Penn State hires Palko
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Bob Palko
Bob Palko
Penn State has hired former Mt. Lebanon football coach Bob Palko as its director of high school relations.
The position, which was posted a month ago, listed some of the duties as assisting in getting teams to Penn State’s Football’s Lion Strong 7on7 and Big Man Challenge Camps; annual clinics for scholastic coaches and with all unofficial and official visits, which included game days for recruits.
Palko will also serve as a liaison to the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) and assist with the group’s annual coaching clinic held locally. He will also reach out to at least five scholastic and junior college head coaches per day as well as mentor all student athletes by having a presence at all workout, practices, and in the training room; meet with student athletes.
When Palko resigned his position at Mt. Lebanon in January, he left as one of the most successful coaches in the WPIAL. He won nine WPIAL titles; eight over 24 years at West Allegheny and one at Mt. Lebanon. He also guided the Blue Devils to the PIAA Class 6A championship and an undefeated season in 2019.
Palko had a 217-73 record at West-A with one state crown. He was 32-14 at Mt. Lebanon for a career mark of 249-87.
Palko, 63, is a member of the PSFCA Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was presented the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year during a ceremony at the 2021 Pro Bowl Game in Las Vegas.