Hartland, Wisconsin, is rallying behind one of its most celebrated hometown heroes, Ben Askren, as the Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter faces a critical health challenge. Askren, an Arrowhead High School graduate whose career has inspired many, has been named the grand marshal of the Hartland Hometown Celebration Parade, a testament to the deep impact he has had on his community and the world of combat sports.
The news of Askren’s severe illness emerged recently, with his wife, Amy Askren, sharing updates on social media. On June 7, 2025, she revealed that Ben had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia, a complication stemming from a staph infection, and was in critical condition, requiring sedation. The gravity of his situation became clear as it was announced he would likely need a double lung transplant. While the battle is far from over, a more recent update on June 17, 2025, brought a glimmer of hope: Askren, though still on a ventilator and an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) system, was showing signs of improvement, able to open his eyes and squeeze hands. This ongoing health struggle has prompted an outpouring of support from across the globe (Wikipedia, ESPN).
In a powerful display of community solidarity, Hartland decided to honor Askren by naming him grand marshal of their upcoming Hometown Celebration Parade. Although Askren himself is unable to attend due to his hospitalization, members of his family, along with close friends, coaches, and wrestlers from the tight-knit community he helped build, will march in his place. Randy Ferrell, head wrestling coach at Arrowhead High School and a close friend of Askren, emphasized Ben’s consistent dedication to giving back. “Ben has just done so much coming from the community. Obviously being a multi-time national champion to being a Hodge Trophy winner to being an Olympian to opening up his academy here,” Ferrell stated (TMJ4).
Askren’s influence extends far beyond his personal athletic achievements. Jeff Pfannerstill, president of the Village of Hartland, highlighted how Askren’s wrestling academy has transformed the local sports landscape. “There has been so many people who have gone through wrestling at Arrowhead and with the academy. The Askren Wrestling Academy right here. This area has literally become one of the best areas in the country to be if you want to go on to be a NCAA wrestler,” Pfannerstill noted (TMJ4). This sentiment underscores the profound impact Askren has had as a mentor and community leader.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ben Askren has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled level of dedication and skill. As a collegiate wrestler for the Missouri Tigers, he achieved a remarkable 153-8 record, securing two NCAA Division I national championships and becoming only the second wrestler to win multiple Dan Hodge Trophies, considered the Heisman Trophy of wrestling. He also earned three Big 12 Conference championships and recorded an impressive 91 pins, the third most in NCAA Division I history. His freestyle wrestling career saw him become a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Member and a Pan American champion. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Askren remained undefeated for over a decade, capturing welterweight titles in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) (Wikipedia).
The broader combat sports community has also rallied to support Askren. The UFC broadcast a video of his career highlights during a recent event, and prominent figures like Henry Cejudo and Ariel Helwani have shared messages of well-wishes. For those wishing to contribute to Askren’s medical expenses and recovery, the wrestling apparel company RUDIS has launched a “Support Ben Askren” initiative, offering a limited-edition “Funky Strong, Funky Tough” T-shirt, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to his family. An official donation page is also available (RUDIS).
As Ben Askren continues his toughest fight yet, the unwavering support from his hometown, the wrestling community, and fans worldwide serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy and the collective strength that binds us in times of need. His journey, marked by relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to his roots, continues to inspire hope and resilience.
