SACRAMENTO, CA – The Menlo College Weightlifting team made history this past weekend, sending a record-breaking twelve athletes to compete at the annual SacTown Throwdown in Sacramento, California. The Oaks' performance was one for the books, highlighted by two first-time competitors, seven University Nationals qualifiers, and an impressive 83% make rate with 60 of 72 lifts successfully completed. Menlo lifters also combined for 28 personal records and five perfect 6-for-6 performances.

Even with fierce local and international competition, including a two-time European Champion from Russia, the Oaks held their own. Menlo's 79kg lifter went head-to-head with the champion, narrowly missing his final clean and jerk attempt to finish in the top four. The Women's team earned two top-four finishes, while the Men's side earned one top-four and six top-ten finishes, marking one of the program's strongest team showings to date.

 

Men's Division

Ryan Padron (Senior, Kihei, HI)

Returning for his senior campaign, Padron delivered a stellar 5-for-6 performance, setting a new personal record in the snatch. After successful lifts at 100kg and 105kg, he hit a PR at 110kg before going 2-for-3 in the clean and jerk (135kg, 142kg). His final total of 252kg set the tone for Menlo's strong day on the platform.

James Woodley (Senior, Danville, CA)

The reigning National Champion started his senior year in dominant fashion, going 4-for-6 with a 101kg snatch and a clean 3-for-3 run in the clean and jerk at 122kg, 127kg, and 132kg. His 233kg total secures him a return ticket to University Nationals this spring.

Fonz Ortega (Senior, Millbrae, CA)

Ortega was perfect on the day, going 6-for-6 to qualify for University Nationals. He nailed all three snatch attempts at 93kg, 97kg, and 100kg, followed by clean and jerks at 115kg, 120kg, and 125kg for a 225kg total—an outstanding show of consistency and veteran composure.

Osvaldo Garcia Mendoza (Sophomore, Redwood City, CA)

In his first-ever collegiate meet, Garcia Mendoza impressed with a flawless 6-for-6 performance, hitting PRs across the board. His lifts of 80kg, 83kg, and 85kg in the snatch and 100kg, 104kg, and 106kg in the clean and jerk earned him a 191kg total and a qualifying spot at University Nationals.

Jeshua "Peanut" Ambrosio (Junior, San Bruno, CA)

Ambrosio powered through a 5-for-6 performance, going 2-for-3 in the snatch (97kg, 102kg) and 3-for-3 in clean and jerks (125kg, 130kg, 135kg). His 237kg total punched his ticket to University Nationals as well.

Elijah Carrasco (Freshman, Upland, CA)

Making his collegiate debut, Carrasco went 5-for-6, lifting 63kg and 68kg in the snatch, followed by a perfect 3-for-3 in clean and jerks (75kg, 80kg, 85kg) to total 157kg. A strong start for the freshman's Oak career earning personal records with each lift.

Billy McKinzey (Senior, El Segundo, CA)

McKinzey went a perfect 6-for-6, clearing all three snatches (66kg, 70kg, 74kg) and all three clean and jerks (93kg, 97kg, 101kg). His final total of 175kg capped off a standout senior showing.

Owen Yama (Senior, Mountain View, CA)

Yama finished 5-for-6, hitting all three snatches (85kg, 88kg, 91kg) and two clean and jerks (105kg, 110kg) before narrowly missing his last at 115kg. His 201kg total contributed to Menlo's strong team score.

Orion Rios (Junior, Brisbane, CA)

Despite a challenging day, Rios showed grit and determination, landing two clean and jerks at 101kg and 106kg. He also put up solid snatch attempts at 88kg in his first appearance as an Oak lifter and even completed his final snatch, but just released the attempt a split second too early. It was a great experience for the incoming lifter.

 

Women's Division

Sydney Uyeda (Senior, Moanalua, HI)

Uyeda made her senior debut in dominant fashion, going 6-for-6 with PRs in both lifts. She cleared 63kg, 66kg, and 69kg in the snatch, followed by 75kg, 80kg, and 86kg in the clean and jerk for a 155kg total. Her performance earned her third place overall and another qualification for University Nationals.

Kira Barad (Sophomore, Kapolei, HI)

Barad went 4-for-6, successfully lifting 64kg and 67kg in the snatch and 84kg and 88kg in the clean and jerk. Her 155kg total secured a fourth-place finish and a qualifying mark for University Nationals this spring.

Peyton Hensley (Junior, Murrieta, CA)

Competing for the first time in her weightlifting career, Hensley went 6-for-6 and hit every attempt for PR's all around. She cleared 40kg, 43kg, and 45kg in the snatch, followed by 50kg, 53kg, and 55kg in the clean and jerk to total 100kg, earning a top-10 finish in her debut performance.

 

Up Next

Menlo Weightlifting returns to competition on Sunday, December 14th, at Iron Warehouse in Hayward, CA, for the Hassle Free Winter Breaker. With momentum building from Sacramento, the Oaks look to peak just in time for their winter season showcase.