Beech Tree News Network

 Another Butler County Bear football player will be putting on his pads and helmet to play college football next fall.

Ricky Palmer, son of Tom and Shellie Palmer, signed a National Letter of Intent on Tuesday to play his college football at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro. Palmer was a standout lineman on both sides of the ball at BCHS. He will be a defensive lineman for the KWC Panthers.

Head Coach Ryan Emmick said of Palmer’s signing, “This is a great moment for Ricky Palmer and his family.  Ricky has spent the last four years in preparation for this moment and his opportunity to play at the next level.  I am proud of Ricky and the hard work, dedication, and effort that he has put in during his career at Butler County High School.  Ricky is an amazing young man, dedicated to making himself the best student and best athlete he can be.”

Palmer joins former teammates Clay Embry and C.W. Decker as recent Bear football players who signed to play college football. Palmer’s classmate, Elijah Flener, expects to play college football in the fall as well and will make his decision later in the spring.

Coach Emmick understands that while Palmer probably won’t end up in the NFL, but this opportunity is a chance to improve his future. “Ricky has a great opportunity ahead of him.  He has not only the chance to be one of the small percentage of high school players in the nation to go on to play college football, he has a chance to get a great education.  Ricky has worked tirelessly for this opportunity and the Butler County Football Family is very proud of him,” said Emmick.

Palmer, who will be joining a growing list of student-athletes playing at the college level (CheyAnne Gaskey, Clay Embry, C.W. Decker, among others) was joined at the ceremony by his family, coaches and teammates, BCHS Principal Patrick O’Drisscoll, Butler County School Superintendent Scott Howard.

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Story by Joe K. Morris, BtN/WLBQ.