LHS Sophomore Makes Return Trip To Boys Golf State Finals

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School sophomore Paulius Malcius again has etched his name in the school’s record book, becoming the first boys’ golfer in school history to qualify for the state finals as an individual on multiple occasions. The school said Malcius tied for seventh individually at the IHSA Hinsdale South Sectional Oct. 14 to secure his state finals berth.

Malcius will participate in the 2019 IHSA Boys’ Golf Class 2A State Finals Friday and Saturday at Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University in Normal.

In sectional competition, Malcius posted a +4 76 at Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Lockport, tying for seventh overall and third among golfers whose teams did not qualify for state finals team competition, the school said. The top three teams from each of the IHSA’s four Class 2A Sectionals advanced to state finals competition, along with the top 10 individuals from schools that did not qualify for state finals team competition. Head coach Mark Hollatz’s team placed ninth.

Hollatz’s squad advanced to sectional competition by posting a runner-up finish at the IHSA Lemont Regional at Cog Hill Golf Course; Malcius led his team by placing third with a +9 80. Earlier this season, the school said Lemont won its 14th straight South Suburban Conference-Blue Division title, with Malcius picking up individual medalist honors with a +3 75.

In 2018, Malcius became the first boys’ golfer in school history to qualify for the state finals as an individual in his freshman season. According to the school, he is one of just three freshmen in program history to compete in the IHSA State Finals, but the other two – Raymond Sullivan ‘18 in 2014 and current senior Grant Sullivan in 2016 – were part of teams that qualified for the state finals.

Prior to this season, Lemont had qualified for IHSA state finals team competition ten times in the previous 13 seasons.