Palko Named Semifinalist for 2006 Wuerffel Trophy

Nov. 8, 2006

PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh senior quarterback Tyler Palko has been named one of 11 semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, a national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

The award is named after former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who starred at the University of Florida and later played six years in the National Football League. Wuerffel has received national recognition for his humanitarian and community service efforts with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans.

Palko (Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny) has distinguished himself both on and off the field during his career. He was recently named to the Division I-A Good Works Team for his numerous community endeavors. Palko was the driving force behind the TC House Foundation, a non-profit organization established to raise funds for the construction of a group home for individuals with Down Syndrome in Imperial. He teamed up with lifelong friend Chris McGough, a student at West Allegheny High who was born with Down Syndrome, to form the foundation.

Additionally, Palko 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.

On the field Palko ranks third nationally and first in the Big East in pass efficiency with a 170.8 rating. He has thrown 19 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions and is completing over 67% of his passes. Palko's 1,989 yards passing top the Big East and rank 27^th nationally.

Palko will finish his career as one of the most prolific offensive players in Pitt history. In his third season as the Panthers' starting quarterback, he ranks third all-time in Pitt annals with 7,461 yards passing and 60 touchdown passes. His 7,572 yards in total offense rank fourth all-time.

In addition to the Wuerffel Trophy, Palko is also a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback, and the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's outstanding player.

Pitt (6-3, 2-2 Big East) will play at Connecticut (3-5, 0-3) in a key conference game this Saturday, Nov. 11. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m., and be televised in Pittsburgh on WTAE-TV, channel 4.

The complete list of finalists for the 2006 Wuerffel Trophy:

Alex Brink, Washington St., QB

Will Herring, Auburn, LB

Joel Howells, Northwestern, PK

Wade Koehl, Houston, LB

Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh, QB

Joel Penton, Ohio State, DL

Carl Pendleton, Oklahoma, DT

Zac Selmon, Wake Forest, TE

Paul Smith, Tulsa, QB

Joseph Thomas, Wisconsin, OT

Dane Todd, Nebraska, FB