HAYWARD, CA – Menlo College Weightlifting delivered an outstanding performance this Saturday at the Hayward CrossFit Lift Off in Hayward, California, sending 12 athletes to the platform and qualifying four additional lifters for the University National Championships this April. In Olympic weightlifting, each athlete is granted three attempts in the Snatch and three attempts in the Clean & Jerk to build their highest possible total. Menlo athletes rose to the occasion with personal bests, clutch lifts, and an impressive number of perfect scorecards.

 

Ryan Padron - 238kg total 

Ryan Padron delivered one of the meet's most commanding performances with a flawless 6-for-6 showing. He moved confidently through 99, 103, and 105 kg in the Snatch and followed with massive Clean & Jerks at 124, 129, and 133 kg. His 238 kg total was a standout result and capped a dominant day on the platform.

 

James Woodley - 225kg total

James Woodley closed out the competition in style with a perfect 6-for-6 performance. He steadily built through 90, 95, and 100 kg in the Snatch and capped his day with 117, 122, and 125 kg in the Clean & Jerk. His 225 kg total underscored his consistency and competitive poise.

 

Fonz Ortega - 215kg total

Alphonse Ortega put together a statement performance, going 6-for-6. He hit 88, 92, and 95 kg in the Snatch and powered through 110, 115, and 120 kg in the Clean & Jerk. His 215 kg total stood among the top marks for the team.

 

Jeshua "Peanut" Ambrosio - 210kg Total

Jeshua Ambrosio dominated his session with a perfect 6-for-6 performance. He moved smoothly through 83, 87, and 90 kg in the Snatch before powering up 110, 115, and 120 kg in the Clean & Jerk. His commanding 210 kg total marked one of the top performances of the meet for Menlo.

 

Orion Rios - 199kg total

Orion Rios went 5-for-6, making 80 and 84 kg in the Snatch before narrowly missing 88 kg. He rebounded strongly in the Clean & Jerk with three successful lifts at 105, 110, and 115 kg. His 199 kg total reflected his ability to regroup and finish strong.

 

Elijah Carrasco - 190kg total (Qualified for University Nationals)

Elijah Carrasco finished 5-for-6 and qualified for University Nationals. He opened strong in the Snatch with 83 and 87 kg before narrowly missing 90 kg. He rallied in the Clean & Jerk, successfully lifting 93, 98, and 103 kg. His 190 kg total demonstrated resilience and competitive grit.

 

Billy McKinzey - 190kg total (Qualified for University Nationals)

Senior and dual-sport athlete Billy McKinzey showed determination in a 4-for-6 day, qualifying for University Nationals. After missing his opening Snatch attempt at 80 kg, he came back to secure 80 kg before missing 83 kg. Needing a clean and jerk personal record, he found his rhythm in the Clean & Jerk, completing all three attempts at 100, 105, and 110 kg. His 190 kg total highlighted his perseverance and strength under pressure.

 

Osvaldo Garcia Mendoza - 187kg total 

Osvaldo Garcia Mendoza delivered a perfect 6-for-6 performance. He steadily climbed through 73, 77, and 80 kg in the Snatch and followed with 90, 94, and 97 kg in the Clean & Jerk. His consistent execution led to a 187 kg total.

 

Logan Basilius - 185kg total (Qualified for University Nationals)

Freshman Logan Basilius also went 6-for-6 and secured qualification to the University National Championships. He built momentum in the Snatch with lifts at 70, 75, and 80 kg, then carried that energy into the Clean & Jerk with 95, 100, and 105 kg. His 185 kg total sealed an impressive and decisive day.

 

Kira Barad - 153kg total

Kira Barad went a flawless 6-for-6 on the day, executing a steady progression in the Snatch at 60, 64, and 68 kg. She carried that momentum into the Clean & Jerk, confidently lifting 75, 80, and 85 kg. Her perfect series secured a 153 kg total and showcased her composure under pressure.

 

Sydney Uyeda - 153kg total

Sydney Uyeda matched Barad's flawless outing, going 6-for-6. She hit 60, 64, and 68 kg in the Snatch and mirrored those same Clean & Jerk numbers as Barad with 75, 80, and 85 kg. Her 153 kg total reflected consistency and competitive confidence throughout the day.

 

Tiphaine Marty - 122kg total (Qualified for University Nationals)

Senior Tiphaine Marty showed resilience and grit with a strong 5-for-6 performance and earned qualification to the University National Championships. After making 50 and 52 kg in the Snatch, she narrowly missed 55 kg. She rebounded in the Clean & Jerk with two excellent lifts and a personal record at 63, 67, and 70 kg, finishing with a 122 kg total and punching her ticket to nationals.

 

Up Next…

With four new qualifiers added this weekend, Menlo Weightlifting continues to build momentum heading into the University National Championships this April. They have one more competition on the 2026 schedule, the Menlo Weightlifting Senior Night, which will be hosted inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion on the campus of Menlo College on Saturday, March 28th, starting at 8am!