MEEKER | The Meeker High School boys golf team opened its 2026 season Monday at the GJ Tiger Invitational at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction, hosted by Grand Junction High School. 

Sophomore Teagan Smith led the Cowboys with a score of 79 (+8), finishing 10th overall and third among Class 2A golfers.

Meeker finished 15th overall with a combined team score of 310 (+97).

Freshman Owen Little followed Smith for Meeker with a 114 (+43), while senior Brycen Peña finished with a 117 (+46). Sophomore Dylan Rundberg carded a 120 (+49), and freshman Rylan Grimes rounded out the Cowboys’ lineup with a 135 (+64).

The GJ Tiger Invitational marked the first tournament of the season for Meeker and the first competition under new head coach Jason Back.

Former head coach Nick Burri recently resigned from the position but plans to remain involved with the program.

“I am still involved and volunteering as much as possible,” Burri said.

Burri previously said his goal for the team was to see constant improvement from his golfers throughout the season, with hopes of sending several players to the Class 2A state tournament.

Monday’s tournament also gave Meeker’s young roster its first opportunity to gain tournament experience. The Cowboys’ five golfers included two freshmen, two sophomores and senior Brycen Peña.

For Smith, the season-opening performance provided an early boost of confidence as he looks toward his own goals for the season.

“My personal goals for the season are to continue improving my scores, become more consistent and be someone my team can count on,” Smith said. “I really want to make it to state this year, and that is a big goal of mine.”

Smith also wants to continue developing the mental side of his game and use each round as a learning experience.

“The biggest thing I want to take from today into tomorrow is confidence and staying mentally strong,” Smith said. “I know I can play well, and now I just need to trust my game, stay patient and focus on one shot at a time.”

The Cowboys will have little time to rest before returning to competition.

Meeker will travel to River Valley Ranch Tuesday, Aug. 11, for a tournament beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Cowboys will then head to Delta Thursday, Aug. 13, to compete at Devil’s Thumb. Thursday’s tournament is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The quick turnaround will give the Cowboys another opportunity to gain experience and work toward greater consistency as the season progresses.

“I’m really excited for tomorrow and the rest of the season,” Smith said.

With the season now underway, the Cowboys will look to build on their opening performance as they continue developing a young roster and work toward their goals for the 2026 season.

Meeker sophomore Teagan Smith lines up a putt during the GJ Tiger Invitational Monday at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction. Smith led the Cowboys with a score of 79 (+8) as Meeker opened the 2026 season. Jared Henderson photo.