Costroe Franklin Palmer, Sr. - 1993

Costroe Franklin Palmer, Sr., was born May 24, 1955, in Mobile, Alabama. He was educated in the public schools on Mobile County and received a diploma in 1753 from C.F. Vigor High School. At Vigor High School, he was a member of the track team and other student activities.  

Upon Graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge on June 5, 1976.  

He enrolled at Bishop State Junior College in 1976 to pursue a degree in art. At Bishop State, he was active in student government and was captain of the track team. He participated in numerous track and field competitions while at Bishop State, earning many regional and national honors and awards. He received the Associates of Science Degree from Bishop State Junior College in 1978 and was awarded an athletic scholarship to attend The University of Alabama. 

Costroe Palmer remains the record holder in the 100-meter dash for Bishop State students, having run the time of 10.36 seconds in 1977. Additional individual times include: (1) 30.99 seconds in the 300-yard dash in 1977; (2) 6.21 seconds in the 60-yard dash in 1977; (3) 10.41 seconds in the 100-yard dash in 1977; (4) 20.79 seconds in the 200-meter dash in 1979. 

As a junior college athlete, Costroe Palmer earned the following honors and awards: 1^st place, National Junior College Athletic Association 300 yard dash (30.99 seconds), Honorable Mention, All-American Indoor Trace and Field team, 1977: 2^nd place, 60 yard dash, NJCAA, first team position, All-American Indoor Track and Field Team, 1977; NJCAA Region XXII Outstanding Track Performance, 1977;1^st place, 100 yard dash (10.41 seconds), NJCAA Region XXII Championships, 1977;4^th place, 300 yard dash, NJCAA Track and Field Team 1977. First place Sprint Medley Relay, Texas Relays, 1978; 1^st place 1600 Meter Relays, Texas Relays, 1978; 1^st place Sprint Medley Relay, Florida Relays, 1978.  

At The University of Alabama, he majored in graphic design and received the Bachelor of Science Degree in 1980. He was a member of the University’s track team and earned additional honors and awards.  

As an athlete at The University of Alabama, Costroe Palmer earned the following honors and awards: 1^st place, Mile relay, Southeastern Conference (SEC) Indoor Track and Field Championships, 1979; 2^nd place, 880 Relay, Florida Sunkist Relays, 1980; 3^rd place, 4 x 100 Relay, Florida Sunkist Relays, 1980 (31.07 seconds-SEC record); 1^st place, mile relay, Track and Field Championships-SEC, 1980; 1^st place, 400 Meter Relay, SEC Track and Field Championships, 1980; 3^rd place, 1600 Meter Relay SEC Track and Field Championships, 1979; 5^th place, 200 Meter Dash (20.79 seconds), SEC Track and Field Championships, 1979; 6^th place, 110 Meter High Hurdles, SEC Track and Field Championships, 1979; recognition of outstanding athletic achievements in Athletic Club (A Club), University of Alabama, 1980; 1^st place, 4 x 100 Relay, SEC Dogwood relays Track and Field Championships, 1980; SEC Dogwood Relays 400 Meter Relay, 1979 and 4 x 200 Meter Relay, 1980 (1^st place team). 

Costoe Palmer is an all-around man. He is an outstanding athlete, a dedicated family man, active in his church and community, and respected in professional circles. He is a role model for children and gives of his time to work with his fraternity in providing a better way of life for children in Alabama.  

He was named Outstanding Young Man of America in 1983 and is a member of the Bailey Tabernacle C.M.E. Church, where he serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, he is married to the former Janice Davis and is the father of two sons, Costroe, Jr., 8, and Vincent, 7. Presently, he is the manager of Wagner Shoe Store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.