A Busy August Schedule
The NIACC Trojans kicked off the 2026 men’s soccer season with a compact but intense stretch of non‑conference fixtures that took them from the heart of Kansas to the rolling prairies of Iowa.
On August 21 the team traveled to Great Bend, Kansas, to meet Barton Community College at five p.m., followed the next day by a 3:30 p.m. showdown with Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kansas. Both matches served as early tests of chemistry and stamina as the roster adjusted to a new tactical approach.
Because the NIACC home field was still awaiting upgrades, the first home appearance was moved to Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa, where the Trojans hosted Gillette College on August 29. The venue change added a layer of novelty for the players, who welcomed the chance to play in a different stadium environment.
Guiding the squad through this busy opening is head coach Gannon Harsma, now in his fourth year at the helm. Harsma’s experience and his focus on disciplined defending have become central themes in early practices, and his presence on the sidelines has drawn praise from both players and athletic staff.
The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference schedule looms large after the non‑conference games, with the conference opener slated for September 19 at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. A cascade of conference fixtures follows, including dates on September 23, 26, October 3, 8, 10, 14, 17, 21 and 24, culminating in a NJCAA Region 11 tournament on October 27.
Looking Ahead
With the season’s first chapter already written, the Trojans remain focused on building momentum heading into conference play. The upcoming matches will test depth, adaptability and the ability to translate practice gains into competitive results.