MODESTO, CA. – Before the 2023 year comes to an end, Menlo College Weightlifting made one final appearance on the platform at the Hassle Free Winter Breakers Open hosted at Resident Barbell in Modesto, CA. Sydney Uyeda and Dwayne Deang competed for the Oaks and both were able to meet the requirements needed to qualify for University Nationals! Head Coach Liz Leahy mentioned, "Sydney and Dwayne did an amazing job under pressure. They had to hit specific numbers to qualify for University Nationals in Columbus and with all of their hard work they have been putting in, it definitely showed and paid off. Super proud of them and excited to see them train hard for the next few months before the big team trip!"

 

Sydney Uyeda (5 for 6) - 134 kg Total (PR)

Sydney's appearance at the Hassle Free Winter Breakers would account for her third time taking the platform in a Menlo singlet. The last time Uyeda competed was at the Don Wilson Golden West Open in November where she went 3 for 6 with a 123 kg total. With another month of practice under her belt, Sydney was well prepared to take on the challenge of qualifying for Nationals. Uyeda went 5 for 6 successfully completing a 63 kg snatch and 71 kg clean and jerk (PR) for a 134 kg total (PR). Sydney has made great improvements on her lifting and has officially qualified for University Nationals with her totals this weekend! 

 

Dwayne Deang (6 for 6) - 210 kg Total

The freshman from Ewa Beach, Hawaii would make his second appearance on the platform as an Oak. After going 4 for 6 at the Don Wilson Golden West Open with a 220 kg total, Deang needed to complete those numbers once more to qualify for Nationals. Dwayne had a perfect day going 6 for 6 at the Winter Breakers Open. He began his session with a 90 kg snatch and rounded out with a 120 kg clean and jerk for a 210 kg total. Dwayne has qualified for University Nationals in just his second collegiate appearance and will be joining the rest of the squad in Columbus, Ohio in February!  


Up Next...
Weightlifting returns in the Spring to practice and prepare for the big stage. Menlo will be sending the top competitors to University Nationals taking place in Columbus, Ohio on February 29 - March 3, 2024!