SALT LAKE CITY, UT – For the first time in program history, Menlo Weightlifting qualified 13 athletes to compete at the 2026 USA Weightlifting University 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 "Peanut" Ambrosio, Breanna Zide, Kira Barad, and Fonz Ortega were joined by national debutants Osvaldo Garcia Mendoza, 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 One

Jade Morales: 173kg total (5/6) - All-American

Freshman Jade Morales delivered a standout performance on day one, earning a 2nd place finish in the 73kg session and securing All-American honors with a 173kg total (5/6). Among the youngest competitors in her group, Morales opened strong in the snatch with 70kg, one of the heaviest openers in the session, and successfully followed with a 73kg second attempt. She narrowly missed a personal record attempt at 75kg due to a technical press-out, finishing the snatch portion in second place.

In the clean and jerk, Morales continued to impress. After making her opener at 94kg, she strategically increased her attempts to 97kg and then to a personal-best 100kg. The lift secured her second place finishes in both the clean and jerk and total categories. Morales' performance capped an exceptional freshman season and positioned her as a rising force in collegiate weightlifting.

 

James Woodley: 247kg total (5/6) - 4th place

Senior James Woodley delivered a memorable final performance as an Oak, finishing with a 247kg total (5/6) in one of the most competitive sessions of the event. Opening his snatch at 104kg, Woodley powered through early attempts before narrowly missing 107kg. He rebounded with an exciting 108kg lift on his final attempt, celebrating with a crowd-energizing backflip.

In the clean and jerk, Woodley opened at 129kg and successfully advanced to 134kg. For his final collegiate lift, he called for 139kg. After securing the clean, Woodley showed tremendous perseverance in the jerk, stabilizing the bar just in time for a good lift. The effort earned him a 4th place finish overall in his session, marking a fitting and inspiring conclusion to his collegiate career.

 

Osvaldo Garcia Mendoza: 197kg total (3/6) - 14th place

Osvaldo Garcia made his national debut with determination, finishing with a 197kg total (3/6) and placing 14th overall. He opened the snatch at 87kg and, despite missing two attempts at 90kg, demonstrated composure in his first national appearance.

Garcia rebounded strongly in the clean and jerk, successfully completing lifts at 106kg and 110kg. He pushed for a personal and competition record at 116kg in his final attempt, making the clean but narrowly missing the jerk. His performance highlighted both resilience and potential, capping an exciting season filled with growth and key milestones.

 

Up Next…

Menlo Weightlifting's record-setting presence at University Nationals signals a program on the rise. With a blend of experienced returners and promising newcomers, the Oaks continue to establish themselves as a powerhouse in collegiate weightlifting. USA Weightlifting University Nationals continues on Friday, April 10th with Oak sessions starting as early as 7am PST and as late as 5pm PST!