Central Catholic’s Meyers crowned WPIAL Class AAA boys golf champion

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | 2:00 PM

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Jimmy Meyers just couldn’t stay away.

The Central Catholic senior wasn’t planning on attending the finish of the weather-delayed WPIAL Class AAA boys golf championship on Wednesday at Oakmont Country Club.

But he just had to be there to watch his contenders finish.

Meyers, who completed his round Tuesday with consecutive birdies to post an even-par 70, nervously watched teammate Neal Shipley, Franklin Regional senior Palmer Jackson and Latrobe senior Brady Pevarnik try to catch him.

But in the end, Meyers had nothing to worry about because the trio was unable to make up the necessary strokes.

Meyers’ dream of winning a WPIAL championship became reality around 8:40 a.m. as Shipley placed second with a 4-over 75 and Jackson and Pevarnik tied for third at 5-over 76.

There will be a playoff between Pine-Richland junior Donnie Professori, Shady Side Academy junior Brice Delany and Central Catholic junior Palmer Cuny at 4 p.m. Thursday at Oakmont for the final two qualifying spots. All finished tied for 13th with a 13-over 84.

Two will be among the 14 to advance to the PIAA West Regional on Oct. 15 at Tom’s Run Golf Course in Blairsville and the third will be the alternate.

“It was very stressful,” Meyers said. “I couldn’t do anything. I just had to watch them play.

“I’m ecstatic. I’m really happy to win on my home course. I couldn’t wish for anything else.”

He had to feel good when Jackson’s and Pevarnik’s first shots landed in the bunker on No. 16. Pevarnik had a double bogey and Jackson a bogey.

Meyers was able to stand on the hill near the No. 18 tee and watch the finish.

“I knew my score wasn’t safe because Palmer and Brady were capable of going birdie, birdie, birdie,” Meyers said.

Jackson and Pevarnik, who never won a WPIAL title, will now set their sights on winning a PIAA title, as long as they get through the regional.

“Brady and I didn’t finish well,” Jackson said. “We were playing three very tough holes and needed birdies. We struggled out of the bunkers both days.

“Now, I’ll focus on the two-day state tournament. I plan on being more aggressive there.”

Pevarnik added: “There are a lot of good players in the WPIAL. I’m disappointed, but it’s golf. I still can win a state title. A two-day event will prove who the better golfers are. That’s where my focus will be.”

Fox Chapel’s Gregor Meyer (77), Scott Bitar (78) and Aiden Oerhle (79), Penn-Trafford’s Alex Turowski (80), Pine-Richland’s Cade Zolkos (80), South Fayette’s Luke Lestini (81), Shady Side Academy’s Jas Fuhrer (82) and Pine-Richland’s Jack Wymard (83) also qualified for the regional.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Central Catholic, Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional, Latrobe, Penn-Trafford, Pine-Richland, Shady Side Academy, South Fayette