East Boys' Golf Swings For State
- Rocco Pasquini
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Denver East boys’ golf started off their season with some impressive rounds, leading them to be ranked first in the state (as of August 29, 2025). This was supported by stellar scores: Elijah Johnson shot a 64 (-7) and a 65 (-5), and Alex Kukreja shot a 68 (-2) and a 69 (-2) in City League tournaments held at City Park, Overland, and Wellshire golf courses (CHSAA). With two four-year varsity seniors, Alex Kukreja and Elijah Johnson, and one three-year varsity player, junior Murphy Rowen, the East Boys Golf team has a great chance to win state this year.
This year, qualifying for state is even easier. Previously, Colorado golf had one regional round used to determine state qualifiers. This year, CHSAA changed the format so there are no regional tournaments. It depends on how you perform in State qualifying rounds (at least three 18-hole rounds), and the top 84 players in each district qualify for state. East head coach, Quinn Hornecker, believes this is an improvement. He states, “The old system came down to one day at regionals, to determine if you went to state, and the regular season didn’t mean much. Now, at least five tournaments in the regular season determine whether or not you go to state, so it adds value to the regular season.” This idea is shared by the golf team, leading to better preparation for state, since each round is significant instead of relying on one qualifying round. The adjustment also builds momentum and cohesion as it encourages players to deliver consistent performances throughout the season.
This team is also one of the strongest East golf has ever seen, and many players are confident in their ability to contend for state this year. Alex Kukreja, team captain, believes the team can win state, emphasizing, “We are one of the best, if not the best, teams in the state, and I absolutely think we can win if we play well.” The whole team is confident based on previous performances, with Elijah Johnson, the other co-captain, agreeing, “I’m 100% confident that our team will make an impact at state this year, maybe even win the whole thing.” The two captains’ enthusiasm makes for an exciting season to come.
East is a team with not only talent but character as well. Coach Hornecker, who has been East’s golf coach for 17 years and also played in college, says he has never seen a team like this. “I think this is probably my favorite team I’ve ever coached. And not only because it’s incredibly talented—obviously, that makes it fun— but just an awesome group of guys,” exclaims Coach Hornecker. The legacy built by East golf—not only through their success, but also their integrity—may provide powerful motivation to perform at the state tournament this year. State is about a month away, and the team is preparing as hard as possible. With the relief of qualifying for the top players, they can focus on putting their best game together for state. The tournament will be held over two days, October 6th–7th, at Bookcliff Golf Course in Grand Junction, Colorado. With long tee boxes and narrow fairways, the Angels are definitely up for the challenge.
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