Menlo College wrestling delivered a championship performance for the record books this weekend in Louisiana, as the Oaks once again proved themselves among the elite programs in collegiate wrestling.
The Menlo men’s wrestling team captured the national championship in dominant fashion, finishing nearly 40 points ahead of the runner-up. The Oaks controlled the tournament from start to finish, securing individual titles in more than half of the contested weight classes and showcasing the depth that has become a hallmark of the program.
The victory marks Menlo’s fifth national title since 2019, underscoring a sustained era of excellence across both the men’s and women’s programs.
Adding to the historic weekend, Menlo’s newly launched NCWA women’s team made an immediate impact in its first-ever national championship appearance. The Oaks earned a second-place team finish and celebrated an individual national champion, signaling a strong future for the program.
Menlo athletes dominated the podium throughout the tournament, with seven national champions crowned. On the men’s side, Javier Martinez, Diego Morales, Isaiah Morales, Tyger Taam, Kanaipono Tapia, and Michael Torres each claimed titles. Neila Fritts led the way for the women, capturing a national championship in her division.
Tapia’s standout performance earned him Male Outstanding Wrestler honors, highlighting an exceptional tournament run.
In total, 21 Oaks earned All-American recognition: Jeramiah Steele, Michael Torres, Tyger Taam, Ezekiel Lara, Kanaipono Tapia, Isaiah Morales, Mathias Collins, Diego Morales, Javier Martinez, Daniel Arellano, David Arroyo, Maya Barrios, Matthew Porras Diamond, Neila Fritts, Leia Hernandez, Siomara Hernandez, Lastevia Muir, Lina Perez, Giancarlo Plaza, Gwendolyn Tomkins, and Kayla Zeidler.
Behind the success is a coaching staff that continues to set the standard nationally. NCAA Men’s Wrestling Head Coach Joey Martinez was named Coach of the Year, while Director of NCWA Wrestling Cristian Vasquez and Associate Head Coach of NCWA Women’s Wrestling Julissa Taitano played key roles in guiding both programs to national prominence.
The championship culture at Menlo is also supported by the leadership of Vice President and Director of Athletics Keith Spataro, whose vision and commitment to student-athlete success continue to drive the Oaks’ rise on the national stage.
With another championship secured and a new program already making history, Menlo College wrestling continues to build a legacy defined by excellence, depth, and sustained success.
NCAA Men (6 Individual National Champions, 9 All-Americans in 10 Weight Classes, National Team Champions)
133: Jeramiah Steele | 5th Place, All-American
141: Michael Torres | NCWA National Champion 141lbs, All-American
149: Tyger Taam | NCWA National Champion 149lbs, All-American
157: Ezekiel Lara | NCWA National Runner-Up, All-American
165: Kanaipono Tapia | NCWA National Champion, All-American
174: Isaiah Morales | NCWA National Champion, All-American
184: Mathias Collins | 3rd Place, All-American
197: Diego Morales | NCWA National Champion, All-American
295: Javier Martinez | NCWA National Champion, All-American
NCWA Men (4 All-Americans)
125: Daniel Arellano | 5th Place, All-American
133: Giancarlo Plaza | 6th Place, All American
149: David Arroyo | 4th Place, All-American
184: Matthew Porras Diamond | 5th Place, All American
NCWA Women (1 Individual National Champion, 8 All-Americans in 11 Weight Classes, 2nd Place as a Team)
110: Lina Perez | 6th Place, All American
117: Maya Barrios | 7th Place, All American
131: Lastevia Muir | 5th Place, All-American
138: Gwendolyn Tomkins | | 5th Place, All-American
145: Kayla Zeidler| 6th Place, All-American
160: Leia Hernandez | NCWA National Runner Up, All-American
207: Siomara Hernandez | 6th Place, All-American
240: Neila Fritts | NCWA National Champion, All-American, First Ever Champion in Program History
About Menlo CollegeMenlo College is a private, non-profit institution offering four-year undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located in Atherton, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo integrates academic excellence with leadership development and competitive athletics. Known for its strong business and psychology programs, Menlo prepares students to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
Menlo College Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports and competes at the NCAA Division II level, with women’s flag football set to become the College’s 15th varsity program in 2026–2027.For media inquiries, please contact:
Athletics CommunicationsMenlo Collegeathletics@menlo.edu
