SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Menlo College Weightlifting capped off a historic weekend at the 2026 USA Weightlifting University National Championships on Sunday, as three Oaks took the platform on the final day of competition. With standout performances, personal records, and two All-American honors across the weekend, the team now returns to the Bay Area with well-earned hardware and a milestone achievement in program history. Sunday's action featured Breanna Zide and Sydney Uyeda starting the day, while Kira Barad closed out the competition in exciting fashion. 

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.

 

Day four

Kira Barad - 162kg total (5/6)

Kira Barad delivered a powerful performance in the University Women's 86+kg session, totaling 162kg (5/6) and earning a 2nd place finish across all categories: snatch, clean and jerk, and total. She opened the snatch at 66kg with confidence before battling back from a missed 69kg attempt to successfully complete it on her final lift. In the clean and jerk, Barad showed exceptional consistency, making 84kg and 88kg before finishing strong with a 93kg lift. Her final attempt secured a personal record total and brought energy to the crowd, closing out Menlo's weekend on a high note. 

 

Sydney Uyeda - 162kg total (5/6)

Sydney Uyeda delivered an impressive senior sendoff in the University Women's 86kg session, finishing with a 162kg total (5/6) and placing 4th overall. She opened her day with a perfect 3-for-3 snatch series, successfully lifting 68kg, 71kg, and 74kg with confidence and control. In the clean and jerk, Uyeda continued her strong showing with successful lifts at 83kg and a personal record 85kg to close out her final competition as an Oak. From walk-on to two-time national qualifier, her journey reflects dedication and growth, ending her collegiate career on a high note.

 

Breanna Zide

Breanna Zide competed in the University Women's 77kg session and opened her day with a solid 62kg snatch. After completing two snatch attempts, she made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition due to injury. Despite the setback, Zide's perseverance throughout her sophomore season remains evident. Her determination and resilience continue to define her journey, and the program looks forward to her return to the platform.

 

2025-26 Season Complete

Menlo Weightlifting's performance at the 2026 University Nationals marks a defining moment in program history. With two All-Americans in Jade Morales and Ryan Padron, numerous personal records, and contributions from all 13 qualifiers, the Oaks have firmly established themselves among the nation's top collegiate programs. As they return home with hardware and momentum, the future of Menlo Weightlifting has never looked brighter.