History & Championships
A Tradition of Excellence Rooted in Faith
For more than 50 years, Heritage Christian School has built a statewide reputation for athletic excellence shaped by discipleship, sportsmanship, and a commitment to pursuing excellence for the glory of God. What began as a small program in the late 1960s has grown into one of Indiana’s most respected Christ-centered athletic departments, known for championship titles, influential coaches, and student-athletes who compete with character.
A Legacy That Began in 1968
Heritage launched its official athletics program in 1968, guided by the same core values that shape our school today: honor Christ, serve others, and pursue excellence. In those early years, Heritage teams competed in the Midwest Christian Conference (MCC), facing off against other local Christian schools throughout the 1970s.
In 1978, the school joined the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), where our athletes earned recognition and titles across multiple sports. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Heritage teams became known for grit, teamwork, and Christlike sportsmanship, laying the groundwork for what would come next.
A New Era: Joining the IHSAA
In 2001, Heritage Christian School joined the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) to compete at the highest level of high school athletics. The move marked a turning point in the development of our programs. Since then, Heritage teams have earned numerous sectional, regional, semi-state, and state titles while continuing to prioritize character and discipleship.
One of the most notable achievements is our girls’ basketball program, which holds the state record for the most state championships won by any school in Indiana.
This era also brought expanded opportunities for student-athletes, stronger competition, and a deeper platform for influencing others through sportsmanship and service.
Growing Into Conferences That Fit Our Mission
As Heritage expanded its athletic offerings and enrollment, conference participation evolved as well:
- 2017: Joined the Circle City Conference, strengthening local competition
- 2025: Transitioned into the Indiana Crossroads Conference, aligning with schools of similar size and competitive goals
These partnerships continue to provide meaningful, challenging athletic experiences while allowing HCS to represent Christ well in every arena.
Championship Tradition
Heritage Christian athletes have achieved success across sports and generations. Our teams and individual athletes have earned championships at the sectional, regional, semi-state, state, and national/world levels, reflecting both athletic excellence and the dedication of our coaches and students.
Team Championships
Individual Athlete Championships
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
Every championship, every coach, and every athlete has contributed to a rich legacy that spans generations.
We celebrate all that God has done through Heritage athletics and look forward with anticipation to what He will continue to do in the lives of our student-athletes.
Athletics at Heritage are about more than wins. They are about transformation, discipleship, and honoring Christ in all things.
Decorative Horizontal Rule
Honoring Coach Mark “Doc” Richards
Glorify God. Play Hard. Have Fun.
A defining figure in Heritage athletics, Coach Mark “Doc” Richards served the school for 11 years as head girls’ varsity basketball coach and boys’ tennis coach. His teams earned multiple city and semi-state titles, and he was named Indianapolis City Coach of the Year in 2001. More importantly, Doc was known for the way he discipled his athletes, teaching them that “a team makes a success, not an individual.”
After his passing in 2005, Heritage established the Doc Richards Athlete Award, presented annually to two student-athletes who demonstrate high academic achievement, integrity, and Christlike character.
His motto — Glorify God. Play Hard. Have Fun. — is still etched on the hardwood of our gym floor and lives on in our athletic culture today.
