Menlo College Names TJ Curry as Inaugural Director of Taekwondo Posted on April 4, 2025April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick By: Ally Salzwedel Atherton, CA – April 4, 2025: Menlo College Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of world-renowned taekwondo athlete and coach TJ Curry as the program’s first Director and Head Coach for Taekwondo. A decorated competitor and experienced international coach, Curry brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the Oaks as they launch this historic new program. A World-Class Leader to Build a Historic Program “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome TJ to the Menlo Athletics family,” said Tim Ghormley, Assistant Athletic Director for Non-NCAA Sports. “His elite experience as both an athlete and a coach makes him the perfect leader to establish and build our Taekwondo program. We are confident that under his guidance, Menlo College will become a premier destination for taekwondo athletes looking to compete at the highest levels.” A Legacy of Excellence: Curry’s Competitive & Coaching Achievements Curry’s career as an elite taekwondo competitor spans over a decade, earning him national and international recognition. His achievements include: 2012 Olympic Alternate Multiple appearances on the U.S. National Team Gold Medalist at the U.S. Open, President’s Cup, National Championships, and more! World Cup & Pan American Games team member As a coach, Curry has been instrumental in developing top-tier athletes through his leadership at Precision Taekwondo and as a member of the USA Taekwondo coaching staff. His coaching accomplishments include: Developing multiple national champions and national team members Leading U.S. athletes in major international tournaments, including the World Championships Coaching Olympic-bound athletes through high-performance training camps With Curry at the helm, Menlo College is poised to become a powerhouse in collegiate taekwondo, fostering a program built on skill development, mental toughness, and a winning culture. For more information on Menlo College Athletics and the new Taekwondo program, click HERE. Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College to Launch New Developmental Women’s Wrestling Program Posted on January 10, 2025April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College to Launch New Developmental Women’s Wrestling Program Atherton, CA – January, 2025: Menlo College is thrilled to announce the launch of a developmental Women’s Wrestling Program. This program not only expands opportunities for female student-athletes but also enriches the college’s sports culture and contributes to the growth of women’s wrestling in the community. It will provide aspiring wrestlers with top-tier training, competitive opportunities, and academic support, paving the way for success in the sport while earning a world-class education at Menlo College. Wrestling has become one of the fastest-growing high school sports for girls in the United States. According to USA Wrestling, over 30,000 female wrestlers are participating at the high school level nationwide, a dramatic increase from just a decade ago. Despite this growth, opportunities at the collegiate level remain limited, leaving many talented athletes needing pathways to continue their careers. “At Menlo, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their competitive careers while pursuing an excellent education,” said Keith Spataro, Vice President for Athletics at Menlo College. “The introduction of a developmental women’s wrestling program bridges the gap for female wrestlers, offering them the resources and support they need to succeed at the next level. We established men’s wrestling as a developmental sport two years ago, and the resounding success of that program has set a strong precedent for this new initiative.” “We’ve seen the immense impact a well-structured developmental program can have,” Spataro added. “Our program will empower female athletes, enhance their competitive edge, and contribute to the long-term stability of the sport in California and beyond. Menlo College, with its unique position, is ready to meet the needs of these student-athletes. By providing a developmental program, we’re not just strengthening women athletes but also playing a significant role in the growth and future of women’s wrestling. Menlo’s new women’s program will compete for national titles alongside our men’s program in the NCWA, and we look forward to the continued success and growth of the sport.” To learn more, please visit: www.menloathletics.com. Contact: Tim GhormleyAssistant Director of Athletics for Club Sports, Intramural and Recreation tim.ghormley@menlo.edu Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College and Menlo Athletics Founded in 1927, Menlo College is a private, nonprofit institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Guided by its mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy,” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, along with master’s programs in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Athletics