A Sturgeon Bay wrestling family is taking it upon themselves to support a fellow member of the Wisconsin wrestling family.

 

Born in Iowa, Ben Askren started his successful wrestling career in Hartland, Wis., at Arrowhead High School, where he became a two-time WIAA state champion. During his high school years, he also placed at multiple US National tournaments in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman before moving on to the University of Missouri, where he would win a pair of NCAA championships and three Big 12 championships.

 

In June, Askren was hospitalized with "severe pneumonia" as a result of a staph infection that led to him receiving a double lung transplant. Recently, Askren took to social media to say that he had no memory from May 28th to July 2nd, adding that he lost nearly 50 pounds during his illness and flatlined four times.

 

Rory Madsen from the Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor is inviting the community at Gordon Lodge on August 10th to support Askre, with all proceeds going toward Ben’s medical expenses. You can learn more about the event by clicking on this link.