A former three-time Division III All-American and national champion, John Helgerson enters his fourth season with NIU in 2015-16.
Helgerson posted an impressive career at Wartburg with a 98-15 record over his last three seasons. During that three-year span, he placed third at the NCAA tournament as a sophomore and second as a junior before taking first place during his senior season in 2011. Helgerson also earned two fifth place finishes at the prestigious Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill., doing so in 2010 and 2011.
Following his career at Wartburg, Helgerson competed at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in Iowa City, Iowa, following a first place finish at the Olympic Freestyle Qualifier meet in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earlier in the year. At the Olympic Trials, Helgerson advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to eventual third place finisher Steve Mocco. He would eventually bow out of the tournament in the consolation bracket after compiling a 2-2 record.
The West Union, Iowa, native was a two-time state placewinner at North Fayette High School, placing sixth at the state tournament as a junior and second as a senior. He was also a two-time sectional and district champion for the Hawks.
