Great Falls CMR boys tennis hunting third-straight team state championship

Three state championships in the last four years, including most recently going back-to-back. Great Falls CMR's boys tennis program is turning in to a dynasty in Montana.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a high school boys tennis match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Great Falls CMR boys tennis team aims to add another championship banner to their growing dynasty through a season of high-energy, team-focused play.Billings Today

The Great Falls CMR boys tennis team is looking to win their third straight Class AA state championship this year. Led by senior Eli Crist and junior Howard Daniel, the Rustlers have a talented roster with eight returning players, though they are a relatively young group overall. The team is focused on the goal of hanging another championship banner in the CMR Fieldhouse.

Why it matters

Great Falls CMR's boys tennis program has become a dominant force in Montana, winning three state titles in the last four years. The team's continued success has cemented their status as a tennis dynasty in the state, and they are aiming to extend that legacy with a third straight championship.

The details

Seniors Eli Crist and Howard Daniel, who placed second in doubles last year, are leading the charge for CMR this season. Crist won the doubles state title as a sophomore, and the duo's strong chemistry and energy on the court make them a formidable pairing. While the overall roster is a bit younger this year, coach Byron Boyd believes the team is focused and capable of hanging another championship banner.

  • CMR began its season this past weekend in Billings.
  • The Rustlers next hit the tennis court this coming Saturday, April 11 at home against Helena High and Capital.

The players

Eli Crist

A senior who has been a vital piece in CMR's last two team championships, including winning the doubles state title in 2024 as a sophomore.

Howard Daniel

A junior who placed third overall in singles last spring and brings a high-energy presence to the court with his doubles partner Eli Crist.

Byron Boyd

The head coach of the CMR boys tennis team, who says the team is a bit younger this year but is focused on the goal of winning a third straight state title.

Georgia Pike

A freshman on the CMR girls tennis team who likes the makeup of this year's squad and has a goal of doing well at the state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“The big goal is to get three in a row.”

— Eli Crist, Senior

“It felt way too good to not try again. So that's the biggest goal, really take it with my next doubles partner and just aim for the top.”

— Eli Crist, Senior

“The energy that Howard carries is just insane. On the court, we are just a big ball of energy and we really try to just punch right back at the enemy and just keep it going.”

— Eli Crist, Senior

“Having good chemistry, knowing where your partner is going to be at even when, you know, you're in front of him.”

— Howard Daniel, Junior

“You can't make up a better feeling than putting up two rugs in a row, so it's awesome.”

— Howard Daniel, Junior

What’s next

The Rustlers next hit the tennis court this coming Saturday, April 11 at home against Helena High and Capital.

The takeaway

Great Falls CMR's boys tennis team has established itself as a dominant force in Montana, winning three state championships in the last four years. Led by a core group of experienced upperclassmen, the Rustlers are focused on continuing their dynasty with a third straight title this season.