Lance Palmer (born February 7, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former collegiate wrestler, who currently competes in the featherweight division. A professional since 2011, he is most notable for competing in Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he was the 2018 and 2019 tournament champion. As a folkstyle wrestler, he was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American and four-time OHSAA state champion.

Lance Palmer
BornLance Tyler Palmer[1]
(1987-02-07) February 7, 1987 (age 37)
Columbia Station, Ohio, United States
Other namesThe Party
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
DivisionFeatherweight
Reach69 in (180 cm) [2]
StyleWrestling
Fighting out ofToms River, New Jersey, United States
TeamTeam Alpha Male (2010–2017)[3][4]
Xtreme Couture (2018–2019) [5]
Nick Catone MMA (2019–present)[4]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Dustin Akbari[6]
WrestlingNCAA Division I Wrestling[7]
Years active2011–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total31
Wins23
By knockout1
By submission8
By decision14
Losses8
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision5
UniversityOhio State University
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Ohio State Buckeyes
NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Silver medal – second place 2010 Omaha 149 lb
Big Ten Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2007 East Lansing 149 lb
Bronze medal – third place 2009 State College 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2010 Ann Arbor 149 lb

Wrestling career

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High school

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Palmer started wrestling at the age of nine and won every OHSAA (state) tournament since his freshman year of high school, making him a four-time Ohio champion out of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He graduated with a record of 150-6 and also won a NHSCA Senior National championship while coached by Greg Urbas.[8]

College

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After graduating, he attended Division I powerhouse Ohio State University, where he competed at 149 pounds in all of his 4 seasons.

2006-07

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True Freshman: Earned All-American status after placing fourth at the NCAA tournament, becoming the second Buckeye to do so in their first year of competition. He also placed third at the Big Ten Championships, and defeated 3 ranked opponents at the tournament.[9]

2007-08

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Sophomore: Became a two-time All-American placing eight at the NCAA championship. At the Big Ten's, he placed sixth and was the fifth seed.[9]

2008-09

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Junior: Placed fourth at the NCAA's, making him a three-time All-American. He also placed third at the Big Ten Conference championship.[9]

2009-10

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Senior: Palmer had the most success in his college career as he became the NCAA's tournament runner-up and champion of the Big Ten Conference before graduating.[10]

Over his career, Palmer compiled a 121–33 record and became a four-time NCAA Division I All-American, one-time NCAA finalist and one-time Big Ten Champion. He defeated notable opponents such as future Olympic Gold Medalist and 2x NCAA Champion Jordan Burroughs, NCAA Champion and future Olympian Frank Molinaro, future NCAA Champion and MMA Fighter Bubba Jenkins, former NCAA Champion (later two-time) Brent Metcalf and University Freestyle National Champion Jason Chamberlain[11][12]

On June 16, 2020, Palmer was inducted into the Ohio State University's Hall of Fame by his legendary collegiate wrestling career.[13][14]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Palmer made his professional mixed martial arts debut on May 20, 2011. He began his career at 7-0 and won the Resurrection Fighting Alliance Featherweight Championship a little over two years after his debut.[15]

World Series of Fighting

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On December 7, 2013, Palmer made his World Series of Fighting debut at WSOF 7 against Bellator veteran Georgi Karakhanyan for the inaugural WSOF Featherweight Championship.[16] He lost via guillotine choke in the third round.

On June 21, 2014, Palmer faced Nick LoBasco at WSOF 10.[17] He won via rear naked choke submission in the first round.

On December 13, 2014, Palmer challenged Rick Glenn for the WSOF Featherweight Championship at WSOF 16.[18] He won via rear naked choke submission in the third round to become the WSOF Featherweight Champion.

On June 5, 2015, Palmer made his first defense of the WSOF Featherweight Championship at WSOF 21 against IFL and WEC veteran Chris Horodecki.[19] He won via neck crank submission in the first round to retain the WSOF Featherweight Championship.

On December 18, 2015, Palmer made the second defense of the WSOF Featherweight Championship at WSOF 26 against Alexandre Almeida.[20] He lost via unanimous decision.

