Trojans Start Strong, Battle Through Weekend at Loosbrock Duals and Open

The Colby Community College Trojans men's wrestling team opened the season on a high note with their first dual victory of the season against Otero on Tuesday (Nov. 4) and then navigated a challenging weekend of competition at the Loosbrock Duals and Open, held Friday and Saturday (Nov. 7–8). The Trojans went 1-2 in dual action on Friday before turning in several impressive individual performances at Saturday's open tournament, led by Talon Suttles, who placed fourth at 133 pounds.

Earlier in the week, the Trojans kicked off their campaign with a confident performance at home, downing Otero Junior College Rattlers in their first dual of the season last Tuesday. This win marked Coach Joseph Cornejo's first home dual victory at his time in Colby. 

Colby then opened the weekend against Hastings College, where several standout performances highlighted a competitive 33-23 setback. The Trojans collected four wins by fall and one technical fall in the dual, including pins from Suttles (133 lbs), Sebastian Rodriguez (141 lbs), and Kash Alley (184 lbs). Scotty Engle (149 lbs) added an 18-2 technical fall, giving Colby early momentum before Hastings surged back in the upper weights to claim the team victory.

The Trojans bounced back in commanding fashion in their second dual, rolling past Lyon College, 42-15. Colby dominated from start to finish, earning seven pins in the victory. Luis Vasquez (125 lbs) and Rodriguez (141 lbs) each earned forfeit wins, while Engle (149 lbs), Robert Cazares (165 lbs), Gunner Owens (174 lbs), and Alley (197 lbs) all recorded pins in under four minutes. The win showcased Colby's ability to respond and execute after a tough opener.

In their final dual of the day, Colby faced a nationally ranked NCAA Division II opponent, coming up short 51-0. Despite the result, the Trojans gained valuable experience competing against one of the top programs in the region.

The momentum carried into Saturday's Loosbrock Open, where several Trojans notched key wins and continued to build on their early-season form. Suttles led the way with a stellar fourth-place finish at 133 pounds, posting a 4-2 record that featured multiple bonus-point victories. After receiving a first-round bye, he earned a 15-0 technical fall over Otero's Robert Ortiz, followed by a fall in 5:51 against Quincy's Zyan Westbrook to reach the semifinals. Suttles narrowly dropped a 4-3 decision in the semis, rebounded with another dominant 19-3 technical fall in consolation action, and finished fourth after a close 6-3 loss in the placement round.

Several other Trojans contributed strong efforts throughout the open. Savieon Garrison (133 lbs) earned an early fall over Barton's Bryson Parker, Cazares (165 lbs) scored a 21-6 technical fall in the consolation rounds, and Rodriguez (141 lbs) recorded a first-period pin over a Central Methodist opponent. Alley (184 lbs) added a first-round pin in 4:43, while Robert Tatum (285 lbs) opened his bracket with a fall in 2:32.

With another productive weekend in the books, the Trojans continue to gain valuable mat time and momentum early in the season. Colby now turns its focus to the Grand View Open in Des Moines, Iowa, hosted by Grand View University on Saturday (Nov. 15).