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AH golfer swings past regionals

By Adam Roberts aroberts@theabingtonjournal.com

While the Abington Heights High School golf team has been silent since the District 2 Championships two weeks ago, one golfer continues to find success.

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Erik Meyer represented Abington Heights High School at PIAA Championship at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York on Oct. 26 and 27.

Abington Journal Photo/ Adam Roberts

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Junior Erik Meyer, 17, was the lone Comet to qualify for the Eastern Regional in Fleetville on Oct. 20. His 76 at Golden Oaks Golf Club also qualified him for the PIAA Championship at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York on Oct. 26 and 27.

Meyer was among eight Lackawanna League golfers at the Eastern Regional, six of whom have qualified for states.

Going into regionals, Abington Heights golf coach Mike Williams was confident in Meyer’s ability to hit long drives would set up well for an open course like Golden Oaks.

“Erik hits the ball a long way,” Williams said. “He’s a strong driver.”

Though he had a steady day, Meyer’s tournament still came down to the last three holes.

“I went into the last three holes knowing I had to do something,” Meyer said.

Because he did well on those holes in his practice round, Meyer said he felt a “calm sensation.” He hit two birdies and a par to end his outing.

“I knew I’d make states if I played well, so I just wanted to go out and have a good time,” said Meyer.

With his berth in the state tournament, Meyer added the last of three similarities to his senior teammate Brian Mahlstedt.

In 2008, Mahlstedt’s junior year, he also qualified for states.

The similarities began at pre-districts where Meyer shot 87 and Mahlstedt shot 88, just making the cut.

In districts at Elmhurst Country Club both Meyer and Mahlstedt secured the final qualifying position the Eastern Regional.

Mahlstedt and the three other seniors on this year’s team have been there for Meyer all season.

“It’s just fun having a lot of friends on the team that support you,” said Meyer adding that their successes also motivated him.

After play on Monday, Oct. 26, Meyer had shot an 85 and was tied for 42nd