CJ Palmer is college wresting champ

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — Delaware Valley School District Alumni Cary "CJ" Palmer won the national college wrestling championships in the 141-pound weight class at the Division III in Hershey, Pa., in mid-March.

Originally from Dingman Township, Palmer attended the Delaware Valley schools all the way from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Lou DeLauro was Palmer's coach throughout his high school years, and is also the assistant principal at the high school. He said he wasn't surprised by Palmer's success.

“He was one of the best athletes to come through this school," DeLauro said. "CJ graduated three years ago, but I still keep in touch with him regularly. I actually went out to watch him in Hershey for the championships.”

CJ also likes to keep in touch.

“He still comes here to work out when he comes home," DeLauro said,

While in high school, Palmer took the State third-place honors twice, and was a three-times state qualifier.

The new national title covers a large area.

“College Division III is large, about 10 colleges in all," ” DeLauro explained.

He said CJ always trained hard, and took part in all kinds of sports events. “We went all over with him, a lot of tournaments," he said.

CJ comes from a family of athletes. His dad was a football player and a wrestler, and his brother Jalen, who also attended Delaware Valley, was a two-time state medalist. Both were top seeds.

CJ’s sister Joi is still a student at the high school and trains in track and field.

After graduating from Delaware Valley, CJ went to junior college in Clackamas, Oregon. He’s currently attending Hunter College in Manhattan. He received scholarships for both, DeLauro said.

“He always wanted to be a pilot, and I believe he's taking subjects toward that goal,” he said.

CJ could not be reached for comment.