Brophy's Josh Finch-Logan Pins 2-Time State Champ for Title

Unseeded wrestler pulls off upset to give Brophy its first individual state wrestling title since 2010

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Josh Finch-Logan, a senior at Brophy Prep, capped off his high school wrestling career by pinning two-time state champion Zane Candelaria of Tucson Sunnyside to win the Division I heavyweight title at the Arizona state championships. Finch-Logan, who was unseeded coming into the tournament after losing his lane at sectionals, dominated Candelaria in the first period to secure the upset victory and Brophy's first individual state title in wrestling since 2010.

Why it matters

Finch-Logan's improbable run from unseeded wrestler to state champion is an inspiring underdog story, showcasing his determination and skill. The win also marks a significant achievement for the Brophy Prep wrestling program, which has struggled to produce individual state champions in recent years.

The details

Finch-Logan held down Candelaria, who was nationally ranked and undefeated, for nearly a minute in the first period before the official called the match in Finch-Logan's favor. The Brophy senior finished the tournament with four pins, capping off an impressive performance after entering the championships unseeded.

  • Finch-Logan won the Division I heavyweight state title on February 21, 2026.
  • Brophy Prep's last individual state wrestling champion was in 2010.

The players

Josh Finch-Logan

A senior at Brophy Prep who won the Division I heavyweight state championship after entering the tournament unseeded.

Zane Candelaria

A two-time state champion from Tucson Sunnyside High School who was nationally ranked and undefeated before losing to Finch-Logan in the heavyweight final.

Wayne Catan

The head wrestling coach at Brophy Prep who believed Finch-Logan was destined for the state title.

Anthony Leon

The head wrestling coach at Tucson Sunnyside High School, which won its 39th overall state team championship and 9th in a row.

Justin Beauvais

A two-time state champion at 138 pounds who led Mesa Mountain View to a runner-up finish in Division I.

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What they’re saying

“It feels great. We haven't had a Brophy state champion. I wanted to bring it home and put my name on the plaque.”

— Josh Finch-Logan (azcentral.com)

“Zane is a tough opponent. I wanted to work my butt off to get that win.”

— Josh Finch-Logan (azcentral.com)

“He prepared well for this. He lost his lane in the sectional meet. But he said, 'It's not going to happen again.' I said, 'Today is your destiny.'”

— Wayne Catan, Brophy Prep Wrestling Coach (azcentral.com)

“The guy is good, all the credit to him.”

— Anthony Leon, Tucson Sunnyside Wrestling Coach (azcentral.com)

“All the matches were pretty difficult. I had to work for it. I bulldozed my way through the tournament, so that's pretty awesome.”

— Justin Beauvais, 2-Time State Champion, Mesa Mountain View (azcentral.com)

What’s next

Finch-Logan will continue his athletic career at Western New Mexico University, where he will play defensive line for the football team. He will not be wrestling in college, but hopes to continue the sport recreationally in the future.

The takeaway

Finch-Logan's improbable state championship victory is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, showcasing the power of hard work and belief in oneself. His win not only brings Brophy Prep its first individual wrestling title in over a decade, but also serves as a reminder that underdogs can rise to the top through sheer grit and skill.