From 2002 through 2005, Max Askren compiled the most wins of any wrestler in Arrowhead school history. As a four-year varsity starter, Max was virtually unbeatable as he put together a composite record of 168-9, despite wrestling against some of the top wrestlers in the state year after year. When he graduated in 2005, he had the best overall record ever at Arrowhead.
Max and his older brother Ben, also an Arrowhead Hall of Fame inductee, took the Warhawk program by storm and instantly turned the school into a state powerhouse. Because of the many wins by the Askren brothers, wrestling became popular and one of the most successful sports at Arrowhead.
Max not only had a brilliant record, but he capped off his high school career by winning the state championship at 189 pounds, and finishing with a 48-0 record, which at that time was the best record ever at Arrowhead. Max was a three-time WIAA state qualifier:
*As a sophomore, Max placed fifth
*As a junior, he placed third
*As a senior, he captured gold
In 2005, Max won 40 of his 48 wins by pin. He had 112 career victories by pin and registered an impressive 487 take-downs. He scored a massive total of 294 dual-meet points while competing for the Warhawks.
After leaving Arrowhead, Max continued his success at the University of Missouri, joining his brother in the Tigers program. At Missouri, he won an NCAA national championship in 2010 as a senior. He qualified for the national meet all four years at Missouri and was named a college All-American his final three years there.
Max and his brother Ben are still deeply involved in the sport, owning and operating the highly successful Askren Wrestling Academy (AWA) at several sites, including Hartland, Mequon, Green Bay, Madison and Franklin. The two have trained and taught numerous kids that have gone on to win state championships.
Max is married to Alex and their first son, Luca, was born February 18, 2020.