Athletics

Athletics. . , Physical activity was an important part of life for Palmer students. In 1927, the same year Galen Stone Hall and Kimball Hall were completed, a clay tennis court was constructed between the buildings where the small parking lot behind you is today. Years later, the tennis court was converted into an indoor basketball court. In 1932, students rallied together to build a gymnasium. It stood where the picnic shelter is today., As far as team activities, girls could choose from tennis, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and dance, and boys had the options of basketball, football, or baseball. While girls were not allowed to play against teams off campus, boys competed with schools across the county., [Sidebar:] , Coach Bunbrige , Charles W. Bundbrige, for whom the athletic field is ahead is named, joined the Palmer faculty in 1952 as a history and physical education teacher. He also coached boys' sports. Mr. Bundrige held degrees from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and served in the 183rd Engineer Combat Army Battalion during World War II. A beloved coach and teacher, he would go on to become the fourth and final president of Palmer., [Captions:] , Top to bottom: Group of students stretching for a folk-dance class, 1920. | Postcard showing the newly finished tennis court, 1920s. | The dance team on campus was called the "Palmer Pretties." 1955., Top: 1935 baseball squad on the campus athletic field. | Bottom: Coach Bundrige squats in front of the 1961 junior varsity basketball team.