Celebrating past triumphs

“My experience at Glendale college was tremendous,” said Turner, who would continue his collegiate career at Brigham Young University, where he set the school record in the 220 (20.52). “I came here and I was treated so wonderfully.

“With Ed Tucker, we always had so much fun. We had fantastic times and this was a fantastic school.”

Palmer, a Hoover graduate, was a member of the men’s tennis and track and field teams before moving on to the Redlands University.

While competing on the tennis team, Palmer captured the Western State Conference and Southern California singles crowns in 1951.

After transferring to Redlands, Palmer won the singles title at the prestigious Ojai Valley Tournament and helped Redlands capture the National Assn. for Intercollegiate Athletics team crown in 1954.

Palmer also excelled in badminton. He represented the United States in the Thomas Cup international competitions.

“When I enrolled at Glendale college, I thought my sport would be track, especially the pole vault,” said Palmer, who was inducted into the Redlands’ inaugural hall of fame class in 1983. “The second year, I came out for tennis.

“I really liked tennis and I was very successful at it. Glendale college started my athletic journey and wonderful years were spent here.”

The men’s cross-country team enjoyed a breakthrough season in 1976. With new Coach Tom McMurray on board, the Vaqueros mostly breezed through the competition.

McMurray, who was inducted into the college’s hall of fame in 2008, turned to a cast that featured Jay Rubino, Gary Henry, Rick Van Rensselaer, Peter Stark, Mike Zois, Mark Byrne, Jon Cory, Mark Hilton, Kevin O’Connor and Jim Steinshouer that was up to the challenge to return the Vaqueros to state prominence for the second time in three seasons.

In 1976, Glendale college shared the Western State Conference crown. The Vaqueros regrouped to win the Southern California and state championships.

“These guys were real good,” McMurray said. “That was a special time for a rookie coach.

“We talked through the years and we are back here 33 years later. They worked hard each day and got better each week. These guys were outstanding students who have done well in their academic and professional careers.”