SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Day two of the 2026 USA Weightlifting University Nationals brought nonstop energy as six more Menlo Weightlifting athletes took the platform on Friday, delivering some of the most exciting performances of the weekend so far. Highlighted by All-American honors from Ryan Padron and 6-for-6 efforts from many including Fonz Ortega and Orion Rios, the Oaks continued to prove their strength, depth, and resilience on the national stage.

For the first time in program history, Menlo Weightlifting qualified 13 athletes to compete at Nationals, marking a major milestone for the Oaks. Competing on the national stage in Salt Lake City, returning standouts Jade Morales, James Woodley, Ryan Padron, Sydney Uyeda, Jeshua Ambrosio, Breanna Zide, Kira Barad, and Fonz Ortega were joined by national debutants Osvaldo Garcia, Tiphaine Marty, Logan Basilius, Billy McKinzey, and Orion Rios. Under the leadership of Head Coach Kevin Doherty and Associate Head Coach Jared Ambrosio, the team's months of preparation culminated in impressive performances and a strong display of team culture. Beyond competition, Oaks athletes also volunteered as weight loaders throughout the weekend, exemplifying dedication and servant leadership within the sport.

 

Ryan Padron - 271kg total - (6/6) All-American 2nd place

Ryan Padron delivered a career-defining performance in the Men's 108kg session, earning 2nd place and All-American status with a personal record 271kg total (6/6). Competing in his final collegiate appearance, Padron opened his snatch at 111kg before successfully hitting 114kg and finishing with a lifetime best of 117kg. In the clean and jerk, Padron made quick work of his 146kg opener and continued to build momentum with 151kg. For his final lift as an Oak, he called for 154kg and delivered, igniting the crowd and securing his place among the nation's best. His flawless 6-for-6 performance and PR total marked a perfect ending to an outstanding collegiate career.

 

Honorable Mention: Coach and Alumni Jared Ambrosio - 259kg total (5/6) 12th place

Associate Head Coach and Menlo alumnus Jared Ambrosio showcased remarkable dedication by stepping onto the platform while simultaneously coaching throughout the weekend. Competing in the Men's 100kg session, Ambrosio totaled 259kg (5/6) to claim 1st place in his session. He opened the snatch at 107kg and worked up to a strong 111kg finish after battling through an early miss. In the clean and jerk, Ambrosio executed lifts at 140kg, 145kg, and 148kg with precision, sealing the second to top spot. His performance highlighted not only his athletic ability but also his leadership and commitment to the program.

 

Fonz Ortega - 251kg total (6/6) 9th place

Fonz Ortega capped off his collegiate career with a flawless performance, going 6-for-6 and totaling 245kg to finish 9th in the Men's 100kg session. Competing in his senior sendoff, Ortega opened his day with a confident 103kg snatch and continued to build through 106kg and 109kg, securing a perfect snatch series. In the clean and jerk, Ortega maintained his momentum with successful lifts at 128kg and 132kg before closing out his final attempt at 134kg. Executing the lift with precision and composure, he secured his place in the clean plate club. His perfect day on the national stage served as a powerful and fitting conclusion to his time as an Oak.

 

Orion Rios - 221kg total - (6/6) 

Orion Rios made an immediate impact in his first appearance on the national stage, delivering a flawless 6-for-6 performance in the Men's 89kg session for a 221kg total. Competing in his debut at University Nationals, Rios showcased remarkable composure and confidence, opening his snatch at 92kg before successfully building through 95kg and 98kg to complete a perfect series. He carried that momentum into the clean and jerk, where he made 115kg with ease and continued to climb with strong lifts at 119kg and 123kg to cap off his day. As one of the few Oaks to go a perfect 6-for-6 on the national platform, Rios earned his place in the clean plate club, an achievement that highlights his discipline and execution under pressure. His breakout performance not only marked a major milestone in his young career, but also signals a bright future ahead as a rising contributor for Menlo Weightlifting.

 

Billy McKinzey - 187kg total - (4/6) 

Billy McKinzey represented Menlo in the Men's 88kg session in his first appearance at University Nationals, totaling 187kg (4/6) in his final season as an Oak. He opened his snatch at 77kg and, after a missed second attempt, rebounded to secure an 80kg finish, showing determination and composure on the national stage. In the clean and jerk, McKinzey successfully lifted 103kg and 107kg before pushing himself in a near personal record attempt at 111kg. Despite narrowly missing the lift, his effort reflected his competitive drive and resilience. Beyond weightlifting, McKinzey continues to balance a demanding role as a two-sport athlete, contributing to Menlo's NCBA Baseball team during their active season. His ability to compete at a high level in both sports highlights a rare level of discipline and athleticism.

 

Logan Basilius - 189kg total (5/6) 

Freshman Logan Basilius continued to impress in his first national appearance, totaling 189kg (5/6) in the Men's 79kg session. He opened strong in the snatch, going a perfect 3-for-3 with lifts at 78kg, 81kg, and 84kg, demonstrating confidence and consistency early in the competition. In the clean and jerk, Basilius made his opener at 100kg before facing adversity on his second attempt. Showing resilience, he returned for his final lift and successfully completed 105kg to secure his total. His performance highlighted both his composure and potential, marking a significant milestone in what is already a promising collegiate career.

 

Tiphaine Marty - 122kg total (5/6)

Tiphaine Marty delivered a determined and emotional performance in her final appearance as an Oak, totaling 122kg (4/6) in the Women's 63kg session. She opened her snatch at 52kg with a strong lift, rebounded from a missed second attempt, and successfully completed 55kg on her final attempt to close out the snatch portion. In the clean and jerk, Marty executed lifts at 64kg and 67kg with confidence before attempting a 71kg personal record in her final lift. Though just short of completion, her effort reflected the perseverance that defined her season. After spending the fall semester abroad in Japan with limited access to training facilities, Marty returned determined to finish strong, making her performance on the national stage a meaningful and inspiring sendoff.

 

Up Next…

Menlo Weightlifting continues to build momentum at University Nationals, combining record-setting participation with high-level performances. With multiple All-Americans, personal records, and unforgettable senior sendoffs, the Oaks are solidifying their place as one of the premier programs in collegiate weightlifting. Two more days remain in the Championship weekend with Oak appearances on Saturday, April 11th at 5pm PST and Sunday, April 12th starting at 7am PST.