Tyler Palko Selected Coca-Cola Community All-American Palko distinguished himself both as a quarterback and in charitable endeavors during his career at Pitt. March 29, 2007

   PITTSBURGH--Tyler Palko, who distinguished himself both as a quarterback and in charitable endeavors during his career at theUniversity ofPittsburgh, has been selected the 2006-07 Division I-A Coca-Cola Community All-American.

 

   Sponsored by Coca-Cola and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the award is designed to help institutions recognize, celebrate and applaud collegiate student-athletes who are making a difference in their communities.

 

   As this year's honoree, Palko (Imperial,Pa./West Allegheny) is able to select a charitable cause to be the recipient of a $5,000 donation by the Coca-Cola Company. The donation will go to the TC House Foundation, an organization Palko helped establish to raise funds for the construction of a group home for individuals with Down Syndrome in his hometown of Imperial, Pa.

 

   Palko teamed up with lifelong friend Chris McGough, a student at West Allegheny High who was born with Down Syndrome, to form the TC House Foundation.

 

   "I am extremely honored and grateful to NACDA and Coca-Cola for this honor," Palko said. "We are especially appreciative of the generous donation to the TC House Foundation. With help like this, our goal of building a home to assist people with Down Syndrome gets closer to becoming a reality."

 

   "You don't have to be a football fan to appreciate Tyler Palko," Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said. "Whether it has been as a student, an athlete or member of our community, Tyler has made our university incredibly proud. He leaves a great legacy at Pitt and we know he will continue to do great things."

 

   "Tyler's work in the community has been a tremendous source of pride for theUniversity ofPittsburgh," Pitt athletic director Jeff Long said. "He truly embodies what is great about collegiate athletics and we appreciate NACDA and Coca-Cola recognizing his efforts with this honor."

 

   This is the second time Palko has been honored for his community service. Last fall, he was one of 11 football players named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) "Good Works Team."

 

   In addition to his work with the TC House Foundation, Palko has been active in various other community endeavors. He was selected a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) role model and has been a keynote speaker for the organization's events, participated in the 2006 Walk for Autism and is a regular visitor at Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital.

 

   Palko, who in February took part in the NFL Combine, finished his collegiate career ranked second all-time at Pitt in total offense (8,429) and TD passes (tied with 66). He is third in school annals in career passing yards (8,343).