Junior Mike Quallich has been ruled ineligible from today’s golf WPIAL championships for missing too many Baldwin matches during the regular season.
Baldwin’s season started on Aug. 13, but the first match that Quallich participated in was on Sept. 2, the day that school started. After Sept. 2, he played in five matches with the team.
During the time he missed those WPIAL matches, Quallich was competing in national tournaments for the junior PGA.
“I missed the matches due to other individual golf events that are helping me pursue college golf,” Quallich said.
Baldwin Athletic Director Anthony Cherico said someone tipped off WPIAL that Quallich had missed too many matches.
“Mikey missed school matches for the sole purpose of solidifying his future. He made the best decision for himself and his future,” Cherico said. “I would not have expected Mikey to have done anything differently. I’m proud of him and all he is accomplishing, and I can’t wait to see what his future holds.”
Quallich, who was the section champ this year and WPIAL runner-up last year, said he could react to the news in two different ways.
“I can either be mad about this or use it as time to get better for next year. I plan on getting even better for next season,” Quallich said.
“Missing the opportunity to win a WPIAL championship is never a good feeling. But if I am missing it to better my golf game, it doesn’t sting as much,” Quallich said.
Quallich also missed the WPIAL matches at the start of last year, but no one ever objected.
Quallich said he will be back playing for Baldwin next year.
“I plan to play in as many matches as possible for the team next season,” Quallich said.
Meanwhile, Quallich had a special golf moment well outside WPIAL over the weekend, as he was paired with golf legend Rocco Mediate in the Pure Insurance Championship in Pebble Beach, Calif.
Junior Logan Siefert will now be the only representative of Baldwin at the WPIAL championship.
“I was looking forward to being there with Mike, but I am going to try to do my best and hopefully come in the top 32 to qualify for states,” Siefert said.
Quallich said he will be supporting Siefert.
“I know Siefert is a skilled golfer and has what it takes to qualify,” Quallich said. “I am for sure rooting for him.”
Sports Editor Ben Majcher contributed to this report.
