It’s a new year with a new coach and big expectations for the Heritage Christian Academy Warriors’ baseball team in 2026.
Jason Heiserman takes over the program from Matt McGowan, who resigned as the school’s athletic director and baseball coach last spring. Heiserman served as an assistant coach for the team last year.
He will have plenty to work with, especially on the pitching mound with veterans Aaron Hensley and Collin Outland returning.
Hensley, a sophomore right-hander went 1-2 with a 2.52 ERA and 25 strikeouts a year ago. Collin Outland also is back. The senior right-hander started six games and picked up a save for the Warriors last season.
Freshman Caden Hale also will be counted on to give the Warriors some innings on the mound this season.
Offensively, senior second baseman Caden Gresham leads the way after he hit .284 in 2025 and sophomore shortstop Cadyn Travis returns off a season where he hit .279 and stole 16 bases.
Senior Henry Bullard battled injuries much of last year but still hit .280 and Outland hit .317 in 2025.
Heritage finished 8-17 a year ago but did win the KCAC State Championship, which the Warriors hope to defend this season.
Heiserman said this year’s schedule also should be favorable to HCA.
The Warriors are scheduled to open the season today at Todd County Central.
2026 Heritage Christian Academy Warriors
Coach: Jason Heiserman (1st Year)
2025 Record: 8-17
Key Returning Players: Cadyn Travis (Soph. 2B/SS/P), Aaron Hensley (Soph. P), Caden Gresham (2B/SS), Henry Bullard (Sr. LF), Collin Outland (Sr. P), Tycen Wells (Sr. RF), Preston Haddock (Soph. P), Cayden Nowak (Sr. RF), Lawson Clark (Fr. 2B).
Key Losses: Jayden Nichols (P)
Key Newcomers: Tyler Martin (Fr. Utility), Cullen Choate (Jr. Utility), Whit Martin (Sr. Utility), Jerry Spurling (Sr. OF), Cade Grace (7th C), Talon Werner (7th, Utility), Cruz Egbert (Fr. Utility).
Projected Lineup: P – Outland; C – Lawson Clark; 1B – Hale; 2B – Gresham; 3B –Wells; SS – Travis; LF – Bullard; CF – Hensley; RF – Nowak
File Photos