MEEKER | The Meeker High School boys wrestling team returned to action this past weekend, opening the second half of its season with a road trip to Kremmling for the West Grand Tournament.
Meeker began the new year with another strong showing, winning the team title with 203 points. The Cowboys last competed at West Grand on Jan. 8, 2025, when they captured the tournament championship with 187 points.
The Cowboys finished first overall behind a balanced lineup that produced two individual champions, three second-place finishes, two third-place results and three fourth-place placers.
Eli Rundberg led Meeker with a first-place finish at 120 pounds, while Drake Jones added a tournament title at 175. Kael Overton placed second at 138, Holton Harvey finished second at 144, and Cooper Maupin added a runner-up finish at 150, helping Meeker build separation in the team standings.
Jonah Christensen contributed a third-place finish at 190, while Cody Richardson (120), Lyam Richardson (132) and Tanner Shults (138) each placed fourth to round out the Cowboys’ scoring efforts.
Harvey said the Cowboys’ success through the middle of the lineup was fueled by daily competition in the practice room and strong support from teammates. He credited his run to the finals to the depth of Meeker’s roster, noting, “Key run in making the finals was all my amazing teammates, that I was able to wrestle with all week and that cheered me on.” He added, “Our middle lineup is great cause all of us were able to push ourselves to the finals and we all can build off of each other in practice…having five dominant wrestlers in the middle weights helps us make a huge difference and score big points.” On the importance of competing in tight duals, Harvey said, “Wrestling these tight duals and close matches have helped me a lot. They teach us how to win the close matches that will be a huge part of our state tournament.”
Overton said his performance was defined by consistency and effort in every match. “What stood out to me most was my consistency and effort in every match. I stayed focused, wrestled my style, and didn’t let tough moments throw me off. I felt like I competed hard from start to finish each match,” he said. On rebounding from his finals loss, Overton said, “After a tough loss in the finals match, I took some time to think about what I did right and what I can improve. I use it as motivation to work harder in practice and make sure I’m better prepared for the next opportunity.” He also reflected on the preparation provided by the tournament: “Tougher brackets help prepare me by pushing me right away and forcing me to stay locked in every match. Wrestling strong competition helps me learn and gets me ready for bigger tournaments like the Tournament of Champions.” Overton said heading into Vernal, Utah, he is focused on “improving on bottom, staying aggressive, and keeping a strong pace throughout my matches.”
Meeker will remain on the road this week, traveling to Rifle for a dual against the Bears on Thursday at 6 p.m. The Cowboys will then compete at the Tournament of Champions on Jan. 9–10 in Vernal, Utah.
The Meeker Cowboys boys wrestling team poses on the podium after winning the team title at the West Grand Tournament in Kremmling on Jan. 3. Meeker finished first overall with 203 points behind a balanced lineup that produced two individual champions and multiple placers.