Former North Allegheny golfer Meyer looks to build on solid freshman season at Penn State Behrend

To Penn State Behrend men’s golf coach Erik Barzeski, North Allegheny alum Ryan Meyer is the ideal player.

Meyer, a freshman, was named the 2019 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Newcomer of the Year. He made second team all-conference.

“He’s dependable, competitive and even-keeled,” Barzeski said. “He works hard, shows up and gives his best.

“Win or lose, he’s in a good mood afterward, all while maintaining good grades and life balance.”

Meyer ranked fourth in the conference with a 79 average for 12 rounds. Twice, he tied for second place and carded a season-low 75.

He placed 12th in the conference championship tournament.

“I always expect to work hard and play as best as I can, but was surprised to see (what) I achieved,” said Meyer, who reached the 2017 and ‘18 WPIAL Class AAA boys individual semifinal qualifiers. “The biggest adjustment was finding the time to practice.

“I will find indoor training facilities to keep my golf game and physical shape in good condition (until the spring).”

Barzeski said Meyer, who plans to study civil engineering, has a good plan of action.

“We have to hit the ground running in the fall,” he said. “Ryan did that very well, but the offseason affords an opportunity to begin working on some changes with an eye toward improvement.”