Tennis Team Achieves Back-to-Back State Championships
Just a few months ago, during the initial tennis practice for the C.M. Russell High boys’ team, coach Byron Boyd set an ambitious target for his players: to defend their title as state champions. His declaration was met with puzzled looks from the team, as Boyd recounted with amusement. Fast forward to last Friday, and not only did they meet this challenge, they succeeded brilliantly, earning their second consecutive Class AA state title in Bozeman.
Celebration of Achievement
On Tuesday, the team was celebrated during a special ceremony at CMR, where a championship rug was unveiled, marking their achievement and securing its place in the rafters of the CMR Fieldhouse. This moment was especially significant for junior Eli Crist, who, along with doubles partner Brady Pike, earned a second-place finish at the state championships. Crist, who was part of last year’s winning team, took the honor of unveiling the new rug, a symbol of victory for the Rustlers.
Individual Highlights
Crist and Pike faced a formidable opponent in their championship match, suffering their only losses to this year’s winning pair, Dallin Abrams and Andersen Hurst. In individual play, sophomore Howard Daniel shone by securing third place, while his twin brother, Fleming Daniel, also made an impressive showing, finishing in sixth and earning All-State recognition. Remarkably, Howard’s only defeats of the season came at the hands of Mason McCarty, a three-time champion who also eliminated him in the quarterfinals. Howard reflected on the experience gained from facing such a high-level competitor.
Fleming showcased incredible resilience in his matches, particularly after battling through an injury during a crucial consolation match, ultimately leading to a victory that Boyd credited as essential to the team’s overall success. The Rustlers collectively amassed 30 points, outpacing Bozeman High and Billings West, who tied for second with 23 points.
Historic Achievement
With this latest title, the boys’ team has now captured three championships in the past four years, while finishing second in the other year. Their record of 46 wins against 3 losses in duals over the last four years speaks to their dominance in the sport. This title also marks a historic moment as CMR becomes the first AA team in eight years to secure back-to-back championships and the first in over two decades to achieve this level of consistency.
Team Effort and Support
Reflecting on the team’s success, Boyd emphasized that the championship was a collective effort with support from parents and the girls’ team. Pike elaborated on the roots of their success, crediting coaches Val Scheevel and Byron Boyd for their dedication and support that have fostered a strong tennis program over the years.
The celebration stands as a testament to their hard work, a culmination of efforts that solidified their reputation as champions on the court.
