Robert Palko
Imperial,PA
Summary
Attentive and highly effective Athletic Instructor with background expanding student-athlete programs. Energetic professional experienced in leading talented coaching staff and promoting leadership, decision-making and good judgment.
Engaging teacher, mentor and coach with a background coordinating student eligibility, recruiting coaches and development high performing teams. Passionate professional with exemplary talents in preparing the annual budget for the athletic program and ensuring that coaches adhere to all regulations, policies and laws. Offering exemplary written and verbal communication, time management and collaborative skills.
Enthused individual demonstrating bold vision, attention to detail and dynamic interpersonal talents. Highly effective athletic leader with several decades of experience developing and promoting a sound interscholastic athletic experience for students.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of High School Relations
Penn State University
01.2023 - Current
- Developing relationships with media organizations and important influencers. Delegating tasks to members of the PR team, and monitoring their progress. Speaking on behalf of the company in interviews and press conferences. Tracking campaign success and media coverage.
- Provide leadership to the college's outreach functions which may include, but not be limited to, recruitment, the development of relationships with K-12 districts, and the development of relationships with community entities from which potential students might be recruited.
- Provide overall direction and guidance to department staff in the day-to-day operation of the outreach, recruitment and relations with schools activities.
- Serve as an initial point of contact for inquiring high schools with talent.
- Assist the Dean of Enrollment Services in the development of necessary programs and services designed to assure students' access, ease of entry and successful transition. Assist the District in the development of college-community and college-school district partnerships.
- Maintain effective communication with feeder school districts, community based organizations, business entities, and public agencies. Maintain an effective working relationship with other university departments that participate in the recruiting and outreach efforts. Assist in the development of materials for outreach and recruitment.
- Prepare and monitor the department's annual budget, and prepare the department's annual report.
- .Represent PSU at off-campus functions and events. Participate in meetings of college personnel and representatives from feeder school districts.
- Maintain and encourage effective communication with department staff by holding regular staff meetings; provide information to staff about issues, programs and practices affecting the department. Provide clearly written reports and analyses when requested or appropriate. Demonstrate skill using technology and computer software appropriate to departmental functions, and provide leadership to department staff in the use of technology to assure the effectiveness and efficiency of departmental operations. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
Head Football Coach
Mt. Lebanon School District
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Coordinated with parents, boosters and other resources to meet team needs involving equipment and travel arrangements.
- Prepared athletes for special competitions and tournaments.
- Promoted good sportsmanship with competing teams on- and off-field.
- Submitted purchase requests for new supplies, uniforms and equipment.
- Acted as positive role model for team participants and in community.
- Promoted stretching, mobility work and proper form to help athletes safely build strength.
- Directed ambitious practice sessions to boost athletic abilities and teamwork.
- Boosted performance of individual athletes by devising strategic personal training programs.
- Forged cooperative relationships to recruit new players.
- Evaluated individual knowledge, skills and strengths and assigned team positions to maximize talent areas.
- Held special events to promote camaraderie among teammates, families and community members.
- Motivated athletes to become stronger, more agile and more effective through training habits and proper nutrition.
- Developed off-season training programs such as week-long camps to maintain player proficiency and introduce new teammates.
Head Football Coach/Assistant to the Athletic Director
West Allegheny High School
09.1995 - 12.2018
- Oversaw all aspects of the varsity program, including: hires, supervises, and evaluates Assistant Coaches; identifies, recruits, and retains top prospective student-athletes; establishes a competitive schedule and coordinates team travel; responds to media requests; and promotes the team. C
- Coordinates practice planning, skill development, and designs coaching strategies which prepare team for competition.
- Establishes and enforces rules of conduct as well as mentors student-athletes to foster athletic, academic, emotional, and social growth; collaborates with athletic and school leadership; guides the professional development of assistant coaches by providing expanded responsibilities, regular appraisals, and annual performance reviews.
- Overseeing activities of Assistant Coaches, staff, and student-athletes to verify compliance with a clear mandate to self-report any violations; supports community service efforts by involving the coaching staff as well as student-athletes.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Assessed student physical fitness levels and adjusted objectives according to successes.
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports and safety.
- Inspired academic success based on belief that all students can
- Conveyed health and well-being concepts beyond physical fitness.
- Utilized knowledge of biology, anatomy and kinesiology to design safe and effective exercises.
Elementary School Physical Education Teacher
West Allegheny School District
08.1990 - 08.2018
- Assessed student physical fitness levels and adjusted objectives according to successes.
- Complied with state and federal standards for physical fitness benchmarks and exercise programs.
- Conveyed health and well-being concepts beyond physical fitness.
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
Assistant Varsity Football Coach
Seton LaSalle High School
08.1990 - 08.1992
- Cultivated community and media relations through social media and other communication channels to support program.
- Worked with offensive and defensive coaches to develop cohesive football program.
- Held special events to promote camaraderie among teammates, families, and community members.
- Negotiated and resolved conflicts between players, parents and staff to restore order.
- Implemented exercise programs and training strategies to bolster individual and team performance.
- Evaluated individual knowledge, skills, and strengths, and assigned team positions to maximize talent areas.
Offensive Coordinator
Jeanette Area High School
07.1985 - 07.1990
- Prepared season's offensive playbook and coordinated offensive players and staff during games.
- Reviewed and analyzed gameplay film with players to identify team's offensive tendencies, as well as opponents' defensive tendencies.
- Developed understanding of team's individual and collective strengths and weaknesses to select best plays and maneuvers against given opponent.
- Created and implemented training plan to prepare players to execute offensive strategies.
Education
Master Of Science - Certification in General Science
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA05.1985
Bachelor of Science - Health And Physical Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA06.1984
No Degree - Occupational Safety And Health
Montana Tech of The University of Montana
Butte, MT05.1981
Skills
- Athletic program development
- Verbal and written communication
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teambuilding
- Decision Making
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Cultural Awareness
- Active Listening
- Coach orientation
- Coordination of facilities
- First Aid/CPR
- Planning and Coordination
- Event management
Accomplishments
Professional Awards and Accomplishments
- 2021 NFL High School Head Football Coach Of The Year
- 9 WPIAL Championship Titles as Head Football Coach
- 2 State Championship Titles as Head Football Coach
Timeline
Director of High School Relations
Penn State University
01.2023 - Current
Head Football Coach
Mt. Lebanon School District
01.2019 - 12.2022
Head Football Coach/Assistant to the Athletic Director
West Allegheny High School
09.1995 - 12.2018
Elementary School Physical Education Teacher
West Allegheny School District
08.1990 - 08.2018
Assistant Varsity Football Coach
Seton LaSalle High School
08.1990 - 08.1992
Offensive Coordinator
Jeanette Area High School
07.1985 - 07.1990
Master Of Science - Certification in General Science
California University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Health And Physical Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
No Degree - Occupational Safety And Health
Montana Tech of The University of Montana
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