SHREVEPORT, LA – Head Coach Joey Martinez was able to make history by capturing the first ever team title in program history at the NCWA National Championship. The Oaks claimed the title in dominant fashion with 214.5 team points, while also securing 10 All-American honors and three national champions to cap off a remarkable season.
 
This championship marks a milestone moment for the Menlo wrestling program, with depth across the lineup and standout performances at every weight, the Oaks left no doubt that they were the team to beat at the tournament.
 
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
125lbs – Elijah Valencia
A stellar start to his collegiate career, Valencia has proven himself to become one of the best wrestlers in the nation to come across. Valencia earned 3 technical falls and 1 pin to get secure his spot in the semifinals and All-American honors. The freshman then showcased clutch performances in the semis and finals by edging out both opponents to get on the very top of the podium and securing the 125 pound title.
 
149lbs – Noah Elliott
Another freshman champion, Elliott wrestled like a four-year veteran over the three-day tournament. Elliot earned 3 major decision victories up to his final bout. The star freshman then edged out his opponent by earning one takedown, securing the national title 4-1.
 
174lbs – Ledger Petracek 
Ledger Petracek was able to earn the 174-pound title in absolute dominant fashion. Ledger earned bonus point victories in every match leading up to the finals. Petracek then showcased even more slick dominance by earning gold with a 8-1 victory to earn national champ status.
 
ALL-AMERICAN PLACEMENTS
133lbs – Jeramiah Steele (4^th Place)
The sophomore was able to earn 4^th place, showcasing a well-round performance in the tournament. Steele was able to make the quarterfinals before falling in the round. However, Steele earned 3 victories to get into the third-place bout, then claimed 4^th at 133 pounds.
 
141lbs – Ivan Acosta (4^th Place)
Another start freshman in the lineup, Acosta proved valuable to the Oak's lineup. Earning his way to the quarterfinals, Acosta dropped a high scoring bout while trying to get into the semis. The freshman then turned up his offense by earning 2 pins and a major decision victory to get himself into the third-place bout, earning 4^th.
 
157lbs – Ezekiel Lara (4^th Place)
In his second season in the Oak's lineup, the junior performed astoundingly in the tournament to claim a 4^th place finish, earning 2 pins and 2 decision wins to get into the semifinals to secure All-American honors. After falling in the semis, the veteran bounced on the backside of the bracket to end an incredible season.
 
165lbs – Seth Borba (8^th Place)
Known for being one of the more terrifying wrestlers to come across in the lineup, Borba ended his amazing Menlo career with All-American honors, and on the podium. Borba earned 2 bonus point victories to get into the quarterfinals. After falling short of getting into the semis, the senior's final match ended with a pin to secure 8^th place.
 
184lbs – Maximus Zamora (2^nd Place)
The final senior in the lineup, Max has demonstrated what it is to become a vital piece of the Menlo wrestling program. An NAIA All-American, Zamora's experience on the big stage has shine again at the NCWA Championship. Zamora earned 3 pins, and a tech fall in the semis to no make himself a 2x All-American. Zamora then claimed 2^nd place to end his stellar career as one of the best Oak wrestlers to hit the mat.
 
197lbs – Diego Morales (2^nd Place)
Already full of star-studded freshmen, Diego Morales is another haunting freshman that was key to the Oak's championship run. Morales' ecstatic performance in the tournament allowed himself to cruise all the way to the finals, earning 2 pins on his way. Morales then ended his first season with the Oaks earning 2^nd place at 197 pounds.
 
285lbs – Cole Steketee (5^th Place)
The final wrestler in the lineup, Steketee earned a 5^th place finish to end his second season with Menlo. Earning a fall in his first bout, Steketee fell in the round of 16 but demonstrated true grit, resilience, and determination to get himself on the podium and earn All-American honors. The sophomore from Salem, OR would go a run on the backside of the bracket with three pins and 2 decision victories to place himself 5^th in the bracket and end the season.
 
The Oaks' team championship was fueled by a relentless drive, technical mastery, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With a dominant 214.5 team point performance, Menlo separated itself from the competition and etched its name in history.