features prominently at Menlo, with more than 50% of students participating as varsity athletes, and yet more students engaged in athletics through club, intramural, and recreation sports. In 2024, Menlo College proudly joined the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference, while select sports, including wrestling and men’s volleyball, will compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Menlo College Adds Ultimate as New Sport for Men and Women Posted on January 10, 2025March 7, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – January, 2025: Menlo College is excited to announce the addition of Ultimate as a sport for both men and women. This move expands the College’s athletic offerings and continues its commitment to providing diverse student-athlete opportunities. This new initiative reflects Menlo’s forward-thinking approach to collegiate athletics, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and athleticism in a sport gaining tremendous popularity. Ultimate has seen remarkable growth in the United States, with over 6.5 million participants nationwide, earning its place as one of the fastest-growing team sports in high schools and colleges. By introducing Ultimate, Menlo College is creating exciting new opportunities for students to engage in a sport that prioritizes strategy, sportsmanship, and athleticism, perfectly aligning with the College’s core values. “Ultimate is a sport that embodies teamwork, fair play, and discipline, values at the heart of Menlo College,” said Keith Spataro, Vice President for Athletics. “By introducing Ultimate for men and women, we offer students a chance to participate in a rapidly growing sport with a strong community ethos. This new initiative adds to our commitment to providing a dynamic, well-rounded student experience where academic and athletic success go hand in hand.” The introduction of Ultimate at Menlo also opens the door for regional competition against top-tier schools that sponsor the sport, such as UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Stanford University. Ultimate’s global popularity further supports Menlo’s decision to add the sport. Played by millions worldwide, the International Olympic Committee recognizes it as a sport with a strong international presence. This global appeal provides a compelling opportunity for athletes worldwide to join a team that values inclusivity, excellence, and cultural exchange. “The growth of Ultimate at the collegiate level reflects the increasing demand for dynamic, inclusive team sports,” said Spataro. “As Menlo College continues to enhance its role as a global destination for higher education, adding Ultimate for both men and women presents an exciting opportunity for students to engage in an internationally recognized sport while developing valuable skills that transcend the playing field.” Menlo College’s Ultimate program will begin in the 2025-2026 academic year, and recruitment efforts are already underway. Interested student-athletes are encouraged to contact the College’s Assistant Director of Athletics for Club Sports, Intramural, and Recreation for more details on recruitment, scholarships, and program structure. The College offers a range of scholarships for talented athletes and is committed to supporting students who are passionate about Ultimate and dedicated to their academic and athletic success. To learn more, please visit: www.menloathletics.com. Contact: Tim Ghormley Assistant Director of Athletics for Club Sports, Intramural and Recreation tim.ghormley@menlo.edu Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College and Menlo Athletics Founded in 1927, Menlo College is a private, nonprofit institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Guided by its mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy,” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, along with master’s programs in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Athletics features prominently at Menlo, with more than 50% of students participating as varsity athletes, and yet more students engaged in athletics through club, intramural, and recreation sports. In 2024, Menlo College proudly joined the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference, while select sports, including wrestling and men’s volleyball, will compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Menlo College Announces Addition of Taekwondo as a New Sport Posted on January 7, 2025April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – January, 2025: Menlo College is proud to introduce Men’s and Women’s Taekwondo to its athletics program. The sport provides students with a unique chance to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most esteemed martial arts, and it aligns with Menlo’s commitment to broadening its student-athlete offerings. According to USA Taekwondo, the sport is one of the most popular martial arts in the United States, with over 3.8 million people practicing it nationwide, including over 100,000 high school athletes. By embracing this growing sport, Menlo College positions itself as a