Bob Burlison (Outstanding Athlete and Coach) - High School - The 1974 Palma graduate was hitting the shots and calling the shots as a basketball player and coach. Bob was chosen to be the All-Central Coast Section Region IV's MVP, Region IV First Team, All-Valley MVP, All-Valley First Team, MTAL MVP, and All-MTAL First Team. He was league MVP in his junior and senior years and a first-team All-NorCal pick as a senior. He left as the school's all-time scoring leader.

College  - Bob then helped San Diego State to a Pacific Coast Athletic League title and NCAA berth, and while attending Hartnell College as a sophomore, was All-Conference.

Coach - Bob coached Palma to the 1992 State D-IV Championship and the Cal State University Monterey Bay to its first title in history in 2001 and was named  District Coach of the Year. While coaching MPC to four 20-win seasons he was Conference Coach of the Year in 1995-96.

Steve Clayton (Outstanding Athlete, Coach, and Athletic Director) - High School  - Steve's senior year at Palma in 1976, Steve was named the class valedictorian and Athlete of the Year.

Coach/Athletic Director - Years later, Steve returned to teach, coach, and become the school's athletic director for 23 years to help Palma become one of the strongest athletic programs in the Central Coast Section. In 2010, he was the CCS Athletic Director of the Year. In 2011, he was awarded the CCS Distinguished Service Award and in 2012, was honored as the California Interscholastic Athletic Director of the Year. He played a key role in presenting the equity league concept to the Southern Conference of the CCS, and as head of the Palma, Athletic Council organized the prime fund-raising activities for the school that helped fund a synthetic track and turf football field and new hardwood gym floor.

Norm Cost (Outstanding Coach) - Norm Costa's tenure as the head coach of Palma's football program was nothing short of transformative. When he took over in 1977, the Chieftains were struggling, having just finished their fifth consecutive losing season, and were far removed from their last league title in 1970. Yet, over the next two decades, Costa would turn the program into one of the most successful and respected in the Central Coast Section (CCS), and in Monterey County.

Costa’s arrival marked the beginning of a new era for Palma. He introduced the fly offense, a system focused on speed and movement to exploit defensive weaknesses. The offense was especially effective for teams with smaller rosters, and it played a key role in Palma’s rise. Costa's ability to adapt his strategy to his team's strengths helped level the playing field and allowed them to compete against larger, more powerful teams.

His early years at Palma were characterized by a period of rebuilding. However, by 1982, the Chieftains had turned the corner, finishing that season with a winning record, and it would be the last time they ever had a losing season under Costa’s leadership. By 1984, just his eighth season, Costa led Palma to their first Mission Trail Athletic League (MTAL) title in 14 years. That victory marked the beginning of a streak of league championships that lasted through the entirety of his coaching career.

Costa's accomplishments didn't stop there. Under his leadership, Palma became the dominant football program in the Salinas Valley, winning seven CCS championships from 1977 to 1999. The team also set a section record for consecutive games without a loss, going 48 games from 1989 to 1992. During the early 1990s, one of his teams was even ranked No. 1 in the state. Over his 23 seasons, Costa's teams only lost 38 games, an astonishing record of consistency and excellence.

By the time Costa stepped down in 1999, he had amassed an impressive 253 career victories, cementing his place as the winningest high school football coach in Monterey County history.

Costa's legacy extends far beyond the field. He instilled a winning mentality and discipline that shaped generations of young athletes at Palma, and his influence can still be felt in the program today. His ability to elevate a struggling program to sustained success is a testament to his vision, leadership, and dedication to his players.

Ron Critchfield (Outstanding Coach) - Ron was a successful coach at Palma from 1966 to 2022. In 1966, he joined the coaching staff of Palm and attended a basketball clinic where he learned about a system called the Auburn Shuffle. Critchfield made some changes to the system and then implemented it at Palma. During his time coaching at Palma, Critchfield never had a losing season. Palma won more than a dozen league titles and CCS championships in 1997, 1999, and 2000. Additionally, Palma reached the Northern California regional semifinals four times. Critchfield had an overall record of 485-157 while coaching the Palma basketball team for 26 years. His coaching resulted in 14 league titles, four Region IV crowns, and three CCS Division IV titles. With 494 career victories, Critchfield is ranked No. 2 on the all-time Salinas Valley Prep coach's basketball list.

