Roger J. Palacios
July 30, 1982 – July 22, 1998
Roger Palacios was born in Laredo, Texas, to Rito and Gloria Palacios. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Oklahoma, where Roger would grow up and discover his extraordinary love for soccer at the age of five — a passion that would define his life.
As a freshman, Roger earned a starting position as a forward on the Yukon Millers varsity soccer team and also played for the Tulsa Thunder ’82 club team. His soccer career was marked by exceptional talent and dedication, including selection to the prestigious Region III ODP Team. In the summer of 1997, he played a key role in leading Thunder ’82 to victory at the Stockholm, Sweden Fireball Cup. Known for his stylish and dynamic play, Roger scored many unforgettable goals. His final goal was both the opening and game-winning goal in Thunder ’82’s State Cup semifinal match — a 3–0 victory over Norman Celtic ’82 in June 1997.
For Roger, soccer was far more than a game; it was a true passion. His love for the sport and his desire to play with heart and intensity are the inspiration behind this scholarship.
On July 22, 1998, at the age of 15, Roger tragically passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Oklahoma. His sudden loss deeply affected his family, teammates, friends, and the entire Oklahoma soccer community.
Roger is lovingly remembered by his parents, Rito and Gloria Palacios; his brothers, Rito Jr., Eddie, Rick and J.R.; his sisters, Mia and Jennifer; his son, Hunter Jacob; and his nieces and nephews. Through the lives he touched and the memories he created, Roger’s spirit continues to live on.
Roger Palacios was born in Laredo, Texas, to Rito and Gloria Palacios. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Oklahoma, where Roger would grow up and discover his extraordinary love for soccer at the age of five — a passion that would define his life.
As a freshman, Roger earned a starting position as a forward on the Yukon Millers varsity soccer team and also played for the Tulsa Thunder ’82 club team. His soccer career was marked by exceptional talent and dedication, including selection to the prestigious Region III ODP Team. In the summer of 1997, he played a key role in leading Thunder ’82 to victory at the Stockholm, Sweden Fireball Cup. Known for his stylish and dynamic play, Roger scored many unforgettable goals. His final goal was both the opening and game-winning goal in Thunder ’82’s State Cup semifinal match — a 3–0 victory over Norman Celtic ’82 in June 1997.
For Roger, soccer was far more than a game; it was a true passion. His love for the sport and his desire to play with heart and intensity are the inspiration behind this scholarship.
On July 22, 1998, at the age of 15, Roger tragically passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Oklahoma. His sudden loss deeply affected his family, teammates, friends, and the entire Oklahoma soccer community.
Roger is lovingly remembered by his parents, Rito and Gloria Palacios; his brothers, Rito Jr., Eddie, Rick and J.R.; his sisters, Mia and Jennifer; his son, Hunter Jacob; and his nieces and nephews. Through the lives he touched and the memories he created, Roger’s spirit continues to live on.