Men's Wrestling Competitive in Season-Opening Losses to Labette and No. 13 Cowley

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Colby Trojans men's wrestling team opened KJCCC dual competition with a pair of challenging matchups on the road, falling 26-22 to Labette before dropping a 39-12 decision to No. 13 Cowley last Thursday (Jan. 15).

The Trojans were competitive throughout the opener against Labette, winning six of the 10 bouts and collecting multiple bonus-point victories, but the Cardinals capitalized in key moments to secure the four-point win.

Colby earned victories at 125, 149, 157, 184 and heavyweight, with Luis Vasquez picking up a win at 125 pounds. Scorry Engle added a victory at 149, while Cah'Mari Johnson followed with a win at 157. Kash Alley earned a key win at 184, and Kevaun Jones closed the dual with a victory at heavyweight. Despite the strong individual performances, Labette's ability to score bonus points in pivotal matchups proved to be the difference.

In the nightcap, Colby faced a stiff test against No. 13-ranked Cowley, as the Tigers used five falls and a technical fall to take control of the dual.

The Trojans picked up wins at 133 and 165 pounds, with Jordan Cullors securing a hard-fought 9-7 decision and Salvador Barintas following with an 11-10 decision. Colby ended the dual on a high note at heavyweight, where Kevaun Jones recorded a first-period fall, adding six points for the Trojans.

Cowley's depth and bonus-point scoring through the middle weights allowed the Tigers to pull away, handing Colby the loss.

The Trojans will look to regroup and build off their individual performances as conference duals continue Wednesday (Jan. 21) in Chanute, KS. The Trojans are set to dual Neosho and ranked Pratt.