Passages: Bill Palmer, Central Jersey Swim Coach of Olympians, 82

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Bill Palmer, who led Central Jersey Aquatic Club for nearly three decades, passed away on Dec. 30 at the age of 82.

Palmer founded Shore Aquatic Club in 1961 as one of the first AAU-affiliated swim clubs in New Jersey and the first in Monmouth County. In the early 1970s, Palmer and Shore Aquatic joined forces with the Scarlet Jets, coached by two-time Olympic coach Frank Elm, under one banner as the Central Jersey Aquatic Club. Palmer led the combined effort until 1988.

Among Palmer’s pupils were 1976 American Olympians Wendy Boglioli, as well as Cathy Corcione (1968 Olympics). South African sprinter Jonty Skinner also trained at CJAC ahead of setting the world record in the 100 freestyle at the 1976 AAU Championships in Philadelphia. That year, CJAC won the women’s and the combined titles at nationals.

Boglioli, who like Palmer graduated from Monmouth College, won gold in the legendary 400 free relay at the Montreal Olympics, the only American gold medal in the face of the East German onslaught of that year. Boglioli also earned bronze in the 100 butterfly behind two East Germans.

Corcione, who also swam at the World University Games in 1973 and was a founding member of Princeton’s swim team, is now on CJAC’s staff as head age group coach. Head coach Corrina Weinkofsky, in place since 1988, is another of Palmer’s proteges. (Their pupils include two-time Olympian Connor Jaeger.)

Bill Palmer moved to Colorado in 1996, where he coached the Durango Masters Swim Team. He was an avid sports man who enjoyed skiing and biking and competed in nearly 200 triathlons, including the Hawaii Ironman.

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Corrina Weinkofsky
Corrina Weinkofsky
3 years ago

Thank you got posting. Our condolences and prayers go out to Bill’s family. Thank you for establishing a traditions of “team”, pride, and hard work!

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