H-S Athlete of the Week: Lee Qualk, California
Name: Lee Qualk
School: California
Class: Senior
Sport: Football
Qualk’s week: The tailback gained a career-high 383 yards on 39 carries, scored six touchdowns and added two two-point conversions in the Trojans’ 62-26 victory over Serra Catholic in non-conference play Friday night.
Qualk had two touchdowns called back – one rushing, one receiving – because of penalties. He was 57 yards shy of Jaeden Zuzak’s total of 440 yards that occurred in 2020, but was the top rusher in the WPIAL by 88 yards, as Greensburg Central Catholic’s Samir Crosby had 295.
“It was a fun game,” Qualk said. “It was by far my highest number of carries in a game. The previous high was nine. I was told that I was going to be a big piece of the offense coming into my senior year.
“I have to thank my line and the other guys that blocked because they gave me the ability to get six touchdowns. We like that teams are counting us out because we lost a lot of solid players from last year’s team, but we have some good ones coming back.”
Despite the victory over Serra Catholic, the Trojans will not rest on their laurels as they travel to Cornell this week before hosting Waynesburg to close out non-conference play.
Qualk said the team believes they can win the Tri-County South Conference this season.
Not just a football player: For those who followed California’s track and field team in the spring, Qualk’s ability to run away from defenders should come as no surprise, as he qualified for the state meet in the 100-meter dash.
“I started playing football in eighth grade and decided to do track and field that same school year,” Qualk said. “Once I started track and field, I fell in love with the sport.”
Qualk showed he is not just a sprinter in winning the WPIAL Class 2A championship in the long jump with a leap of 22-2 1/2. He ran 11.24 in the WPIAL Championships to qualify for states.
Qualk didn’t reach the podium at the state meet, but he is excited to see what he can do his senior season.
“It is very mental to do jumps, but I believe that translates to football,” Qualk said. “I definitely want to play sports in college, whether it be track and field or football.”
Giving back: Qualk helps announce the youth football games in California. He enjoys watching the younger generation and is glad to help out whenever he can.
Compiled by Jonathan Guth