Cowboys kick off season Friday in GJ

MEEKER I The Meeker Cowboy football team has a new and familiar coach, and will open its season Friday in Grand Junction, then host the annual Kickoff Classic golf tournament Saturday at Meeker Golf Course.
Former Meeker High School graduate Shane Phelan, who also played college football for the Western State Mountaineers, will return to his coaching duties after three years in the grandstands.
“There is an adjustment period for me, too,” Phelan said of his duties as head coach. Phelan previously coached the Cowboys for six years.
“I’m excited with the guys we have out,” Phelan said. “They are dedicated and eager to learn, and it is coming at them fast. We’ve inundated them with a lot of new stuff.”
Phelan said there are 33 kids out for the team but that the number has been changing daily.
The Cowboys have been practicing since Aug. 12 and they will see live action Friday in Grand Junction against 5A Grand Junction Central’s JV team.
Andy Coryell, Matt Dupire and Ben Quinn will assist Phelan with the coaching duties this year, and he is also thankful for help from Darby Finley, who will be the Barone Middle School coach this season, and his manager, Emily Cardile.
“We have a good staff,” Phelan said.
Phelan said he is excited to get the season started and is thankful for the sponsors of the annual golf tournament.
“It’s a great way to kick off the season,” Phelan said.