Lemont’s Paulius Malcius to make return trip to IHSA Boys’ Golf State Finals

Paulius Malcius

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. Malcius tied for seventh individually at the IHSA Hinsdale South Sectional on October 14 to secure his state finals berth. He will participate in the 2019 IHSA Boys’ Golf Class 2A State Finals on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University in Normal.

IHSA Boys' Golf Website

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 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, 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. 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.

Lemont has had four individuals earn medals in state finals competition, including Shane Purtle ‘12, whose third-place tie at the 2011 IHSA Class 2A State Finals is the best finish in program history. Other medal winners have included Dave Lucheon ‘77 (t-7th, 1976), Tom Lynn ‘07 (t-8th, 2005) and Raymond Sullivan (t-12th, 2015).

Prior to this season, Lemont had qualified for IHSA state finals team competition ten times in the previous 13 seasons. Its first team state finals berth came in 2005, when the squad qualified for the IHSA Class AA State Finals. The team also advanced to the IHSA Class 2A State Finals each season from 2007-11, and again annually from 2014-17. The program’s best finish was third place in 2011.

The IHSA Class 2A State Finals will tee off on October 18 and conclude on October 19. Weibring Golf Club is located at 800 W. Gregory Street in Normal, on the campus of Illinois State University.