On May 10, 2016, it was announced that Palmer will have a rematch against Alexandre Almeida for the WSOF Featherweight Championship at WSOF 32 on July 30, 2016 in the co-main event.[21] He won via unanimous decision to become a two time WSOF Featherweight Champion.

On June 30, 2016, Palmer fought Andre Harrison in for the first title defense of his second reign as champion at WSOF 35 in the co-main event. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[22]

Professional Fighters League

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After World Series of Fighting became the Professional Fighters League, Palmer next fought on November 2, 2017. He fought Steven Siler at Professional Fighters League: Fight Night where Palmer won the fight via unanimous decision.[23]

Palmer then competed in the inaugural season of the Professional Fighters League. He fought on at the first event of the new format at PFL 1 in the Featherweight division. On June 7, 2018, he faced Bekbulat Magomedov and won the fight by second round submission.[24] On July 19, 2018, Palmer fought Jumabieke Tuerxun at PFL 4. He won the fight by third round submission.[25]

In the fall of 2018, Palmer entered the PFL Featherweight tournament as the second seed. At PFL 8 on October 5, 2018, he defeated Max Coga by unanimous decision in the quarterfinal round and then rematched Andre Harrison and earned unanimous decision win in the semifinal round.[26]

Palmer fought another rematch against Steven Siler in the finals at PFL 11 on December 31, 2018. He won the fight via unanimous decision, winning the PFL Featherweight tournament and earning the $1 million cash prize.[27]

2019 Season

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In the opening round of the second season of PFL, Palmer faced Alex Gilpin at PFL 2 on May 23, 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision, collecting three regular season points.[28]

In the second round Palmer faced Luis Rafael Laurentino at PFL 5 on July 25, 2019. He won the fight via third-round TKO and advanced to the playoffs.[29]

Palmer next faced Alexandre de Almeida and Alex Gilpin at PFL 8 on October 17, 2019. He won both fights by unanimous decision. He was expected to face Daniel Pineda in the Featherweight tournament finals, but after Pineda failed a drug test after PFL 8, Palmer was set to face Alex Gilpin in the finals again.

Palmer and Gilpin faced each other for the third time during the season at PFL 10 on December 31, 2019. Palmer implemented his grappling-heavy fight style, winning the bout via unanimous decision and claiming his second PFL Featherweight tournament victory.[30]

2021 Season

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Palmer was scheduled to face Jason Soares in the opening round of the third season on May 21, 2020.[31] However, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[32]

Palmer faced 2011 NCAA Division I champion Bubba Jenkins on April 23, 2021 at PFL 1.[33] He lost for the first time during his PFL run via unanimous decision.[34]

Palmer was scheduled to face Lazar Stojadinovic at PFL 4 on June 10, 2021.[35] However, on May 24, it was announced that Stojadinovic had to pull out of the bout and was replaced by Jesse Stirn.[36] A day before the event, Palmer was pulled and rescheduled to face Movlid Khaybulaev on June 25, 2021 at PFL 6.[37] He lost the bout via unanimous decision, eliminating Palmer from the playoffs for the first time in his PFL career.[38]

2022 Season

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Palmer faced Chris Wade on April 28, 2022 at PFL 2.[39] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[40]

Palmer faced Sheymon Moraes on June 24, 2022 at PFL 5.[41] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[42]

Absolute Championship Akhmat

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Palmer was scheduled to take part in the 2023 ACA Featherweight Grand Prix, facing Bibert Tumenov in the quarter-finals on August 11, 2023 at ACA 161. However, Palmer withdrew from the fight due to injury and the bout was postponed for the following event on September 2, 2023 at ACA 162.[43] At weigh-ins, Palmer (148 lbs / 67.1 kg) missed weight and was fined a 30% of his purse with went to his opponent.[44] He subsequently lost the bout via knockout at the end of the first round.[45]

Moving up to Lightweight, Palmer faced Alexey Polpudnikov on May 17, 2024 at ACA 175: Gordeev vs. Damkovskiy, losing by TKO stoppage in the second round.[46]