forward-thinking institution offering new avenues for student-athletes to excel academically and athletically. “As a college that values academic and athletic excellence, Menlo College is excited to introduce the sport of Taekwondo,” said Keith Spataro, Vice President for Athletics at Menlo College. “The discipline, perseverance, and respect inherent in Taekwondo align perfectly with our core values and our current athletic programs. We are confident this sport will bring a new and exciting dimension to Menlo athletics.” The Taekwondo program will provide Menlo student-athletes with opportunities to compete in regional tournaments across the Western United States, including conference and non-conference events. These competitions will help student-athletes hone their skills and gain valuable experience in a competitive collegiate environment. Through the National Collegiate Taekwondo Association, Menlo athletes will also have the chance to compete against premier programs that also offer the sport, including those at MIT, UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, the University of Washington, and the University of Texas. Taekwondo’s international reach is another compelling reason for its inclusion in Menlo’s athletics roster. As an Olympic sport practiced in over 200 countries, Taekwondo attracts millions of participants worldwide. Its global appeal aligns with Menlo College’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, drawing students from around the world and enriching their college experience. “Taekwondo is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life that promotes mental and physical strength, respect, and global citizenship,” added Spataro. “As Menlo continues to strengthen its position as a forward-thinking, inclusive institution, we are excited to offer this unique opportunity to our student-athletes and to add another avenue for students from around the world to pursue their academic and athletic dreams.” Menlo College’s Taekwondo program will begin in the 2025-2026 academic year. Interested student-athletes are encouraged to contact the college’s Assistant Director of Athletics for Club Sports, Intramural and Recreation for more details on recruitment, scholarships, and program structure. To learn more, please visit: www.menloathletics.com. Contact: Tim Ghormley Assistant Director of Athletics for Club Sports, Intramural and Recreation tim.ghormley@menlo.edu Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College and Menlo Athletics Founded in 1927, Menlo College is a private, nonprofit institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Guided by its mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy,” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, along with master’s programs in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Athletics features prominently at Menlo, with more than 50% of students participating as varsity athletes, and yet more students engaged in athletics through club, intramural, and recreation sports. In 2024, Menlo College proudly joined the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference, while select sports, including wrestling and men’s volleyball, will compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Menlo Athletics Donates Over 550 Toys to Good Tidings Foundation Posted on December 11, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo Athletics Department Donates Over 550 Toys to Good Tidings Foundation’s Winter Wonderland Program By: Ally Salzwedel, Menlo Athletics Department Atherton, California, December, 2024 – Despite a busy month filled with sports seasons and final exams, Menlo College student-athletes, coaches, and staff dedicated time to embrace the holiday spirit by giving back to their community. Continuing an annual tradition, Menlo Athletics partnered with the Good Tidings Foundation to support their Winter Wonderland program, an initiative focused on providing gifts to children in underserved communities all across the Bay Area. The Winter Wonderland program, which began five years ago, collects toys through local drives to benefit non-profit partners, schools, and communities in need. Menlo Athletics has been a proud supporter of this initiative, and this year’s contributions exemplify their commitment to making a difference. In 2023, Menlo donated about 500 toys to the program. This year, the Oaks surpassed that benchmark by donating close to an impressive 550 toys, contributing to the overall success of the Winter Wonderland effort. Last Holiday season, the program served over 1,955 children and distributed 5,800 toys, bringing joy to countless families. “Life in athletics is demanding,” said Athletic Director Keith Spataro. “Training, recruiting, traveling, academics, and competition require undivided attention. Yet, our athletes, coaches, and staff prioritize giving back to the community, especially during this season of giving. We are proud to bring smiles to local children and spread holiday cheer.” Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, and masters degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems.