Chris Dalman (Outstanding Athlete and Coach) - College - Chris was a four-year starting lineman at Stanford University and was named second-team All-Pac 10 in 1992. He was drafted in the sixth round by the San Francisco 49ers. Dalman was a member of the 49ers 1994 Super Bowl Championship team and played in three NFC championship games. He was selected to play in the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Game in 1993. From 2005-2006, he was the assistant offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons, then returned to Stanford as offensive line coach and running game coordinator until 2009.

Chris served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at Palma from 2001 to 2005. He then left to coach in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons and at Stanford, before returning to Palma from 2009 to 2017.

Joey Dansby (Outstanding Athlete and Coach) - High School  - Joey was a three-time league champion, CIF Central Coast Section Champion, the only one at Palma to place twice in the CIF State Championships in wrestling, California Cadette Freestyle All-American, and a three-year member of the California Junior National Team.

College - At Cal Poly, Joey was a four-time letterman, three-time Pac-10 Conference Medalist, three-time Olympic Trials Qualifier, and a member of the National Greco-Roman Team.

Coach  - Joey became the head coach at Cuesta Community College in 2001. As a coach, he has won five Conference Championships, and three Community College State Championships, and has coached sixteen All-Americans. Joey has been Conference Coach of the Year, five times and was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017 and inducted into the California Chapter of the National Hall of Fame on October 24, 2021.

David Esquer (Outstanding Athlete and Coach)  - High School  - Dave was a three-sport star and class valedictorian. In his senior year was team captain and MVP in football, basketball, and baseball.

College  - Walk-on for the Stanford University baseball team eventually became the starting shortstop for the Cardinals in the 1987 National Championship squad.

Coach  -  In 1999, Dave was named head coach of the University of California-Berkeley baseball team. in 2011, he guided the Bears to the College World Series and was named National Coach of the Year. Dave was also the 2001 Pac-10 Coach of the Year. After 18 years at Cal, Esquer was named head baseball coach at his alma mater, Stanford in 2017.

David Fales (Outstanding Athlete) - David Fales distinguished himself as a standout quarterback with a remarkable arm, leading to a record-setting career at San Jose State and later in the NFL.

High School  - David was twice selected as All-League as a Quarterback and Tri-County League offensive MVP.

College - At MPC, David was ranked among the top 10 JC quarterbacks in the nation. David went on to San Jose State and became the school’s record holder in every significant passing category. As a junior at SJS in 2012 he had the highest completion percentage in the nation and was third in the nation in passing efficiency with 357 completions on 451 attempts {72.1 %} for 4,193 yards and 33 touchdown and was a Sports Illustrated honorable mention All-American. That same season SJS was ranked No. 24 in the AP poll, its first national ranking since 1975. The Spartans also played their first bowl game since 2006, beating Bowling Green 29-20 in the Military Bowl. David was named the game’s MVP, completing 33 passes in 45 attempts for 395 yards and two touchdowns. In his senior year the Spartans went 6-6 but in the last game of his college career David threw for 547 yards and six touchdowns against unbeaten and 16th ranked Fresno State in a 62-52 SJS victory. 

Professional  - David was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. He played with the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears in 2016, Miami Dolphins in 2018, NY Jets in 2019, and the Detroit Lions. On Dec. 31, 2018, David was the Dolphin quarterback for nearly the entire game against the Buffalo Bills. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown

High School - Dirk came up to play varsity as a sophomore which was quite an honor at the time. It was rare to bring up sophomores to varsity. The only way it was done was if they could start.  Dirk was a three-year starter on defense and also played tight end on offense. He was rated in coach Rossi's opinion as one of the two best defensive linemen that he has ever coached. Dirk loved working hard at practice and was self- motivated which showed when he played in the game. He was a fierce competitor that did not like to lose. He made all league his junior and senior year and all county his senior year and was picked to play in the all-star game. Dirk wasn’t the biggest or the fastest but was definitely the toughest.

College -  After high school Dirk received a scholarship to play football from the University of Santa Clara, he played there for two seasons but sadly the school dropped the football program. Dirk then was recruited to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he earned a starting position on the defensive line. He got hurt his first year then redshirted came back and played his senior season.

Nate Holaday (Outstanding Athlete)  - Nate's sport at Palma was basketball. Nate was on the lightweight team during the 1965-1966 season, defeating Salinas High in the season's opening game. Nate led the team as a consistent double-figure scorer, played a pivotal position, had a great season that included three 18-point efforts and was the leading rebounder.

Nate was on the varsity team in his junior year and on coach Ron Critchfield's debut season as Palma's varsity head basketball coach. Nate's team had the first-ever victory over the Salinas Cowboys and had the winningest season ever with a 20-8 record.