Personal life

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Palmer was an assistant wrestling coach at the Virginia Tech program.[47]

Palmer’s high school career was documented in the movie "Pinned."[8]

Palmer and his fiancée Jessie have a daughter, Maya (born 2021).[48]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed Martial Arts

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Folkstyle Wrestling

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Collegiate

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High school

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
31 matches 24 wins 7 losses
By knockout 2 1
By submission 8 1
By decision 14 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 23–8 Alexey Polpudnikov TKO (punches) ACA 175 May 17, 2024 2 1:55 Moscow, Russia Lightweight debut.
Loss 23–7 Bibert Tumenov KO (punches) ACA 162 September 2, 2023 1 4:53 Krasnodar, Russia 2023 ACA Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal; Palmer missed weight (148 lb).
Win 23–6 Sheymon Moraes Decision (unanimous) PFL 5 (2022) June 24, 2022 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Loss 22–6 Chris Wade Decision (unanimous) PFL 2 (2022) April 28, 2022 3 5:00 Arlington, Texas, United States
Loss 22–5 Movlid Khaybulaev Decision (unanimous) PFL 6 (2021) June 25, 2021 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss 22–4 Bubba Jenkins Decision (unanimous) PFL 1 (2021) April 23, 2021 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 22–3 Alex Gilpin Decision (unanimous) PFL 10 (2019) December 31, 2019 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Won the 2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament.
Win 21–3 Alex Gilpin Decision (unanimous) PFL 8 (2019) October 17, 2019 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 20–3 Alexandre Almeida Decision (unanimous) 2 5:00 2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 19–3 Luis Rafael Laurentino TKO (punches) PFL 5 (2019) July 25, 2019 3 2:45 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 18–3 Alex Gilpin Decision (unanimous) PFL 2 (2019) May 23, 2019 3 5:00 Uniondale, New York, United States
Win 17–3 Steven Siler Decision (unanimous) PFL 11 (2018) December 31, 2018 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Won the 2018 PFL Featherweight Tournament.
Win 16–3 Andre Harrison Decision (unanimous) PFL 8 (2018) October 5, 2018 3 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States 2018 PFL Featherweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 15–3 Max Coga Decision (unanimous) 2 5:00 2018 PFL Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 14–3 Jumabieke Tuerxun Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 4 (2018) July 19, 2018 3 4:34 Uniondale, New York, United States
Win 13–3 Bekbulat Magomedov Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 1 (2018) June 7, 2018 2 3:21 New York City, New York, United States
Win 12–3 Steven Siler Decision (unanimous) PFL Fight Night November 2, 2017 3 5:00 Washington, D.C., United States
Loss 11–3 Andre Harrison Decision (unanimous) WSOF 35 March 18, 2017 5 5:00 Verona, New York, United States Lost the WSOF Featherweight Championship
Win 11–2 Alexandre Almeida Decision (majority) WSOF 32 July 30, 2016 5 5:00 Everett, Washington, United States Won the WSOF Featherweight Championship
Loss 10–2 Alexandre Almeida Decision (unanimous) WSOF 26 December 18, 2015 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost the WSOF Featherweight Championship.
Win 10–1 Chris Horodecki Submission (neck crank) WSOF 21 June 5, 2015 1 4:28 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Defended the WSOF Featherweight Championship.
Win 9–1 Rick Glenn Submission (rear naked choke) WSOF 16 December 13, 2014 3 3:09 Sacramento, California, United States Won the WSOF Featherweight Championship.
Win 8–1 Nick LoBosco Submission (rear naked choke) WSOF 10 June 21, 2014 1 4:15 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 7–1 Georgi Karakhanyan Submission (guillotine choke) WSOF 7 December 7, 2013 3 4:40 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada For the inaugural WSOF Featherweight Championship.
Win 7–0 Jared Downing Decision (split) RFA 8: Pettis vs. Pegg June 21, 2013 5 5:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Won the RFA Featherweight Championship.
Win 6–0 Patrick Reeves Submission (guillotine choke) Showdown Fights 11: Buchholz vs. Bell May 10, 2013 1 3:40 Orem, Utah, United States
Win 5–0 Fredson Paixao Decision (split) RFA 4: Griffin vs. Escudero November 2, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 4–0 Joe Washington Decision (unanimous) UVC 20: Clash at the Coliseum August 4, 2012 3 5:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win 3–0 Jordan Chandler Submission (arm triangle choke) Showdown Fights 6: Breakout February 24, 2012 2 4:07 Orem, Utah, United States
Win 2–0 Chris David Decision (unanimous) Fight For Wrestling 4 October 1, 2011 3 5:00 San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Win 1–0 Emilio Gonzales Submission (rear naked choke) Fight For Wrestling 3: Back in Bakersfield May 11, 2011 1 2:22 Bakersfield, California, United States