Olympian Oak Gulomjon Abdullaev Claims Bronze Medal at 2024 Paris Olympics Posted on August 9, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick By: Ally Salzwedel, Director of Sports Marketing and Communications PARIS, FRANCE – In a thrilling conclusion to his Olympic journey, Uzbekistan’s Gulomjon Abdullaev has secured a Bronze medal in Wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday. Abdullaev showcased his remarkable skills and resilience, defeating Bekzat Almaz Uulu from Kyrgyzstan with a score of 4-1 in the Bronze medal match. Gulomjon’s path to the podium was marked by impressive victories, beginning with a commanding performance in the Round of 16, where he faced Aliabbas Rzazade of Azerbaijan. Abdullaev set the tone for the rest of his Olympic campaign as he outscored his opponent 11-4. In the quarterfinals, Abdullaev faced off against Arsen Harutyunyan of Armenia. Displaying a dominant performance, he controlled the match and earned his spot in the semifinals. However, the road to Gold was interrupted in the semifinals when Abdullaev faced off against Spence Lee of the United States. Despite a fierce battle, Abdullaev fell by technical fall, sending him to the Bronze medal match. In the pivotal Bronze match against Almaz Uulu, Abdullaev’s experience and determination shone through. He executed a well-crafted game plan which resulted in a 4-1 decision victory to officially title himself a Bronze medal Olympian. Menlo College’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Keith Spataro, and Head Coach Joey Martinez, are elated by the news of Gulomjon. Martinez mentions, “We are incredibly proud of Gulomjon Abullaev for his remarkable achievement in bringing home the Bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. His dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship exemplify the spirit of our program and inspire us all at Menlo College. This victory is a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support of our coaching staff and community” Before making his Menlo debut in 2022, Abdullaev built an impressive resume, including a remarkable 7th place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for his resilience and competitive spirit, he also achieved 7th place at the World Championships on two separate occasions, proving his ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Gulom would go on to secure his status of National Champion by winning the NAIA National Championship Title with an undefeated record, further cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling community. Gulomjon Abdullaev’s remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics not only highlights his dedication and hard work but also elevates the profile of Uzbek wrestling on the international stage. As the Olympics come to a close, Abdullaev’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire future Oak athletes. To Read More from Menlo Athletics: Click Here Contact Information Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Athletics plays a prominent role at Menlo College, with over 50% of students participating as varsity athletes, and many more engaged in club, intramural, and recreational sports. As a member of the NCAA DII PacWest Conference, the Department of Athletics complements the Menlo College experience by developing future leaders through its intercollegiate athletics program.
Menlo College Joins Niche Direct Admissions Program for 2024 Posted on January 5, 2024January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is excited to announce a partnership with Niche and its Direct Admissions program as an innovative way to provide real-time acceptance and scholarship offers to students. Based on the information in their Niche Profile, high school seniors who meet the criteria for enrolling at Menlo College will immediately be notified that Menlo College wants them to join its incoming class. “Partnering with Niche is a game-changer for us,” says Keith Spataro, Menlo College’s VP of Enrollment and Athletics. “This initiative resonates with our commitment to streamline admissions and connect with exceptional students. It marks an exciting step towards further expanding our reach, allowing students to discover the unique opportunities Menlo College provides from the outset. It’s about making higher education accessible and tailored to individual aspirations from the start.” Direct admissions programs are rapidly expanding across the country and increasing in popularity as more forward-thinking colleges like Menlo College look to provide students and families with a simplified process and to encourage more high school students to pursue higher education. Every year, one in two college-bound seniors creates a profile on Niche, and over 50 million people annually rely on Niche to research and choose their best-fit college. Through their personalized Niche dashboard, Niche users who meet predetermined criteria can instantly see that they’ve been accepted into Menlo College, along with detailed information about the institution and the option to initiate the enrollment process. “Niche is changing how colleges connect with students and build their future classes,” says Luke Skurman, Founder and CEO of Niche. “By leveraging Niche Direct Admissions, admissions teams are equipped with an efficient, user-friendly way to meet students where they are, providing a modern experience that drives meaningful, measurable results.” For students interested in learning more about Niche Direct Admissions, visit: niche.com/about/direct-admissions/. Apply to Menlo! Envision your future at Menlo College and read more: Choose your major at Menlo College! Student Success at Menlo College All of Menlo College’s Rankings and Reviews About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and masters degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution. About Niche Niche is changing how colleges connect with students and build their future classes. As the trusted partner to hundreds of colleges, Niche is helping higher education institutions across the country streamline operations, forge genuine connections with students and achieve their enrollment targets. Our nationally recognized Niche Direct Admissions program enables colleges to proactively accept qualified students based on their Niche Profile alone. Through real-time acceptance and scholarship opportunities, Niche Direct Admissions offers a modern experience for today’s students, resulting in more enrollments for college admissions teams. Learn more about how nearly 100 institutions are already leveraging Niche Direct Admissions.
