Heidelberg University Athletics

When Ed Palmer decided to wear the colors of Heidelberg College, the Student Princes knew they had an athlete who could do it all, not just one sport, but in any he tried. Before graduating in 1951 Palmer played and lettered in football and performed as a punter while earning a letter in basketball at the forward sport.

Just for good measure, Palmer took the mound for the Heidelberg baseball team and once again it was a success story. In all, during those years when the freshman were not permitted to play, Palmer lettered three times in each sport, a total of nine varsity letters.

When he decided to leave the athletic field he was just as successful in compiling a distinguished career in education before retirement.

Born and raised in Waco area, he graduated from Canton Township High School and added a degree from Kent State University following his graduation from Heidelberg. In 1953, he began a teaching and coaching career in the Canton school system, including serving as principal of Faircrest Memorial Junior High from 1969 to 1985.

His talents in athletics began at Canton Township High School where he served as Vice President of his class. Basketball was a special love for Palmer who was first team All-County in 1947, a year the school would advance to the state semi-finals.

A 6'1" center, Palmer was the first team choice on the Canton Respoitory All-County team. Moving to Heidelberg, Palmer was quickly noticed with his patient drives to the bucket past bewildered opponents.

Basketball was the sport in which he drew the most attention. He set a record in an 86-75 victory over Ohio Northern when he poured in 33 points.

He was noted for his excellent one hand shot and was deemed the master of the reversing jump shot. Palmer earned first team Associated Press All-Ohio Conference honors.

He closed out his senior year with 331 points, an average of 18.4 per game while scoring 806 career points. The 1949-1950 campaign had the Student Princes rolling up an impressive 14-3 record. The squad also defeated the Alumni team to chart at 15-3 mark.

In football, Palmer used his quickness and speed of his 190-pound frame to get free for receptions for his right end spot. He started three seasons and served as the team punter his junior and senior years as the Student Princes finished unbeaten in 1948 and dropped just on in 1949.

In October of 1950 he received a tryout request from the New York Yanks in football. The three-sport athlete also dominated from the mound for the Tricolor, playing three years on the varsity level. When he was not pitching, he was seeing duty at first base.

A special week in May of 1951 had Palmer grabbing both pitching wins against strong foes, Wittenberg and Wooster. When his playing days were over, he coached ninth grade football for seven years and was a varsity assistant at Canton South under head coach Don Nehlen.

Palmer was truly one of the finest all around athletes to ever wear a Heidelberg uniform.

(This profile appeared in the 1992 Hall of Fame Banquet program.  Mr. Palmer passed away in 2011.)