Heritage Academy Maricopa’s wrestling program has captured its fifth state championship, finishing a whopping 31 points ahead of the second-place team in Queen Creek Feb. 7.

The title closes out the Heroes’ run in the Canyon Athletic Association. Over the past five seasons in the CAA, Heritage did not lose a single dual meet.

“This season marks the end of an era,” Head Coach David Hettinger told InMaricopa. “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.”

Heritage competed in the CAA for six years.

The season included several challenges. Multiple young wrestlers transferred out of the program. Brady Snitker battled a shoulder injury. Defending state champion Alexander “Xander” Mylek returned from a preseason broken ankle. Junior Natalia Diaz suffered a season-ending elbow dislocation weeks before the state tournament.

“We are extremely proud of these young men and women,” Hettinger said. “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.”

The program credited its culture of discipline and character for sustaining its success and expressed appreciation for CAA administrators and coaches. 

2026 CAA State Champions

• Aiden Behnke (Boys 215 lbs) — Three-time state champion; wrestled up from 188 lbs and finished undefeated
• Cully Bogle (Boys 190 lbs) — 2025 state runner-up
• Gianna Casas (Girls 120 lbs)
• Reagan Fonner (Boys 144 lbs) — Five-time state champion; only 1 loss in high school career
• Xander Mylek (Boys 157 lbs) — Three-time state champion; undefeated past 2 seasons
• Mason Nichols (Boys 165 lbs) — Two-time state champion
• Izzy Richmond (Girls 235 lbs) — Two-time state champion; 2024 state runner-up
• Dani Rios (Girls 185 lbs) — 2025 state runner-up

Silver medalists (Iyana Baca, Savannah Cordell, Dallin Huff, Brandon Maki and Heaven Woods) and bronze medalists (Gavyn Baker, Gavin Duguay, Van Holyoak and Abbi Sims) also contributed to the team’s overall point total.