Menlo College Earns NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for 2022-23 Posted on August 21, 2023January 27, 2025 by Tess Rewick By: Drew Barton & Ally Salzwedel As they do every year at this time, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) just announced the 2022-23 schools that earned their Champions of Character designation. For the 15th consecutive year, Menlo College was awarded the Champions of Character Five-Star Award. NAIA’s Champions of Character program is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide practical tools for student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators to use in modeling exemplary character traits. The program has established five core values that stretch well beyond the playing field to include: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. These character values help young people – and those associated with their development – make good choices in all aspects of their life and reflect the true spirit of competition. In response to this announcement, Menlo College President Steven Weiner said that “Menlo College is proud of our sustained commitment to the core values that are promoted through NAIA’s Champions of Character program. To be able to earn this recognition for 15 straight years speaks to the quality of the leadership provided by the Menlo Athletics team, and the qualities they look for when recruiting student-athletes to our program.” Menlo Athletics is coming off one of its most successful seasons in school history. Six teams would qualify for national tournaments, 19 athletes were named All-Americans and two athletes were named national champions. The department also produced the most wins ever with 149 and also saw a record 75 athletes named to conference All-Academic teams. Receiving the NAIA’s Champions of Character Five-Star distinction is just another outstanding benchmark on a great 2022-2023 athletics season. When asked what this accomplishment means for the department Vice President & Director of Athletics Keith Spataro said: “I am thankful for all our coaches, staff and student-athletes do to be recognized for the distinction. It truly has become who we are and speaks volumes about the type of character our coaches and students-athletes represent.” After such a successful year, the staff, players and fans of Menlo Athletics should be looking forward to another great season of athletics! Read more from Menlo Athletics by clicking here. About Menlo CollegeMenlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, undergraduate and graduate, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California, designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), a dual designation achieved by only 1% of all colleges and universities. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the College to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
Menlo College Menʻs Wrestling Earns Cascade Collegiate Conference Title Posted on February 21, 2023January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura Menlo College Men’s Wrestling claimed the Cascade Collegiate Conference title for the third time in five years on Saturday, February 18, 2023! In 2020, Menlo College Men’s Wrestling won the Cascade Collegiate Conference title by a 10-point margin. This year, the Oaks won with 153.0 points, beating the next best team, Southern Oregon (108.5 points), by 45 points. Menlo placed 11 wrestlers, with two champions, three second-place wrestlers, three third-place wrestlers, and many more qualifying for Nationals. Other Accolades: Coach of the Year: Joey Martinez in his 14th year as head coachMost Outstanding Wrestler: Gulomjon Abdullaev, 133 125 – Riley Siason – 3rd place Senior Riley Siason had to battle back on Day 2 to place third at 125. He went 5-1 on the tournament and defeated Matthew Terrenced (Vanguard) by decision (11-4) to book his ticket to Nationals. 125 – Cristian Vasquez – 6th place Vasquez went 1-3 on the weekend with a first-round bye. In the quarterfinals, Cristian pinned James Maheras (Arizona Christian) in the second period with only 15 seconds left. Vasquez is being patient on his potential run at Nationals as Menlo waits for wild card spots to drop this week. 133 – Gulomjon Abdullaev – Champion The Olympian Gulomjon Abdullaev went 4-0 on the weekend en route to winning the 133-pound title. In the semifinals match, Abdullaev won by tech fall (16-0) against Braden Carson (Eastern Oregon) to make it to the championship match. Gulomjon also earned the title of Most Outstanding Wrestler, which is voted by head coaches of the tournament, and will be heading to Nationals. 