Zach Wiatrowski

Freshman Michael Quallich has had a strong season for the Baldwin High School golf team.

Freshman golfer Michael Quallich tied for 14th place in the PIAA 3A Championship on Monday and Tuesday. 

Quallich shot 1 under par in both of his rounds. This landed him one stroke off from the top 10 golfers.

He had qualified for states by finishing tied for sixth at the WPIAL Championship on Oct. 2. At the state match, he was one of three freshmen, so he had to stay composed to keep up with the other 72 opponents.

“I also think I stayed very composed and kept cool when it started coming down to the end,” Quallich said.

He thought he did well after teeing off with his irons.

“My irons were really good and it helped me keep up with all the other kids,” Quallich said.

He would have liked to improve his short game.

“My putting could have been better, but overall I think I did pretty good in all parts of the match,” he said.

Being at states as a freshman felt special.

“As one of the youngest kids there, I felt like I did my best and laid out a good foundation for the future times I hope to be there,” he said.

Freshman golfer Nathan Malock, who accompanied Quallich to states, applauded his teammate.

“I thought he did really well,” Malock said. “He will tell you otherwise – that he could do better – but I think it was really good the way he finished.” 

Certain aspects of Quallich’s game stood out, Malock said. 

“His drives were super straight – almost always hitting the fairway,” Malock said.  “I am very proud and very happy for him.”