COLUMBIA, KY
This weekend, Menlo Men's Wrestling traveled to Columbia, Kentucky (population 4,845 and located midway between Louisville and Nashville) to participate in the NAIA Challenge Duals at Lindsey Wilson College. Menlo went 3-2 in their 5 duals, claiming victory over #12 University of the Cumberlands (21-19), #14 Lindsey Wilson College (26-9), and #11 Campbellsville University (26-16). Overall this year, the Oaks' dual record stands at 6-2.
In just his second match back from injury, Christopher Gaxiola took on 8th-ranked Nick Gates in the 157-pound slot between Menlo and the 5th-ranked Indiana Institute of Technology. Gaxiola didn't blink, with the junior defeating Gates 7-5. It was an excellent display by the Clovis, California native, and bodes well for the rest of his season.
Menlo achieved a solid 26-9 team victory over 14th-ranked Lindsey Wilson College. The first crucial victory came from Riley Siason, who defeated the 7th-ranked Conner Diamond in the 125 slot by a final score of 5-1. Then, Michael Torres achieved a pin over the 22nd-ranked Easton Lipsey in the 133-pound section of the bracket, which gave the Oaks significant momentum for the rest of the dual. The final nail in the Blue Raiders' coffin came when senior 165-pounder Rysan Leong defeated 25th-ranked William Hendricks by a final score of 8-7.
The Oaks wrapped up their day with a 26-16 victory over 11th-ranked Campbellsville University. In the 157-pound matchup, senior Abraham Del Toro defeated 17th-ranked Tyler Mildrew by a final score of 5-1. Immediately following that bout, Rysan Leong claimed another win when he defeated 14th-ranked Shadrick Slone by a final mark of 6-5.
Menlo will look to continue asserting itself on the national stage when the Oaks travel to Reno, Nevada to take part in this weekend's Reno Tournament of Champions. On Friday, December 16th, the Oaks, currently ranked 9th in the NAIA, will participate in a dual with Marian University, currently ranked 8th, at 6:00 PM. Then, on Sunday, December 18th, Menlo will be one of 20 teams involved in the tournament portion of the weekend. Weigh-ins begin at 7:00 AM, and bouts are scheduled throughout the day.