133 – Jovan Garcia – 2nd place Junior Jovan Garcia also earned his spot at Nationals after going 3-1 on the weekend. It will be his first appearance at Nationals as an Oak. 149 – Christopher Gaxiola – 4th place Chris went 3-2 to secure his fourth-place spot at 149. In the consolation semifinals, he faced off against Vanguard’s Bryant Avila and won by tech fall (19-4). Gaxiola now awaits his potential wild card bid for Nationals. 157 – Abraham Del Toro – Champion Senior Abraham Del Toro earned the 157-pound title this weekend by going 4-0. In the championship match, he faced off against University of Providence’s Aden Graves. It was 1-1 most of the match and went into sudden victory, but Del Toro was able to get the take down to win the championship. Del Toro will be returning to Nationals for the Oaks. 165 – Rysan Leong – 3rd place Rysan went 3-1 on the weekend to place third and earn his spot on the Nationals roster. In the consolation semifinals, he defeated Montana Northern’s Devin Crawford by decision (5-4). 174 – Maximus Zamora – 4th place Zamora joined the Nationals crew by placing fourth at 174, going 3-2 on the weekend. Max also had to battle back after going 0-1 with a bye on Day 1. 184 – Isaiah Morales – 3rd place Isaiah took third place as a freshman to make his first appearance at Nationals as an Oak. He went 4-1 on the weekend, winning in sudden victory in the consolation finals against Arizona Christian’s Kaden Martin after getting a takedown to win 5-3. 197 – Afton Silvis – 2nd place Senior Afton Silvis earned second place at 197 after going 3-1 on the weekend. 285 – Antonio Dacosta – 2nd place Antonio was the final Oak to punch his ticket to Nationals after going 2-1 on the weekend and placing second. Up Next…. Without factoring in wild card spots, nine wrestlers qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in Park City, Kansas on March 3-4, 2023. Read more from Menlo Athletics by clicking here.
Menlo College Exploring NCAA Division II Membership Posted on November 1, 2022 by Chieri Abe ATHERTON, Calif. – Menlo College has begun the process of applying for membership to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II, as announced by Vice President for Athletics Keith Spataro. Citing the need for more regionally-aligned scheduling partners in Northern California, Menlo College leadership recently engaged a consulting firm to perform a feasibility study, and has already completed a variety of internal assessments. The Oaks are exploring membership in the PacWest conference, which currently consists of 11 members, including four in Northern California, four in Southern California, and three in Hawaii. “Our top priority in all this is the health and welfare of our student-athletes,” noted Spataro. “The senior leadership looked at the ever-changing landscape both within our current conference and college athletics as a whole. With this review it became clear that we needed to strategically align ourselves to more regional competition to decrease travel and missed class time, while also providing the best competitive environment for our entire community. We believe association with the NCAA and the PacWest checks all of those boxes.” Menlo College is a current member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and has competed in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) since 2015. The GSAC is currently a 10-member conference with six members in Southern California, two in the Bay Area and two in Arizona. “While the GSAC has been a great home for us, the travel, time, and financial demands of an Arizona and Southern California-based conference schedule contributed to our decision to explore a more regional opportunity at the NCAA Division II level,” said Spataro. In addition to a more regionally-aligned conference schedule, a move to NCAA Division II also improves Menlo’s out-of-conference scheduling opportunities, as the neighboring NCAA Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) boasts seven Northern California members, four of which are in the greater Bay Area. Currently, Menlo College and its NCAA transition team are preparing all supporting documents with the intention to submit an application to the PacWest Conference in early November. If accepted, the next stage will be to submit an application for NCAA membership by February 2023. Even if accepted by the NCAA, Menlo College would continue competition in the GSAC through the 2023-24 season before moving to the PacWest at the start of the 2024-25 season. For further inquiry, please click here to see the FAQs or please contact ncaa@menlo.edu. More exciting news: From Menlo Athletics: Menlo College Honored as an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star InstitutionHonoring Outstanding Oaks at 3,000+ In-Person OAKtoberFest 2022Students Move into New John Arrillaga Residence Hall at Menlo CollegeNot Your Average Rankings: Job Placement and Personal Growth Lead to Newest Top College Rankings” About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
