Riley Palmeter – From Small Town Football Hero to Division I College
Riley Palmeter’s journey from a small-town athlete to a NCAA Division I football player
and scholar is one more testament to dedication, parental and community support, and
academic achievement.
A 2022 graduate of Edinburgh Community School Corporation, Palmeter made his mark
both in the classroom and on the field. He is the son of Paul and Carrie Palmeter and
excelled academically, maintaining a high GPA throughout high school.
Following his undergraduate studies, Riley received a scholarship to transfer to Ohio
University, an NCAA Division I institution, where he will pursue graduate studies and
play football beginning in the fall of 2026. While he was contacted by several colleges
and universities, Riley chose Ohio University for the academic and athletic scholarships
they offered and for the opportunity to continue competing at the highest collegiate
level.
Riley’s list of honors, accomplishments, and scholarships is extensive. Among them are
Edinburgh Supreme Lancer, National Football Foundation Scholarship recipient, Indiana
Academic Scholarship, Scholar Athlete Award, National Football Foundation Scholar
Athlete, IFCA All-State Class 1A Quarterback, Single Season Passing Record (2,257
yards), Single Game Passing Record (403 yards), and Football Homecoming King.
Riley also was on the Dean’s list every semester at Marion College.
Football has always been Riley’s primary sport. He served as quarterback for Edinburgh
High School, transitioned to wide receiver at Marion University, and will move to tight
end at Ohio University. Ohio University reached out to Riley this year to recruit him for
football and graduate studies with the Bobcats.
Balancing football and academics at the collegiate level was essentially a full-time
commitment. During the season, Riley practiced approximately four hours a day, leaving
little time for extracurricular activities beyond football and academics.
When asked who most influenced his academic and athletic success at Edinburgh,
Riley credited his middle school and high school counselor, Traci Foltz, and his high
school football coach, Tyler Despain. Coach Despain has remained in close contact with
Riley throughout his college career and attended several of his college games to
support him.
Riley also expressed gratitude to many Edinburgh teachers and staff members,
especially Mr. Stephen Cox and Mr. Sean Rosser. Both educators made it a priority to
build relationships with students and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.
One of Riley’s favorite memories from his twelve years at Edinburgh was winning the
Basketball Sectional Championship in 2022. The bonds formed during that season
remain strong, as teammates continue to stay connected through group chats and
gatherings whenever they are home. Riley values the unique opportunities a small
school provides, allowing students to participate in multiple activities and sports
throughout the year.
Riley shared that what he loved most about attending Edinburgh Community Schools
was the accountability and support of his friends. “I had an amazing group of friends
that held me accountable to complete my schoolwork and practices before the fun,” he
said. Academics were always a priority for Riley, reflected in his impressive high school
GPA of 4.1896.
Paul and Carrie Palmeter were also deeply involved in Riley’s journey. Carrie
consistently emphasized academics as the top priority, while Paul played an active role
in supporting Riley’s athletic development. Paul served as Riley’s Bantam football coach
and later as an assistant coach for the Edinburgh football team. Their advice to parents
is to remain actively involved in their children’s lives and ensure academics remain at
the forefront each day.
Looking ahead, Riley hopes to remain in Indiana after completing his graduate studies
and pursue a career as a commercial real estate broker. He has already gained
experience through an internship in an asset management role within financial services
and has begun networking with professionals in the field.
When asked why he loved growing up in Edinburgh and attending ECSC, Riley
described the community as his village—one that supported and cheered him on
throughout his life. In a small school, everyone knows each other, creating a sense of
belonging. “Everyone knows your name,” Riley said, “and we are one large family.”
Riley’s advice to current ECSC students is simple but powerful: “Put academics first,
work hard if you are a high school athlete or involved in any activity, rely on your
teachers for support, and find a group of friends who encourage you and keep you
accountable.”
Sherri Sweet, Secretary to the Superintendent and School Board, profiles an ECHS
alumnus once a month. To learn more about the Edinburgh School Corporation, its
alumni and activities, visit ecsc.k12.in.us