Sept. 18, 2006

By Lauren Tillman

Former Baylor running back Pinkie Palmer is the No. 10 rusher in the history of Baylor football, starring for the Bears from 1966-68, when the school was still a part of the Southwest Conference.

Palmer, who comes back very often to support Baylor football, was really surprised by the growing campus.

"They have made a whole lot of improvements," said Palmer.

While studying at Baylor, Palmer majored in finance economics and management. As a freshman, he stayed in Martin dormitory. He said that it wasn't all that easy to balance academics, athletics and a social life.

"It's hard to devote your time to all three," said Palmer.

After graduating, he attended Baylor Law School. Palmer said that he had a great time at Baylor and that his experience absolutely prepared him for the ups and downs of "real life."

Years after graduating, he still keeps in contact with a lot of his former teammates.

"You will make more lasting friendships in athletics than you would make in the classroom or in other places in life," said Palmer.

One of Palmer's favorite memories as a Bear was the first televised game of the season against Syracuse, which occurred his sophomore year. He said that his biggest inspiration as a student-athlete was his field coach Pete McCulley.

According to Palmer, Baylor football has changed a lot.

"The guys are much larger, and they're more talented. It's also harder to compete in the Big 12, and there are more constraints. The facilities have changed, but it's the exact same game...there are still 11 guys on the field," said Palmer.

He said that if he could go back in time, he would have done things a bit differently.

"I would have been more of a student than I was. I would have done more things...the opportunities at Baylor are endless, but I didn't really take advantage of them," said Palmer.

He also said that student-athletes should try hard to excel in athletics, but they should try equally as hard to excel in academics, because athletics don't last very long.

At Baylor, he was a member of Tri-C. He said that if he could have played any other sport back then, it would have been basktball.

Palmer grew up in Olney, which is in North Central Texas, near Wichita Falls. After leaving Baylor, he stayed in Marshall, Texas, for 34 years.

Currently, Palmer is self employed, and he works at his son's private firm, Palmer Law Firm. He represents both individuals and corporations.

"I only do civil work, nothing criminal," said Palmer.

He belongs to the local, state and national BAR associations.

Palmer and his wife, Becky Hall-Palmer, have two children and four grandchildren. They are expecting another grandchild sometime in December. Their children are Chase Palmer and Rebecca Palmer-Smith, and their grandchildren are named Elizabeth Anne Palmer, Sam Palmer, Sarah-Jane Palmer, and Zachary Smith.

"My greatest accomplishments are my children and my grandchildren. I also own a ranch and an 80-90 acre lake, but finance isn't nearly as important as a wonderful family," said Palmer.

Palmer's hobbies include ranching and playing golf. His goals over the next five years include, helping his son with the firm, improving his lake house, and enjoying a growing family.