Men's Wrestling Earn Multiple Wins at Bob Smith Open
Men’s wrestling turned in a competitive showing at the Bob Smith Open in Hays Sunday, picking up significant bonus-point victories and valuable experience against a deep field featuring nationally ranked programs and NCAA contenders.
HAYS, Kan. - Men's wrestling turned in a competitive showing at the Bob Smith Open in Hays Sunday (Dec. 7), picking up significant bonus-point victories and valuable experience against a deep field featuring nationally ranked programs and NCAA contenders. Leading the way for the Trojans were several wrestlers who pieced together strong runs through championship and consolation brackets.
Colby's top performance of the day came from Scotty Engle (149 lbs), who delivered an impressive three-pin outing on his way to eight team points. After advancing through an opening bye, Engle battled through six total matches, recording falls in 2:25, 1:38, and 3:36. His strong run carried him deep into the consolation rounds, ultimately finishing just one win shy of the placement matches.
Another standout effort came from Talon Suttles (133 lbs), who posted 6.5 team points behind a high-activity day that included two major decisions and a pin. Suttles opened the tournament with a commanding 12–2 major decision and later added a fall in 1:55 and a 14–6 major in consolation competition, showcasing consistent offense throughout the bracket.
At heavyweight, Robert Tatum (285 lbs) turned in one of the team's most balanced days, scoring 4.5 team points. After an opening bye, Tatum edged Newman's Isiah Hill 4–3 in championship action and later pinned Parker Glaze of Ouachita Baptist in the consolation rounds to continue advancing.
Three Trojans produced solid wins in the middle weights. Hunter Smith-Velarde (157 lbs) earned 2.5 team points with a fall in 4:29, while Robert Cazares (157 lbs) contributed two team points, highlighted by a 19–11 major decision. At 125 pounds, Sammie Cyrus added three team points behind a fall in 1:41 and two byes that pushed him deeper into the bracket.
Tevin Jackson (125 lbs) also picked up a key victory early, securing a 14–11 decision in his opening match before advancing via consolation bye to finish with one team point. Heavyweight Kevaun Jones (285 lbs) earned a 7–3 decision in the consolations to add a half-point to Colby's total.
Despite facing one of their toughest tournament fields of the season, the Trojans left Hays with confidence-building performances. Colby will now shift focus to the upcoming open in Great Bend before dualling Otero JC next Wednesday (Dec. 17).