Waynesburg University Athletics

Prior to the 2013-14 school year, Andy Palko returned to Waynesburg University to become his alma mater’s Head Athletic Trainer. Along with his duties as Head Athletic Trainer, Palko works very closely with the Yellow Jacket football team.
 
Palko made his first trip to Waynesburg in 2001, when he began a successful four-year playing career with the Yellow Jackets as an offensive lineman. The Yellow Jacket standout was a four-year starter, a three-time All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference honoree, the team’s Rookie of the Year and a major contributor to the Jackets’ 2003 PAC title over a stretch of 42-consecutive starts. The Johnstown native also excelled in the classroom and was a member of the 2001 Fall PAC Academic Honor Roll.
 
He returned to campus after serving as Clinical Coordinator/Instructor/Interim Head Athletic Trainer for football and softball at Greensboro College. Palko served in that capacity from 2012 to 2013.
 
After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Waynesburg in 2005, Palko added a Master’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training Education from Ohio University in 2006. He also served as a graduate assistant at OU, before becoming a staff athletic trainer at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, while also serving as the Head Athletic Trainer at McKeesport High School.
 
Palko returned to the state of Ohio to take a position with Division II Ashland University as an Assistant Athletic Trainer/Adjunct Instructor. From 2007 to 2012, he oversaw the Eagles’ men’s soccer, women’s soccer, football, wrestling, baseball and women’s tennis teams at various points during his time with the school. Over that same span, Palko was also contracted to be the assistant athletic trainer with Team USA Softball.
 
He is a graduate of Richland High School, where he participated in football, basketball, baseball and track & field. He currently resides in Canonsburg with his wife Jackie.