Six Trojan wrestlers qualify for nationals

The Colby Community College wrestling team finished fifth overall and qualified six individuals for the national tournament at the NJCAA West/Central District Championships in Pratt. The NJCAA National Wrestling Championships will be held February 23-25 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Otis Rollins (133 pounds) and Chris Deters (141) finished second. Monquez Townsend (165) took third, while Thomas Galey (174) and Gabriel Ledesma (285) each brought home fourth place. Andrew Voss received a wildcard bid at 149 pounds.

"Otis Rolllins and Chris Deters had good regional tournaments as both made the finals," said Trojans head wrestling coach David Nordheus. "Monquez Townsend wrestled as good and solid of a tournament as he's had as a Trojan. TJ Galey, Andrew Voss and Gabriel Ledesma got themselves qualified, and that's the most important thing. It's not easy to qualify in this region. I always say as long as your name is on that final bracket then you've got the same great opportunity."

Nordhues said the Trojans understand the big picture.

"These guys know qualifying isn't enough for this program. We want All-Americans and national champs. We will get back to work and fix some mistakes and try to get these young men some hardware at the national tournament."