Maricopa Unified Wrestlers Achieve Remarkable Triumph at State Championships

The wrestling team at Desert Sunrise High School recently gathered for a scrimmage, marking their first practice since the state competition. This week represents a transition for the program, as its inaugural senior wrestlers conclude their high school careers while juniors look ahead to championship matches in the coming months.

“Summer practices make winter champions,” emphasized Gabe Chandler, the head coach for boys wrestling. Indeed, this year, Desert Sunrise celebrated a record number of qualifiers at the state championship—two girls and seven boys, a significant milestone for the young program which launched only two years ago.

In parallel, the wrestling program at Maricopa High School also achieved its best performance to date, sending seven boys and two girls to the state competition. Noteworthy names from Desert Sunrise who qualified include Elijah Robidoux, Daveon Moore, Thor Aasen, Noah Maxcy, and Kiarah Taylor, among others. Maricopa’s squad featured talents like Kiyah Jeske, Kash Dayley, and Megan Pedro.

Despite individual successes, including three wrestlers placing third, both teams are hungry for more. “Things didn’t pan out how we wanted them,” Chandler expressed. “They had their eyes set on being champions and taking the gold.”

Noah Maxcy, a senior and a foundational member of the Desert Sunrise program, reflected on his emotional last match at the state championship. After competing despite an injured tendon, he left the mat in tears, processing the conclusion of his high school wrestling journey. “It was sad knowing it’s over, but I’m grateful for how much I grew during this time,” he said.

Maxcy plans to carry the lessons learned from wrestling into his upcoming service in the U.S. Navy. “Wrestling taught me about brotherhood, discipline, and the joy of pushing myself,” he noted.

As practice resumes, many state competitors are back in the wrestling room, focused on refining their skills. Giovanni Porporino, a junior, described the camaraderie among teammates: “It’s basically a brotherhood. We celebrate and cry together.”

Coach Chandler attributed the program’s success to dedication, stating, “It’s just time, practice, and commitment. We hope to challenge them every day.” The feeling of victory on the mat may be individual, but its significance resonates throughout the team.

With an eye on next year, Porporino is determined to improve. “I’m going to a lot of camps and offseason tournaments. I’m putting the time in this year because I want that state title,” he declared.