HARTLAND, Wis. — A Hartland hometown hero will be honored this weekend, even as he faces a serious health challenge. Ben Askren, an Olympic wrestler, former UFC fighter, and Arrowhead High School graduate, has been named grand marshal of the Hartland Hometown Celebration Parade on Sunday.
READ ALSO: Ben Askren shows signs of progress in battle with pneumonia, placed on transplant list
Community members are rallying behind Askren, who is currently hospitalized and awaiting a double lung transplant. His journey from local wrestling star to international athlete and now back to his roots in Waukesha County has inspired many in the area.
"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," said Randy Ferrell, head wrestling coach at Arrowhead High School.
Ferrell, who considers Askren a close friend, has witnessed firsthand how the athlete gives back to his community. He often teaches at Askren's academy and has seen how Askren mentors young wrestlers.
"He does so much to give back," Ferrell said.
The decision to name Askren as grand marshal was made before his recent health challenges. A few weeks ago, Askren's wife shared on social media that he was severely ill with pneumonia and needed a double lung transplant. In a recent update, she reported that his condition is improving and he has been added to the transplant list.
As we've been listening to community members, it's clear that Askren's impact extends far beyond his athletic achievements. His 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," said Jeff Pfannerstill, president of the Village of Hartland.
While working on this story, I learned that members of Askren's family will participate in Sunday's parade in his place. Coach Ferrell will also walk in the parade alongside wrestlers and coaches, representing the tight-knit wrestling community that Askren helped build.
Watch: Friends of Olympic wrestler Ben Askren will march in his honor at the Hartland Hometown Celebration parade
"It will be really nice to have that wrestling community around him," Ferrell said. "I don't think he has ever fallen short in anything he has worked his way towards and I don't see this as being one of those things."
The Hartland Hometown Celebration Parade begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in downtown Hartland.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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