Over the next few weeks, GoColumbiaLions.com will take a look at the teams, student-athletes, coaches and staff members set to be inducted in the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame this October. Our next installment features the only Lion wrestler to earn All-America honors twice.
Matt Palmer '07CC
One of the most decorated Columbia wrestlers in the modern era, Matt Palmer finished his career with an overall record of 87-26 and 17-1 in the Ivy League, becoming the only Columbia wrestler to ever be recognized as a two-time All-American.
Ranked within the Top 20 nationally in his first-year at Columbia, the 165 and 174-pounder quickly established himself, posting an incredible 16-1 record. Palmer stood at the top of the podium during the Aggie Open and East Stroudsburg Open, where he was unanimously awarded the title of the Most Outstanding Wrestler.
His college accolades include first team All-Ivy League honors, first place at the New York State Championships, and eighth place at the NCAA Championships. Palmer was named to the All-Rookie Team by Amateur Wrestling News, and was ranked fourth in the country, taking third place at the EIWAs.
Head wrestling coach Brendan Buckley, who was with the Lions from 2000-2011, recognized Matt's abilities early during his Columbia days.
“Matt had an outstanding season in his freshman year,” Buckley said. “When you come out of high school as the best in the nation, that's what you expect. Matt has a bigger heart and more will than any person I have ever coached.
Notable victories in the career of Palmer include a pair of pins at home in under 30 seconds (25 and 21 seconds, respectively), and a win over fourth ranked Nick Passolano of Iowa State in the first round of NCAA championships in his rookie year. As a senior, Palmer helped the Lions to a 22-16 dual match win over Penn, the first Columbia victory against its Ivy League foe since 1993.
Along with his Columbia accolades, Palmer was an honorable mention selection from the Maryland State Wrestling Association in its list of the All-Time Greatest Maryland Wrestlers.
