Nate Wheeler advanced to the PIAA regional golf tournament after a top-six performance at districts on Monday at Steel Club’s par-72 course.

Wheeler finish sixth with a round of 76 which was good enough to move on.

“Nate had a great day at districts, only one hole gave him problems (hole 1, triple bogey). Regardless, Nate finished just under the cut line with a 76,” head coach Brian Davies said. “Although he was hoping for a better finish at districts, it is an honor to make it out to the PIAA regionals.”

Parkland’s Trevor Grim had the low round of the day with a 72 while Emmaus’ Matt Zerfass shot 73, Matt Vital and Jimmy Barker of Liberty had 74 and 75 and Connor Gherghel of Blue Mountain had a 76.

The Kids Madison Salter shot a 99 but didn’t move on among the AAA girls. Michelle Cox was first with a 73 and both Mary Scully (Pleasant Valley) and Emma Shelby (Saucon Valley) shot 90 to advance to next week’s event.

Cox and Zerfass’ performances helped Emmaus win the team title shooting a 304, just ahead of Liberty’s 315.

In AA, Palmerton won the team title with a 349. Schuylkill Haven’s Albe Evans shot 82 to take first ahead of Ben Ortwein who also carded an 82. Logan Krese and Tyler Hager of Palmerton were third and fourth with an 83 and 84. Central’s Emily Wright led the AA girls with an 87 and Moravian’s Grace Sanborn shot 94 to move on.

Now, Wheeler’s goal is to move on to states.

“Ultimately, Nate wants to play in the PIAA state competition at Heritage Hills in York,” Davies said. “Nate is playing very consistently right now and if he can keep his rounds in the mid 70s, I would imagine he will make it through regionals and earn a top-10 finish at states.”