CORVALLIS, Ore. – For the second time, the No. 7-ranked Menlo College men’s wrestling team was named the Under Armour Team of the Week for Feb. 27 – March 5, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Sunday.
The Oaks ended the 2022-23 season on a high note in Park City, Kansas at the NAIA National Championships where they placed 4th as a team with 74 points. The Oaks traveled 11 wrestlers across 9 weight classes. At the culmination of the tournament, Menlo walked away with four All-Americans, two being National Champions.
Gulomjon Abdullaev continued his undefeated season, going 5-0 on the weekend to earn the 133 Champion title as the 3rd-seed in the National Tournament. On day one, Abdullaev racked up technical falls against all three of his opponents. In the Semifinals, Gulomjon faced Evan Potter of Southern Oregon and was victorious by decision (11-0). In the final, he faced Carson Taylor of Grand View, the reigning national champion and 1st-seed of the tournament. Abdullaev finished the match on top, winning by decision (7-3). Gulomjon Abdullaev was also named NAIA Wrestler of the Year.
Rysan Leong earned the 165 Championship title after going 5-0 on the weekend as the 6th seed. On day one, Leonge had a first-round bye and then earned two decision wins. In the semifinals, he achieved an upset win by decision (5-4) over the 2nd-seed Marty Margolis of Grand View. In the championship match, Leong faced the 4th-seed David Rubio of Corban University where he tallied a point for riding time to win by decision (3-2).
Riley Siason (125) and Jovan Garcia (133) both went 4-2 in the tournament, placing 5th and 7th in their weight classes respectively, earning more All-American honors for the Oaks to conclude their amazing season.