Contesting a top-tier field in the 1500m run at the Raleigh Relays, Palmer put forth an effort that is sure to make him a favorite come NEC Championship time. Monmouth’s junior mid-distance runner completed the race in 3:48.53 to take over first place on the NEC leader board and qualify for the IC4A Championships. Had he produced such a time at the 2011 NEC Outdoor Championships, Palmer would not only have won the conference crown but would have broken the meet record. Former Saint Francis (PA) runner Mathew Hartman set the NEC Outdoor Championship record by clocking in at 3:49.97 in 2001.