RAYMOND PALMER, JR.

1997 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

At the age of nine, Raymond started his career by swimming for the Cranston Swim Club, Cranston YMCA, and Brown Swim Club. His hard work and dedication to the sport earned him a spot on the Cranston West Swim Team.

Raymond played a very important part on the Cranston West Team. From 1975-1977, Ray held school and pool records in the 500 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 200 medley, and 400 freestyle relay. His record in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle still stand today as does the 400 freestyle relay.  He helped lead Cranston West to State Championships in 1975/ 1976 and they placed 2nd in the New England Championships.

While swimming for Cranston West, Raymond also earned Journal Bulletin All-State in 1975 and First Team All-State in 1976 and 1977. In 1977, he set a Rhode Island age group record in the 400 individual medley and participated in the National Championships in Mission Viejo, CA. Ray entered URI in 1977 and in his first year he was undefeated in dual meet competition. He swam the more challenging events for URI such as the 1000 free, 500 freestyle and 200 butterfly; otherwise known by his teammates as the “Hideous Triple.”

His sophomore year carried him to further success as he was the New England Champion in the 400 I.M. From 19791 to 1981 Ray was the URI high point award winner. During his senior year he was voted Team Captain and Outstanding Swimmer. He was recognized by the New England Swimming and Diving Association as the top senior swimmer and awarded the prestigious Robert Muir Award (outstanding senior swimmer-high point award at the New England Intercollegiate Championships).

After his graduation in 1981, Raymond continued to dedicate his time to the Rhode Island swimming community by serving as President of the URI Fast Lane Club for three years, as well as running alumni functions to raise money and coordinating numerous New England Championships at URI.