Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
A coveted title on the 1984 and 1985 Rhodes football teams was that of “chingmaster.” The wide receivers, running backs and defensive backs would often spend a few minutes before practice seeing who could catch the front end of a football with one hand. Mike Palazzolo was the king “chingmaster” of the ’84 and ’85 Lynx squads. Fortunately for Mike’s teammates and coaches, he didn’t limit his one-handed receptions to a pre-practice game. He routinely made acrobatic, diving, one-handed receptions with defenders hanging all over his back.
The Rhodes football program made quite a turnaround in the mid-1980s, and Mike Palazzolo was one of the primary reasons. He was selected to the All College Athletic Conference team each of his four years at Rhodes, and his teammates voted him the Most Valuable Player in 1984 and 1985. Mike’s 101 career and 20 touchdown receptions rank him as one of Rhodes’ all-time great receivers. He was also a prolific punt and kickoff returner statistically ranking at the top of the College Athletic Conference throughout his career. During Mike’s senior year, the Lynx posted an 8-1-1 record and Rhodes was the College Athletic Conference Co-Champion, finishing in the top twenty in the final NCAA Division III poll.
At 6’, 195 lbs, Mike had the size, strength and speed to intimidate defensive backs. He earned All-CAC honors in track posting career best 10.9 in the 100 and 22.2 in the 200 meter dashes. Mike earned All-CAC honors in the discus and he also ran on the 4 X 100 and 4 X 400 relay teams which captured CAC titles.
For eight years Mike served as the color analyst on the Rhodes football radio broadcast and has worked numerous track and field meets as a volunteer official at Fargason Field.
In recognition of the commitment, loyalty and hard work he exhibited as a dedicated football and track athlete, the thrills he provided for his coaches, teammates and fans, and his service to his alma mater, we are honored to induct MICHAEL ALEXANDER PALAZZOLO into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 19th day of October, 2007.
