TUCSON, Ariz. – The Menlo College Taekwondo program continues its impressive first year as Nicholas Carlo and Abd Alsalam "Sam" Aloubeady each earned podium finishes at the USA Taekwondo American Open – West, highlighted by Carlo capturing a gold medal and Aloubeady claiming silver.

BRACKETS

Competing as the tournament's No. 1 seed in the men's +87 kg division, Carlo lived up to his top billing with a dominant run to the title. He opened the tournament by defeating fourth-seeded Bobby Darvish of Villa's Taekwondo in straight rounds, earning a 2-0 point final (PTF) victory. Carlo followed with another commanding performance in the championship match, defeating third-seeded Kai Goldblatt 2-0 PTF to secure the gold medal.
 

Aloubeady turned in one of the tournament's most impressive performances, entering the bracket unseeded before knocking off several of the division's top competitors. He began his run with a convincing 3-0 PTF victory over No. 8 seed Angelo Garza before upsetting top-seeded Rodrigo Negrete in the quarterfinals, winning a tightly contested 2-1 PTF match.
 

The momentum continued into the semifinals, where Aloubeady earned another victory to advance to the championship bout. Facing Kenneth Kwon in the finals, Aloubeady battled through three competitive rounds before falling 2-1 PTF to finish as the tournament's silver medalist.
 

The pair's performances add another successful chapter for the Oaks on the national stage. Carlo continued his dominance in the heavyweight division with another international-caliber title, while Aloubeady's remarkable run through the bracket demonstrated his ability to compete with some of the nation's top-ranked athletes.