Hobart senior Conrad Palmer was named to the Empacher-Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA) All-America teams last month. Palmer, who rowed with Hobart's varsity eight this year, garnered honorable mention recognition.
 
"Conrad represents the true Statesman," Head Coach Chris Kerber said. "With pride for the purple/orange and tenacity for preparation, he is a logical fit for the 'All American' moniker, leading by his actions in and out of the boat and setting the standard for those around him. He supports those around him with a great big heart. I am honored to have coached him as a student-athlete here at Hobart and as a pre-elite rower, after college, at California Rowing Club."
 
Palmer is just the second Statesman to earn All-American recognition from the IRCA, joining Mo Marchart, who was recognized in 2022.
 
To be named an All-American, rowers and coxswains must meet all eligibility rules defined by their institution, raced in the varsity boat during the spring season and been nominated by their institution. Nominated student-athletes are then selected by the IRCA Board of Directors based on strength of finish of the varsity boat, nomination rank within the institution and coach's comments, individual achievements and erg score.
 
A captain, Palmer helped Hobart's 1V8 finish eighth at the National Invitational Rowing Championships. They finished second in the petite final, stopping the clock at 6:11.090.  Earlier in the spring season Palmer and the varsity eight swept its races at the Cayuga Duels, beating Ithaca and Marietta in head-to-head races. The victory over the Bombers helped Hobart retain the Statesmen Cup. Plamer also competed with the varsity eight at the Head of the Charles Regatta in the fall, finishing 29th. Palmer was presented the Coach Bill Maxwell Memorial Award at the annual Block H Dinner.
 
 A four-year member of the Hobart Rowing team, Palmer spent two years with the 1V8 and two years with the 2V8. During his junior campaign, he helped the second varsity eight finish fifth at the NIRC. As a sophomore, Palmer rowed in the varsity eight, winning a gold medal at the Liberty League Championships. Palmer was named to the All-Liberty League second team and was a part of the Liberty League Crew of the Year. The Statesmen also finished ninth at the Head of the Charles Regatta in the fall of 2021. As a first-year, Palmer won a gold medal in the 2V8 at the Liberty League Championship. He then helped Hobart's 2V8 place 15th at the IRA National Championships. 
 
The IRCA Board of Directors honored 99 rowers and coxswains from their 42 member institutions.