Nate's senior year topped the previous season by running up an unprecedented  20-3 record and ripping off twelve straight victories in mid-season for a new school record. The biggest surprise of the season was Nate's performance as center. Nate led the squad in scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentage, achieving All-League, All-Tournament, and All-Diocesan honors, as well as being named Most Valuable Player in the MTAL.

Greg Lane (Outstanding Athlete and Coach) - High School  - Greg was a talented athlete who excelled in three sports: football, basketball, and track. However, most of his awards and accolades were earned through football. He was a three-time All-MTAL tailback (1985, 1986, 197), three-time All-CCS (1985, 1986, 1987), a two-time MTAL Offensive Back of the Year (1986,1987), a two-time Salinas Valley Offensive MVP (1986,1987), a three-time All Salinas Valley Offense (1985, 1986, 1987), and the CCS Sophomore of the Year (1985). In basketball, Greg played as a guard and received the following recognitions: All MBL Honorable Mention in 1986 and 1987, and All MTAL Honorable Mention in 1988. Greg was a CCS Qualifier in the triple, long jump, and 4 x 400 relay in 1987 and 1988.

College - Greg played football at Hartnell for two years. He was on All Coast Conference player in 1988 and 1989 and received Honorable Mention in 1988. Later, he transferred to Washburn University in Kansas, where he was named All MIAA and Team Offensive MVP in 1990.

Coach - In 2004, Greg returned to his alma mater as the jumping coach. During his coaching career, he has trained four of the top five record holders in the long jump, one top record holder in the triple jump, two CCS Champions, and four State Qualifiers. Greg is also the jumping coach  for Notre Dame and has coached three of the top five record holders in both the long jump and triple jump.

Sam was the first ASB President, an athlete, and part of the inaugural class to graduate from Palma. He served as the president of the Board of Directors and the Parents' Club, leaving a legacy through his sons Sam '83, John '85, Chris '88, and his grandchild Samuel '01. He was married for 59 years to his beloved wife, Shirley. The extent of Shirley's contributions, which include volunteer services, board memberships, and philanthropic endeavors, is too vast to detail here. She was recognized both locally and globally, receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI, the Honoree Award from the American Cancer Society, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alliance on Aging, the Partner Award from the Christian Brothers Foundation, the Philanthropy Award from Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, and the National Philanthropy Award. As a recipient of the Benemerenti Medal for "Good Works," she was honored for her significant efforts, support, and service to clergy and laypersons. This special recognition followed her leadership in the initiative to build The Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel, as large as a church, at Palma School. Shirley served as the president of the Palma Board of Directors for two years and was a committee member for fourteen years. She volunteered in the Development Foundation office for eight years and was on the Parents' Club Board while her three sons attended Palma. She organized the Brothers Retirement Mass and Brunch for many years and was also the face of Palma's St. Patrick's Day luncheon. 

Paul was an athlete and coach. Paul graduated from Palma in 1970, having played baseball for all four years. In 1975, Coach Mac returned to his alma mater to begin coaching. He coached both football and baseball. Mac concluded his coaching career at Palma in 1986, achieving back-to-back MTAL Championships, which marked the first championships for Palma Baseball. 

Marc Matock (Outstanding Athlete) - High School - Marc was the top defensive lineman to ever come out of Palma and Monterey County; anchored the Chieftain defense that won a pair of CCS football titles earning a scholarship to USC; 3 sport HS athlete; earned a spot in the CIF T& F meet in 1994 in the shot put; member of the CIF Div. IV championship basketball team in 1992, the only state boys basketball championship captured in Monterey County.

College - Defensive tackle in his final two seasons at USC; earned All-Pac 10 conference honors. Final season for USC, he blocked a field goal to preserve a win over Oregon, completing 64 tackles over his final 20 games.

Professional - Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions.

Tony Rossi (Outstanding Coach) - Tony was a skilled football player who played at Palma for four years. After that, he returned to his alma mater and joined the coaching staff in 1975. He coached the lineman during his thirty-three years as an assistant coach and was a significant part of Palma's football dynasty. Palma won twenty-three league championships and thirteen CCS championships during his tenure.

Tony's coaching skills helped numerous linemen to play collegiate ball and some even went on to play professionally. These include Andy Tribble (Washington State University), Chris Dalman (Stanford and San Francisco 49ers), Marc Matock (University of Southern California), Dirk Giannini (Santa Clara), Steve And Richard Zenk (Santa Clara), Matt Panziera (Santa Clara), Elliott Vallejo (University of California, Los Angeles), and Carlos Rivera (San Jose State) to name a few.

