O-R Athlete of the Week: Lee Qualk, California
Name: Lee Qualk
Grade: Senior
School: California
Sport: Track and Field
Qualk’s week: As Qualk was in mid-air he sensed something different about his final long jump attempt Friday at the Baldwin Invitational.
“I felt like I was floating longer in the air and everything carried farther,” Qualk said.
His instincts were correct.
Qualk jumped 23-5 1/2 to win the long jump at the Baldwin Invitational. It was a personal best by about a foot and a very satisfying moment.
“When I first saw the number it felt unreal, because for so long that’s been my goal,” Qualk said. “Honestly, I’ve been training all year to get to 23 feet. I lift in the morning and focus as hard as I can in practice like working on my technique. It wasn’t anything super specific that I did in that moment, it was what I have been doing for months all in one moment.”
The jump was a big boost of confidence for Qualk, the defending WPIAL Class 2A champion in the long jump.
He beat North Allegheny’s Nicholas Humphries by two and a half inches.
“I enjoyed going up against that competition, because I almost never get to compete against the kids from the bigger schools,” Qualk said.
Track or football? Those who follow local sports know Qualk had a standout senior season as Cal’s running back. He led the WPIAL in the regular season with 1,967 yards and scored 33 touchdowns.
That’s led to some interest from college football teams, but Qualk is dedicated to track and wants to pursue it at the next level.
“I’ve always liked track a lot, because it’s a fun sport for me to challenge myself individually,” Qualk said. “In other sports you are competing with other people, in track it’s more about competing against yourself. With track you can carry out a career in college and get out with minimal health issues. You can’t necessarily say the same about football.”
Qualk said he’s talked with the Penn State track coach John Gondak about joining the team.
“He told me that if I jumped in the high 23’s there’s a possibility that I could make their team,” Qualk said. “It’s not a guarantee, but I’d get a shot. That’s been my goal is to make it on their track team.”
With the jump at Baldwin, Qualk is very close to reaching the jump he needs to get that chance.
Sightseer: Qualk enjoys going fishing in his spare time and another one of his favorite hobbies is to explore new places all over the area, whether it’s to get a bite to eat or a scenic spot to just unwind.
“Sometimes I’ll take a drive out to Washington, Pittsburgh or Uniontown and just look around,” Qualk said. “I like to experience new things. Maybe it’s a place to eat that I haven’t tried before and if I like it, go back or find a nice place in a park to relax. I just like discovering new areas.”
Compiled by Jerin Steele