NCAA record

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NCAA Championships Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
2010 NCAA Championships   at 149 lbs
Loss 15-7 Brent Metcalf 2-3 March 20, 2010 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win 15-6 Frank Molinaro 2-0
Win 14-6 Jason Chamberlain Fall
Win 13-6 Nick Bertucci Fall
Win 12-6 Seth Morton 8-1
2009 NCAA Championships 4th at 149 lbs
Win 11-6 Jake Patacsil 8-7 March 21, 2009 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss 10-5 Brent Metcalf 2-6
Win 10-4 Kyle Ruschell 4-0
Win 9-4 Mitch Mueller 3-0
Win 8-4 Matt Cathell 4-3
2008 NCAA Championships 8th at 149 lbs
Loss 7-4 Dustin Schlatter 2-3 March 22, 2008 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss 7-3 Josh Churella 2-6
Win 7-2 Brandon Carter MD 11-3
Loss 6-2 Brent Metcalf 2-3
Win 6-1 Jake Patacsil MD 14-6
Win 5-1 Kyle Larson MD 14-3
2007 NCAA Championships 4th at 149 lbs
Win 4-1 Tyler Turner OT 6-5 March 17, 2007 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss 3-1 Josh Churella 2-5
Win 3-0 Matt Coughlin 2-1
Win 2-0 Scott Ervin 10-3
Win 1-0 John Cox MD 10-2

