ATHERTON, CA – A new era of Menlo Men's Wrestling is set to begin as the Oaks prepare for the 2026-27 season, their first as full NCAA Division II members and third competing as part of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). With a new voice leading the program, a talented mix of championship-proven veterans and exciting newcomers, and a schedule packed with high-level competition, Menlo is ready to make its mark on the NCAA Division II landscape.

Head Coach Zeke Andrade, alongside Assistant Coach Jaden Abas, takes the reins in his first season at the helm following the retirement of legendary head coach Joey Martinez, who spent 16 seasons building the foundation of Menlo Wrestling. Martinez remains with the program in a new role as Director of Operations. As the Oaks embrace this next chapter, they will look to build upon their championship tradition while taking on the challenges and opportunities of full NCAA Division II membership.

 

Championship Experience Returns

Leading the way for the Oaks is sophomore Tyger Taam, who returns at 141 pounds following a remarkable 24-1 freshman campaign. The Honolulu, Hawaii native captured the Menlo Open and MPSF Conference Championship titles, earning First Team All-MPSF honors while helping Menlo secure its second consecutive conference team championship. Taam also claimed the NCWA West Coast Conference and National Championship titles at 149 pounds, earning All-American honors and helping the Oaks capture their second straight NCWA National Championship team title. He will represent Menlo this weekend at the Collide All-Stars Showcase.

Senior Atridad Feizi returns at 133 pounds after posting a 13-9 record last season. The Pleasanton, California native earned a third-place finish at the MPSF Championships and Third Team All-MPSF recognition, along with a runner-up finish at the ERAU Mile High Open. Senior transfer Javier Martinez also returns to the lineup after a decorated season, earning First Team All-MPSF honors and capturing both the NCWA California State and National Championships in 2026. An NCWA All-American and West Coast Conference Champion, Martinez will join Taam at the Collide All-Stars Showcase in Des Moines, Iowa.

 

New Faces, New Opportunities

The Oaks welcome an exciting group of newcomers ready to make an impact in their first season of NCAA Division II competition. Freshman Evan Ivaldi, a former U.S. Marine from Newcastle, California, joins the program at 174 pounds. Menlo also adds a talented quartet of former NCWA standouts in David Arroyo, Daniel Arellano, Giancarlo Plaza, and Matthew Porras-Diamond. All four arrive with NCWA National Championship qualifying experience, with All-American honors and national placements among the group.

At 184 pounds, junior transfer Luke Harrison joins the Oaks from Sacramento City College. The Reno, Nevada native has already secured a spot in the starting lineup for Menlo's home-opening dual against Hope International. With championship experience returning throughout the roster and several newcomers ready to contribute, the Oaks enter the season with an exciting blend of depth and talent.

 

The Road Ahead: A Schedule Built for the Big Stage

Menlo opens the season at home Friday, November 6, welcoming Hope International to Haynes-Prim Pavilion for a 7 pm dual. The opening weekend continues Saturday with the Menlo Open, featuring NCAA Division I, Division II, and top NAIA competition. Taam and Martinez will also take the national stage that weekend at the Collide All-Stars Showcase in Des Moines, Iowa. The Oaks then travel to the Roadrunner Open on November 22 before competing at the Vanguard Duals on December 5 and the prestigious Midwest Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 19-20.

The new year brings the Vanguard Open on January 16, followed by a home dual against Cal Poly Humboldt on January 22. Menlo will then compete at the MPSF Championship Tournament, hosted by San Francisco State on January 30. February features a road dual against Sacramento State on February 5, the Oaks Open on February 6, and Senior Night against San Francisco State on February 13 at 6 pm at Haynes-Prim Pavilion.

The postseason journey begins with the NCAA Super Regional on February 27, followed by the NCAA Division II National Championships on March 12. For the first time as full NCAA Division II members, the Oaks will compete with a national championship opportunity on the line. With a championship pedigree, a new coaching leadership team, and a roster ready for the challenge, Menlo Wrestling is poised to make its first season in the NCAA era one to remember.