Trojans Show Growth Against NAIA Competition at Valley Duals
January 9, 2026
The Colby Community College wrestling team showed measurable growth and toughness on the road Friday, January 9, as the Trojans traveled to Marshall, Missouri, to compete in the Valley Duals. Facing four NAIA programs in a demanding one-day stretch, Colby finished the event with a 2–2 record, a significant step forward for a junior college program competing exclusively against four-year schools.
The Trojans began the duals against Baker University, falling 33–23 in a dual that featured several momentum swings. Colby earned points early through forfeits at 125 and 141 pounds before Scotty Engle delivered one of the highlights of the dual with a dominant 16–0 technical fall over Joshua Broyles at 149 pounds. Heavyweight Kevaun Jones added six more points for the Trojans with a fall over Elijah Eslinger at 285 pounds. Despite those efforts, Baker capitalized on bonus-point wins through the middle weights to pull away late.
Colby’s then battled William Woods University, where the Trojans again competed closely but came up short in a 30–24 loss. Engle continued his strong day with a first-period fall over Hudson Karr at 149 pounds, while Kash Alley earned a key win at 197 pounds, pinning Dominic Mullin in 2:38. Colby had a chance as the dual was highly competitive, but a few errors led to their defeat.
Colby bounced back against Oklahoma Wesleyan, earning a decisive 40–12 victory. The Trojans controlled the dual from the opening bout, picking up multiple forfeits and steady decision wins before Engle added another bonus-point performance with a second-period fall over Dregen Murray. Alley continued his productive day by recording an 18–5 major decision at 197 pounds, while Colby stacked points across the lineup to secure the team win.
The Trojans finished the day with a 29–22 victory over Midway University out of Kentucky. Talon Suttles set the tone early with a technical fall at 133 pounds, while Engle needed just 35 seconds to pin Chris Begley at 149. Robert Cazares added a critical fall at 174 pounds, and Colby picked up additional points through disciplined wrestling across the card to seal the dual win.
Head coach Joseph Cornejo said the day served an important purpose for his program, both competitively and developmentally.
“We started out a little sluggish,” Cornejo said. “Not sure if it was the same environment or knowing that we were wrestling all four-year schools. These four-year schools were also a way for us to get our sophomores’ names out there and recruited. The two duals we lost, we were winning some matches and just lost control of those matches. Some of them could’ve went either way.”
Cornejo emphasized that the overall performance and team chemistry were encouraging signs as the season progresses.
“Overall though I was very proud of our performance and the camaraderie with the team was exactly what we needed at this point in the season,” he said. “When you have your squad behind you in duals it gives you that extra little boost of confidence knowing your teammates believe in you and want you to win.”
Individually, Engle stood out throughout the event, scoring bonus points in all four duals. Cornejo praised both his results and his approach.
“Great mindset. Great kid overall,” Cornejo said. “One of the hardest workers in the room and does anything we ask of him. Can’t ask for much better.”
The Valley Duals provided a clear measuring stick for Colby as it prepares to shift its focus toward conference competition. “Once again as we always do, these duals were set up for us to be ready for our conference duals starting Thursday,” Cornejo said.
With two wins against NAIA opponents and several close losses that could have gone either way, the Trojans left Missouri with confidence, momentum, and valuable experience as they move into the heart of the season.
Next, the Trojans will be competing in a tri-dual against Labette Community College and Cowley Community College on Jan. 15.