The Barton Community College wrestling team kicked off the 2026 portion of its schedule Sunday at the Jet Open in Wichita, Kansas, competing with a limited lineup as illness impacted availability. Sending just six wrestlers to the mats, the Cougars combined for an 8-14 overall record on the day, highlighted by a fourth-place finish from S’Ron Hill at 184-pounds.
Hill led the Cougars, turning in the top showing with a 4-2 performance. After dropping his opening bout to Drew Withington of Pratt, Hill responded with a strong run through the backside of the bracket, recording four straight victories, three by fall, to reach the third place match. The run included a 10-4 redemption decision over Withington in the consolation semifinals before Hill ultimately settled for fourth.
Despite the short roster, Barton saw competitive efforts throughout the lineup. Brennen Pfannenstiel (149-pounds) posted a 3-2 day, opening with a 2:02 fall and adding a 13-11 decision to reach the semifinals before falling to the eventual runner-up. Pfannenstiel continued battling through the consolation rounds before bowing out just shy of a placement bowing out in the consolation semifinals.
Joshua “AJ” Almanza (133-pounds) recorded the Cougars’ other victory on the day, opening with a 6:36 fall before dropping his final two bouts to finish 1-2.
Additional Barton competitors included Jamal Garrett (125), Tyler Gouker (141), Brody Schnoebelen (197), and Logan Buchanan (285), each gaining valuable mat time as the Cougars worked through the tournament shorthanded.
Competing unattached, Michael Villarreal (285), also saw action, concluding his day 0-2.
Barton will look to return to full strength as the busy January action continues, traveling Friday and Saturday to the NJCAA Coaches Duals in Miami, Oklahoma, before opening conference play January 13 at Pratt in the annual Battle of Highway 281.
