MEEKER | This past week the Meeker High School girls golf team returned to the course after having a couple weeks off as they competed at the Devils Thumb Tournament at Chipeta Golf Course in Grand Junction Colorado hosted by Palisade high school.
Junior Aurora Stallings led the Cowboys with a round of 130, followed closely by junior Lili Hernandez at 132. Freshman MacKenzie Denney carded a 134, while junior Kailynn Watson finished with a 135 and sophomore Althea Halstead added a 141.
Freshman Alexandria Trout, competing as an additional player, posted a round of 137.
Stallings said she was encouraged to lead the team, while still seeing room for improvement early in the season. “It felt really good and refreshing to lead the team, but I know it wasn’t my best score, so I’m motivated to keep improving,” Stallings said.
“My front eight holes were really strong. I had a good rhythm and was hitting consistently until the lightning delay interrupted my momentum,” Stallings said. After play resumed, Stallings said the course presented new challenges, particularly late in the round.
“The first few holes after the lightning delay were tough, and holes 14–16 were especially challenging with the hills and longer par 5s on the back nine,” she said. “I just focused on staying composed and playing one shot at a time.”
Stallings added that her approach to tournament play continues to evolve as she works toward consistency. “I’ve realized how challenging consistency can be in golf, so I’ve been working on staying patient, being easier on myself, and not getting frustrated,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of team support during competition. “We stay connected and hype each other up through texts, and Amanda does a great job checking in on everyone, which really helps keep us supported as a team,” Stallings said.
Looking ahead, Stallings said she plans to focus on improving key areas of her game.
“I’m focusing on improving my short game and becoming more consistent and confident with my driver,” she said.
The tournament marked another step forward for a Meeker team that features a mix of returning experience and younger players gaining valuable varsity rounds early in the season.
Head coach Amanda Back said the Cowboys handled a challenging day on the course well.
“They did great. It was a tough day—we had a lightning delay, it was very windy and it’s a long golf course,” Back said.
Back said she was proud of how her top performers responded, especially after dealing with interruptions during the round.
“They did great. It’s definitely hard to have a break and get the momentum back, but they all grinded it out and I am so proud of them,” Back said.
Back said the team’s mix of experienced upperclassmen and younger players continues to come together early in the season. “They are coming together great. My upperclassmen I have had for three years—they know the drill and they are doing great being role models,” Back said. “The freshmen and sophomores are also a really good group as well.”
As the Cowboys continue through the season, Back said the team will focus on improving its short game.
“Short game—putting and chipping. That’s where you can save a lot of strokes,” Back said.
She also emphasized the importance of building confidence and consistency early in the year.
Looking ahead, Back said she wants players to stay focused and trust themselves as they gain more tournament experience.
With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and developing underclassmen, the Cowboys continue to build toward consistency and confidence as the season unfolds. Meeker returns to competition April 15 at River Valley Ranch.
Meeker junior Aurora Stallings tees off during the Devil’s Thumb tournament on March 31. Stallings led with a round of 130 as the team continues to build experience and develop consistency early in the season. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO