Menlo College Wrestling Caps Historic Championship Weekend with National Title and Record Performances Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 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. 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. 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. All-American Maya Barrios gets her hand raised after taking 7th Place. 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. 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. 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
Menlo Wrestling Alum Rysan Leong Wins Professional MMA Debut, Expands Impact Through Coaching in Hawaiʻi Posted on March 30, 2026March 30, 2026 by George Retelas ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Rysan Leong ’24 won his professional MMA debut by unanimous decision on March 22 at Anthony Pettis Fighting Championships 22. Facing previously undefeated Khetag Moroav in a lightweight bout, Leong delivered a composed performance across three rounds, controlling key moments to secure the judges’ decision and hand Moroav his first loss. Known for his finishing ability and a 5-0 amateur record, the 2023 NAIA National Champion showed a new dimension by going the distance for the first time. Rysan Leong ’24 wins his professional MMA debut on March 22, 2026. The victory adds to an already accomplished résumé as the Hawaiʻi-born and -raised athlete continues his transition from national champion wrestler to professional MMA fighter. Leong’s path reflects Menlo College’s emphasis on hands-on learning, where students apply classroom experience to real-world opportunities that can evolve into careers and community impact. While at Menlo College, Leong launched Hawaii Intensive Wrestling Camps (HIWC) as part of his Sports Management internship. What began as a project to explore careers within his Sports Management major has grown into a program that provides high-level wrestling training within Hawaiʻi, eliminating the need for athletes to travel to the mainland for elite instruction. Rysan Leong teaching the next generation of wrestlers at the Hawaii Intensive Wrestling Camps (HIWC). Each summer, HIWC hosts clinics and an overnight intensive camp at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Athletes train in a structured environment focused on skill development, discipline, and resilience. The program has quickly become a key part of Hawaiʻi’s wrestling community. Leong’s motivation comes from personal experience growing up in Hawaiʻi, where travel costs often limited access to exposure and training opportunities. “Back then, my family had to start a GoFundMe just to get me to camp,” Leong said. “When I returned, I knew we needed something like this in Hawaiʻi. We have the talent right here, so why send our kids across the ocean when we can build it ourselves with Hawaiʻi-grown wrestlers that have competed at the collegiate level?” That idea became reality during the COVID-19 pandemic when Leong created HIWC as his internship project. Today, the camp brings together top Hawaiʻi athletes and collegiate wrestlers from across the country to train and mentor the next generation. At Menlo College, students are encouraged to build, test, and launch ideas before they graduate. Through both his professional career and his work with HIWC, Leong continues to represent Menlo College while helping shape the future of wrestling in Hawaiʻi. Learn more about Hawaii Intensive Wrestling Camps: https://hawaiiwrestlingcamps.com/ About Menlo 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. Contact pr@menlo.edu
