Helgerson dons old prep colors

EVANSTON, Ill. - Former Wartburg national champion heavyweight and current Knights assistant John Helgerson wore a familiar singlet Thursday for the first day of the Midlands Championships at Welsh-Ryan Arena. It's just that most fans at the Midlands Championships won't recognize it.

Helgerson, a former state finalist for North Fayette who is wrestling unattached, donned his high school's singlet for competition. He contacted Hawks coach Doug Demuth, who was happy to oblige Helgerson.

“I called the coach at North (Fayette),” said Helgerson. “He gave me four singlets to wear so I can pick and choose.”

Helgerson doesn't have a singlet and by rule could not wear Wartburg attire. He placed fifth here last year and this could be one of his final competitions.

“I love to compete, so I wanted to come back,” said Helgerson, who advanced to the quarterfinals with two solid wins. “I was here last year and it was a lot of fun.”

He admits many won't know what his singlet represents.

“A little shout out to North Fayette,” Helgerson said. “I bet a lot of people were wondering what N.F. stands for.”

Two Midlands medals and they will find out.