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Mixed martial arts show results Date: October 17, 2019
  2. ^ "Lance Palmer". www.pflmma.com.
  3. ^ Damon Martin (May 7, 2011). "The Evolution of a Champion: Lance Palmer's Journey Into MMA – Part 1". mmaweekly.com.
  4. ^ a b Dan Dohery (May 24, 2019). "PFL 2 2019: Lance Palmer Feeling Benefits of Training with Mark Henry". cagesidepress.com.
  5. ^ Danny Segura (June 7, 2018). "Lance Palmer discusses training camp switch from Team Alpha Male heading into PFL 1". mmafighting.com.
  6. ^ Lance Palmer Promoted to Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Dustin Akbari
  7. ^ "Four-time All-American Lance Palmer is NCAA Championships Runner-up". ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Damon Martin (May 20, 2011). "The Evolution of a Champion – Lance Palmer's Journey Into MMA – Part 3". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  9. ^ a b c "Lance Palmer Ohio State Bio". Ohio State Buckeyes.
  10. ^ Dave Weaver / Associated Press (March 20, 2010). "Ohio State wrestler Lance Palmer has rematch against Iowa standout Brent Metcalf at NCAA wrestling tournament". cleveland.com. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  11. ^ Damon Martin (May 10, 2013). "Lance Palmer Could Be the Most Coveted Prospect for Either the UFC or Bellator". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  12. ^ "Lance Palmer Ohio State Bio".
  13. ^ "Dennis Inducted Into OSU Hall of Fame". Ohio State Buckeyes. June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  14. ^ "Top position again: Columbia Station's Lance Palmer named to Ohio State Hall of Fame for dominating wrestling career". chroniclet.com. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  15. ^ "Fight History-Pro".
  16. ^ "WSOF 7 results, highlights, and GIFs".
  17. ^ "WSOF 10 results: David Branch chokes Jesse Taylor to win middleweight title; Rick Glenn, Jessica Aguilar victorious". June 22, 2014.
  18. ^ "World Series of Fighting (WSOF) 16 LIVE results stream". December 13, 2014.
  19. ^ "WSOF 21 Results: Palmer vs. Horodecki". June 5, 2015.
  20. ^ "WSOF 26 Results: Palmer vs. Almeida". December 18, 2015.
  21. ^ "WSOF 32 Gets New Main Event, 2nd Title Fight With Addition of Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Hill".
  22. ^ "WSOF 35 IVANOV VS. JORDAN".
  23. ^ "PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE PFL: FIGHT NIGHT".
  24. ^ "PFL 1".
  25. ^ "PFL 4".
  26. ^ "PFL 8".
  27. ^ "PFL 11".
  28. ^ Dave Doyle (May 23, 2019). "PFL 2019, Week 2 results: Lance Palmer earns one-sided decision over Alex Gilpin". mmajunkie.com.
  29. ^ Damon Martin (July 25, 2019). "PFL 5 results: Chris Wade, Lance Palmer win as playoff positions are set". mmafighting.com.
  30. ^ Adam Guillen Jr. (December 31, 2019). "PFL 10 results: Lance Palmer wins second straight $1 million prize, featherweight tournament in NYC". mmamania.com.
  31. ^ @ProFightLeague (March 7, 2020). "Season 3 May 21 @LancePalmer vs. Jason Soares #EarnIt x #PFLmma" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "PFL 'Adjusting Plan' for 2020 Season Due to Coronavirus Pandemic". Sports Bacon. April 1, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  33. ^ Head, Simon (February 23, 2021). "Anthony Pettis vs. Clay Collard to headline PFL 2021 season opener". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  34. ^ Anderson, Jay (April 23, 2021). "PFL 1 Results: Bubba Jenkins Becomes First to Beat Lance Palmer in PFL". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  35. ^ "Anthony Pettis to headline 2021 PFL 4 as lightweights, featherweights get second fights". MMA Junkie. May 13, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  36. ^ @PFLMMA (May 25, 2021). "Anthony Dizy & Lazar Stojadinovic will not compete at PFL 4" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. ^ Martin, Damon (June 9, 2021). "PFL 4 card loses two-time champ Lance Palmer, rescheduled with new opponent at PFL 6". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  38. ^ "2021 PFL 6 results: Movlid Khaybulaev wins decision, eliminates Lance Palmer from playoffs". MMA Junkie. June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  39. ^ "Cappelozza, Austin to headline PFL 2 on April 28". ESPN.com. March 29, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  40. ^ Anderson, Jay (April 28, 2022). "PFL 2 2022: Chris Wade Takes Unanimous Decision Over Ex-Champ Palmer". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  41. ^ "Cappelozza to fight Scheffel in PFL 5 main event". ESPN.com. May 26, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  42. ^ Gonzaga, VH (June 24, 2022). "Sheymon Moraes é superado na PFL 5 2022 e tem vaga na próxima fase do torneio dos penas ameaçada". SUPER LUTAS (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  43. ^ "Бой Биберта Туменова против американца Палмера перенесен на ACA 162". mma.metaratings.ru (in Russian). July 26, 2023.
  44. ^ "ACA 162: ТУМЕНОВ VS ПАЛМЕР — РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ЦЕРЕМОНИИ ВЗВЕШИВАНИЯ". ACA MMA. June 10, 2024.
  45. ^ "Результат боя Биберт Туменов – Лэнс Палмер 2 сентября на турнире ACA 162". mma.metaratings.ru (in Russian). September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  46. ^ "Макгрегор сорвал возвращение и может вылететь из UFC. Звезда на грани ухода из боев". sport24.ru (in Russian). Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  47. ^ "Wrestling :: Lance Palmer". hokiesports.com. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  48. ^ Lance Palmer [@lancepalmer] (February 15, 2021). "Happy Valentine's Day to my girls!" – via Instagram.
  49. ^ "2003 Wrestling Championships".
  50. ^ "2004 Wrestling Championships".
  51. ^ "2005 Wrestling Championships".
  52. ^ "2006 Wrestling Championships".
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