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Menlo College Wrestling Caps Historic Championship Weekend with National Title and Record Performances

Posted on by George Retelas

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.

Two wrestlers in intense action on a mat; one athlete lifts the other off the ground. Audience and competition banner visible in the background.
Kanaipono Tapia attempts to score on his opponent.

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.

A triumphant wrestler in a white singlet with a blue "M" raises his fists in victory as a referee holds his arm. The background shows an audience in a sports arena.
All-American Michael Torres celebrates after winning the 141 pound national title.

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.

A victorious female wrestler in a dark uniform smiles as a referee raises her arm in triumph at a sports event, with a blurred cheering crowd.
All-American Maya Barrios gets her hand raised after taking 7th Place.
A female wrestler in a navy singlet hugs a coach on a platform, surrounded by officials. The crowd in the dimly lit arena watches, creating a celebratory tone.
Nela “Atlas” Fritts hugs NCWA Associate Head Women’s Coach Julissa Taitano.

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.

A women's sports team, smiling and posing with medals and certificates on a stage. They wear matching tracksuits, exuding pride and accomplishment.
NCWA Women’s Wrestling Awarded National Runner-Up Trophy.

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.

A group of 15 men stand in a row, all smiling. They wear matching black tracksuits with medals around their necks, holding certificates and a plaque, on a stage in an arena.

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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 College
Menlo 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 Communications
Menlo College
athletics@menlo.edu

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