Wally Palmberg (March 12, 1913 – February 12, 2006) helped put both Astoria and Oregon State on the athletic map as an athlete, then returned to Astoria to continue the athletic program’s success as both a coach and author.
Palmberg grew up in Astoria and was part of the high school’s first state championship team in 1930 under coach John Warren. The 5-11 forward earned first-team all-tournament honors in 1931, when the Fishermen won the consolation trophy, then led the team to the ’32 title along with Bob Bergstrom.
At Oregon State, he helped the Beavers win the Pacific Coast Conference title as a junior, then averaged 11 points per game in 1936 and was named All-American after the team finished second in the Northern Division. His 187 points broke the North scoring record.
Following graduation, Palmberg returned to Astoria and coached the basketball team to state titles in 1941 and ’42. But in 1943, he had to leave his undefeated team in the middle of the state tournament to report to Naval service.
After the war, Palmberg returned to coaching in Oregon, this time at Oregon Tech. The Owls won three Oregon Collegiate Conference titles. Then a pivot to administration and position at Blue Mountain Community College and Central Wyoming College.
In 1993, Palmberg authored the book “Toward One Flag 1865-1943, a History of Lower Columbia Athletics.” He was inducted into the Oregon State University and Astoria halls of fame.