Versatile Vandamia is latest West Allegheny all-purpose weapon

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, July 22, 2018 | 10:27 PM

West Allegheny football coach Bob Palko loves to use top players in many positions in his offense.

Mateo Vandamia is the next in a long line of Palko’s players to fill that role.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound senior, who mainly has been used as a passing-catching tight end, will see time at running back, quarterback and H-back this season. He also plays defensive end.

“You’ll never know where he’ll be,” Palko said. “We want to utilize his talents.”

Vandamia caught 30 passes for 418 yards in 2017 and had 34 grabs for 565 yards in ’16. He has 11 career touchdowns.

“I haven’t made any decisions about my future,” said Vandamia, adding he plans to check out Robert Morris.

The senior has concentrated on getting stronger by working out with his teammates. He also is learning the new positions he’ll be asked to play.

One thing that helps him prepare for the physicality of football is playing rugby. It’s a sport he loves to play.

“I figured why not play rugby,” Vandamia said. “I love hitting people. It helps me get used to the physical play of football.”

Palko said he’s looking for more from Vandamia than just contributions on the stat sheet. He’s looking for his leadership.

Vandemia said he is ready to take on that challenge.

“There are a lot of little things I’m working on,” he said. “I want to be more of a leader and help out my younger teammates. I’ll do anything I can.”

And being more a part of the offense is one of the things.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.