Heritage Academy Maricopa Wins 5th Wrestling State Title

Program closes out undefeated run in Canyon Athletic Association before moving to AIA

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Heritage Academy Maricopa's wrestling program has captured its fifth state championship, finishing 31 points ahead of the second-place team. The title closes out the Heroes' run in the Canyon Athletic Association, where they did not lose a single dual meet over the past five seasons. The team will now transition to the Arizona Interscholastic Association, opening an exciting new chapter for the program.

Why it matters

Heritage Academy Maricopa's wrestling program has established itself as a dominant force in the state, winning five consecutive state titles and going undefeated in the CAA over the past five seasons. The program's success and transition to the AIA highlights the strength of the school's athletic program and its ability to develop top-tier student-athletes.

The details

The 2026 CAA state champions for Heritage Academy Maricopa included Aiden Behnke (Boys 215 lbs), Cully Bogle (Boys 190 lbs), Gianna Casas (Girls 120 lbs), Reagan Fonner (Boys 144 lbs), Xander Mylek (Boys 157 lbs), Mason Nichols (Boys 165 lbs), and Izzy Richmond (Girls 235 lbs). The team also had several silver and bronze medalists who contributed to the overall point total.

  • Heritage Academy Maricopa won its fifth state wrestling title on February 7, 2026.
  • The team has competed in the Canyon Athletic Association for the past six years, going undefeated in dual meets over the last five seasons.

The players

Heritage Academy Maricopa

A high school in Maricopa, Arizona with a dominant wrestling program that has won five consecutive state championships and gone undefeated in the Canyon Athletic Association over the past five seasons.

David Hettinger

The head coach of the Heritage Academy Maricopa wrestling program, who has led the team to five state titles and an undefeated run in the CAA.

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What they’re saying

“This season marks the end of an era. After five years of dominance in the CAA, Heritage Maricopa will transition to the Arizona Interscholastic Association, opening an exciting new chapter for our wrestling program.”

— David Hettinger, Head Coach (InMaricopa)

“We are extremely proud of these young men and women. They are not only outstanding wrestlers but outstanding people. It is an honor to work with student-athletes who strive to be their best selves, always.”

— David Hettinger, Head Coach (InMaricopa)

What’s next

The Heritage Academy Maricopa wrestling program will transition to the Arizona Interscholastic Association, opening a new chapter for the team.

The takeaway

Heritage Academy Maricopa's wrestling program has established itself as a dominant force in the state, winning five consecutive state titles and going undefeated in the CAA over the past five seasons. The team's success and transition to the AIA highlight the strength of the school's athletic program and its ability to develop top-tier student-athletes.