Trojans open season with strong showing at Falcon Open
by Derek White
November 1, 2025
WICHITA — The Colby Community College men’s wrestling team opened its 2025-26 campaign with a promising performance at the Falcon Open, hosted Saturday by Friends University in Wichita. The Trojans scored 57 team points, placing them just outside the top three team finishes. Cowley College won the team title with 132 points, followed by Labette Community College with 121 and Wayland Baptist University with 108.
For the Trojans, the event marked the first live test of the season under second year head coach Joseph Cornejo, who said the outing was a solid starting point for what he expects will be a hardworking and resilient group.
“I was not surprised by how we did,” Cornejo said. “I think we performed pretty well, but I believe we can do better—and we will do better. Overall it was a learning experience, and we’ll go fix some things.”
Several wrestlers made their mark throughout the day, showing the depth and potential of the young roster. Freshman Talon Suttles (133) led the way with nine points, recording four wins, including two technical falls and a pin before dropping a close 5-3 semifinal decision. Sophomore Salvador Barintas (157) also had an impressive run, earning 9.5 team points with four straight victories through the consolation rounds, highlighted by two technical falls and a pair of major decisions.
At heavyweight, freshman Robert Tatum delivered a strong debut with three pins to contribute eight team points, while sophomore Luis Vasquez (125) added 7.5 points thanks to a series of dominant early-round wins by fall and technical fall. Kash Alley (184) added six points behind two pins and a decision victory.
Despite being early in the season, the Trojans’ effort reflected the depth and intensity Cornejo’s program is known for. “These guys are working hard,” he said. “They’re adjusting to the pace, to the grind, and this weekend helped us see where we need to improve.”
The team was scheduled to host a home dual on November 4 against Otero Junior College, originally planned as a tri-dual but Newman University suffered too many injuries to field a team.
Colby fans will still have opportunities to see the Trojans in action soon, and Cornejo encouraged community members to come out and support the program. “We really appreciate the support,” he said. “The raffle will be drawn during our dual”
The team has been running a community raffle to help provide equipment and travel expenses for the upcoming season. The raffle will be giving away a Rock Island VR80 12 gauge shotgun with single tickets selling for $20 or six tickets for $100.
The Trojans’ next scheduled appearance will be at the Loosbrock Duals in Atchison on November 7, followed by the Service Salute Tournament the following day at Benedictine College