WPIAL Coaches Corner – Bob Palko
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Sunday, December 11, 2016 | 10:35 PM
‘Tis the season for getting to know some of the hometown coaches here in western Pennsylvania. In this brand new feature titled “Coach’s Corner”, I will be interviewing a different coach every week and asking them questions about their personal life and about coaching. Hopefully their answers will not only shed some light on how they coach their respective teams, but also allow readers to get to know the men behind the fields/courts.
First up this week is the West Allegheny Indians football Coach Bob Palko. Coach Palko led the Indians to another WPIAL title this year, his record 8th title as a head coach. He also recorded his 200th win in the state playoffs this year, another amazing milestone. Let’s take a look inside Coach Palko’s corner:
1. What is your go-to leisure activity?
Biking and Golf
2. What TV show is your favorite right now?
Sports Center or The Voice
3. If you could take only 3 things to a deserted island, what would they be?
My Family, My Keurig (with enough coffee to last), My direct TV
4. What was your dream job as a kid?
Professional Athlete
5. Describe what your “perfect” day is.
I live the perfect day every day!!
6. Who was your favorite football player growing up?
Jimmy Brown and Gayle Sayers
7. What was your favorite holiday growing up? Why?
Thanksgiving: Family, Food and Football
8. What words of wisdom would you pass onto your childhood self?
Take time to get to know as many people you come in contact with!
9. Describe your dream vacation.
At least a 2 week stay on a beach with my entire family.
10. What never fails to make you smile/laugh?
My family and now my grandkids.
11. What is your proudest moment as a high school football coach?
Watching every kid I have ever taught or coached become a husband and father or wife and mother.
12. What made you decide to pursue coaching football?
When I was done playing college football, I missed the entire process of preparing for another season, so I decided to coach.
13. What is your favorite part about coaching high school football?
Helping kids learn life lessons.
14. What do you normally do in the offseason?
Get ready for the next season!
15. You recently became the first coach ever to win 8 WPIAL titles, and you also just reached 200 career wins as a coach. What do these accomplishments mean to you?
It means that so many people had so much to do for 200 wins to occur. Nobody does anything by themselves!!
16. How much have the players at West Allegheny influenced you over the years?
I learn something every single day from the kids. It is a definite “give and take” relationship!!
17. Do you pay attention to preseason rankings or use them as motivation at all?
I do not! Not interested!!
18. Who is your inspiration when it comes to coaching?
I am afraid to fail, plus I don’t want to let down my Pops and Coach Rip.
19. Talk about your family a little bit. How important have they been throughout your coaching career? Also, what was it like to coach your two sons, Tyler and Luke?
My family has been huge for me. My bride has been so supportive and has pushed me to work hard. It was great coaching my sons, but I coach everybody’s kid like my own!!
20. What was your most embarrassing moment as a high school football coach?
My first season as the Head Coach at West A, I spent all summer and off season trying to get the kids to buy into special teams and how this could make the difference in a bunch of games. The opening kickoff of my very first game as the head coach, we lose the toss and the other team takes the ball. 90 yards later, they returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Oh boy!!
Tags: West Allegheny
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