CORVALLIS, Ore. – After earning its first red banner at the 2024 NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship, Menlo College was named the Under Armour Team of the Week for March 4 – March 10, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Sunday.
10 Oaks placed at the National Championships to take home 1st place and the Red Banner. Menlo led the tournament with 172 team points which included a National Champion, four 3rd place finishers, a 4th place finisher, a 6th place finisher, and three 7th place finishers. Across the two day tournament, Menlo was able to total up 16 pins and 8 tech falls to earn bonus points and clinch the Championship title before the Championship rounds even began.
Tavia Heidelberg-Tilltoson highlighted the Oaks by completing her collegiate career as a 191-National Champion. Tavia was well prepared to leave everything on the mat in order to win the title. Joanna Hendricks (Waldorf) was able to earn 3 points on the board and Tavia responded with a 2-point takedown before the first period ended, leaving the score at 2-3. The second period was all about defense as Hendricks attempted multiple shots at Heidelberg, leading to the perfect opportunity to counter and get her on the floor for 2-points, leading to the victory.
Head Coach Michael Ayala led the Women's program to their second ever National title in his first year at the helm. After the Championship celebration, Coach Mike said, "today is a special day. I have never taken home a red banner before, I have never been a part of a team to take home a red banner, so this is a first for me. I have a young group so to get it done and bring it back to the Bay, it's special". After his first season, Ayala was named Cascade Collegiate Conference, NWCA, and NAIA Coach of the year for his unconditional leadership.