History of Heritage Athletics
For more than 50 years, Heritage Christian School has cultivated a strong statewide reputation for athletic excellence anchored in sportsmanship, outreach, and the discipleship of our student-athletes.
When the school launched its official athletics program in 1968, those core values shaped every part of the experience. Early teams competed in the Midwest Christian Conference (MCC) throughout the mid-1970s, facing off against other local Christian schools. In 1978, Heritage joined the newly formed Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), where it continued to compete until 2000. Heritage athletes found success across many sports, earning tournament and state titles in boys soccer, volleyball, and both boys and girls basketball.
In 2001, with a desire to pursue excellence at the highest level, the school joined the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), a move that proved pivotal for the future of the program. Since that time, our student-athletes have earned numerous sectional, regional, semi-state, and state titles. Notably, our girls’ basketball program holds the state record for the most state championships won by any school.
As part of our continued growth, Heritage joined the Circle City Conference in 2017 and transitioned into the Indiana Crossroads Conference in 2025. Across generations, Heritage Christian athletes have competed with purpose and integrity, representing their school, honoring Christ, and developing into leaders who impact the world beyond the playing field.
We celebrate all that God has done through Heritage athletics and look forward to what He will continue to do through the lives of our student-athletes for years to come.
Doc Richards
Glorify God. Play Hard. Have Fun.
Pictured left to right: Former Heritage girls’ basketball coaches
Ron Young, Mark “Doc” Richards and Rick Risinger
Etched in black script letters on the gleaming hardwood floor of Heritage Christian School’s gymnasium are the words “Glorify God, Play Hard, Have Fun.” It’s a saying familiar to the many students and families who knew former Heritage coach, “Doc” Richards.
For 11 years, Doc coached the school’s girls’ varsity basketball and boys’ tennis teams. He led the tennis teams to two City Championships and in 2004, a Semi-State title. In 2001, he earned the Indianapolis City Coach of the Year award for his work with the girls’ basketball team. But he’s most remembered for the life lessons he instilled on and off the courts. He taught that “a team makes a success, not an individual.”
After a battle with cancer, Richards went to be with the Lord in 2005. Each year, two Heritage student athletes are named recipients of the Doc Richards Athlete Award, for high academic achievement.