Palmer was a member of the elite Sigma Delta Psi fraternity that required high standards in 13 athletic events, while also being eligible for varsity competition.

After graduating from Oberlin, Palmer did a short stint in the Army’s counterintelligence unit. He eventually went on to become the Senior Vice President of Personnel at the Philadelphia National Bank before retiring in 1987.