HEADING TO BEREA — Buckeye Local’s Brian Palmer Jr. announced his college plans Thursday afternoon during a ceremony at the high school. The two-sport standout will continue his football and wrestling careers, as well as his academics, at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea. With him are, from left, April Ogden, Breeona Palmer, Sherri Palmer and Brian Palmer Sr. -Kim North
CONNORVILLE — Brian Palmer Jr. couldn’t give a straight answer when asked whether he liked football or wrestling more.
After pondering the question for a few moments, he finally gave in.
“It’s close, but I’d have to say wrestling,” he said. “My lack of size hurt me with football, but if you know me, you know how I roll.”
Baldwin Wallace University was willing to give him the opportunity to do both. The Yellow Jackets are members of the NCAA Division III and the Ohio Athletic Conference.
The Buckeye Local senior, who claimed the Division III 152-pound state wrestling championship in mid-March, signed his national letter of intent to attend the Berea-based school Thursday afternoon before family and friends at the high school.
“Yes, I’m definitely glad it is over. It was a tussle every day,” Palmer Jr. said of the recruiting process, which saw several NCAA Division I schools show interest in his mat skills but not football. “I just couldn’t get rid of football. It was in my heart, so I had to stick with it.
“It feels amazing. Coach Gibbs reached out to me and after I saw all the prices to go there and all the blood, sweat and tears that I’ve put forth, Baldwin Wallace was the choice .”
Ranked No. 1 most of the 2020-21 season, Palmer capped his career with a 5-1 decision over Dalton’s Tate Geiser in the title match during the COVID-restricted 84th edition of the state tournament inside Marion Harding High School. He finished the season at 43-1 and had a program-best 175 career victories against 21 reversals.
Palmer Jr. was a three-time All-Ohioan, as he finished sixth at 120 as a freshman and third as a sophomore at 132. He was 43-3 as a junior before the state tournament was halted due to the pandemic. He was also a four-time sectional titlist and a three-time district champ.
“I wish I could go back, honestly,” he said when asked about his high school career.
The Yellow Jackets have won five of the last six OAC titles, including this past season when they went 6-0 in dual-meet competition. They finished ranked No. 6 nationally.
“The lineup is really stout right now. Coach Gibbs let me know that I will have great drill partners,” Palmer Jr. said. “I’m looking for national championships. That’s what I’m striving for.”
While everybody sees what the Panthers standout does on the mat, his state title run was more than just himself.
“My family. All of my coaches. Everybody that has helped me out during the last four years,” he said. “My lifting partners. My teachers. My friends. Just everybody. This is a huge day.”
He said that it took awhile for it to really sink in that he was a state champion.
“Probably about two-and-a-half weeks, maybe three,” he said.
“We always strive for the kids to excel in high school and then move them on the college,” Buckeye Local head wrestling coach Guy Nestor said. “Brian finally made his choice, and we’re really happy for him. We’ll be cheering him on.”
In becoming a state champion, he joined fellow Buckeye Local matmen Joe Cominsky (1995, 215 lbs.), Willie Saxton (2006, 130) and David Bertolino (2003, 160) — all of whom won at the Division II level — on that coveted list.
As a football player, the under-sized Palmer caught 31 passes for 528 yards and three touchdowns last season. Defensively, he charted 58 tackles and intercepted three passes.
Palmer Jr. is the son of Brian Sr. and Sherri Palmer. He has a younger sister, Breeona. They reside in Adena.
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