Tony coached alongside Palma Hall of Fame, Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, and friend, coach Norm Costa, Jeffrey Wright for many years.

EJ began his basketball career at Palma. After graduating, he played at CSU Dominguez Hills, Hartnell, and then Saint Mary’s. His professional career spanned nineteen seasons, during which he played in countries such as Australia, Latvia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Russia, Iran, and Poland. Some of EJ’s achievements include being named an All-American at Hartnell and playing in the NBA’s Summer League with the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks before moving to Europe. The VTB United League honored EJ as the Most Valuable Player and scoring champion in 2013. In 2019, EJ was inducted into the Russian League’s Hall of Fame. In addition to being a professional basketball player, he is also the owner of GRRR Clothing Company. In 2024, the Saint Mary’s basketball coach invited him to serve as an assistant coach at his alma mater, returning to the court to coach alongside his college mentor. 

Bill was a three-sport athlete who played a key role on the varsity football team. As a senior guard in basketball, he scored 306 points and set a career high and school record with 25 points against Holy Cross. On the baseball diamond, he was a third baseman, hitting .333 as a senior. He was an All-CAA selection and also ran track. Bill went on to play baseball at the University of San Francisco, where he lettered.

During the 1981-2000 Wrangler Bullfighting Tour, Smets finished in the top six 17 times and won the championship five times, setting a record. He was selected six times as a cowboy protection bullfighter at the NFR (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989-90, 2000). Additionally, he was an eight-time Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals bullfighter from 1994 to 1995 and 2000 to 2005. At the 2001 PBR World Finals, Smets transitioned from his traditional baggy clown outfit to a sports jersey and shorts featuring his sponsors' logos. This change set the standard for future PBR bullfighter outfits, as by 2003, all bullfighters in the organization had replaced traditional clown outfits and makeup with sports jerseys and shorts adorned with corporate sponsor logos. In the following years, many bullfighters in other organizations adopted the sports jersey and shorts look while retaining their makeup.

In 2006, Smets was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in April 2010 and received the inaugural PBR Jim Shoulders Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He was inducted into the Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2017, Smets was honored with induction into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame in the Bull Fighters category. By 2019, he was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

In the fall of 1973, Brother Willie Doyle encouraged John to sign up for cross country. By the end of his senior year, John had established himself as Palma's greatest distance runner and the best in the county. He set school records in all three distance events, with two of those records still standing today. He also recorded the county's best mile time, which still stands, and excelled in the 2-mile as well. Notably, John became the first Palma athlete to reach the finals in any event at the California State Track and Field Championships.

In cross country, John was crowned the 1976 MTAL League Champion and led the Chieftains to their first-ever title in the sport. On the track, he played a crucial role in initiating the Palma track dynasty of the '70s and '80s by winning three individual league titles and securing two Region IV titles.

After graduating from Palma, John attended Monterey Peninsula College for two years, where he continued to compete in cross country and track and field. He was a member of two Lobo Coast Conference cross country championship teams, winning the individual title in his sophomore season while placing 2nd at Nor-Cal and 5th at State that same year. On the track, John showcased his speed by winning two conference titles each in the 800m and 1500m. He was also the 1979 Nor-Cal 1500m Champion and finished second at State with an impressive time of 3:45.9.

Following his time at MPC, John transferred to UC Berkeley, where he became the Golden Bears' top middle-distance runner for two seasons. He graduated from Cal in 1981 and continued to race at a national-class level, eventually achieving a personal best of 3:43.7 in the 1500m.

1992 Basketball Team (Outstanding Team) - In 1992, the Palma Chieftains became the first - and through 2015 - the only boys basketball team from Monterey County to win a state title. They ended the season on an 18-game win streak and finished 29-2 overall. To reach the state D-IV title game Palma beat WCAL champion Mitty (66-47), Bret Harte (75-51), Drake (55-47), and Cardinal Newman (56-47). The Chieftains played LIncoln Prep of San Diego in the state title game. They trailed 54-53, but center Brandon Peterson tipped in what proved to be the winning basket with 18 seconds to go to give Palma a 55-54 win. 

Team  -  Coach Bob Burlison, Coach John Amaral, Coach Mark Crossgrove, Chad Amaral, Matt Amaral, Mike Bacling, Mike Costagnetto, Joey Diaz, Sky Feekes, Casey Kelly, Robert Long, Marc Matock, Todd McRae, Brandon Peterson, David Sargenti, Josh Short, Ken Young, and Steven Zenk.