Franklin & Marshall mourns loss of All-American Art Helf

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Former Franklin & Marshall wrestling legend Art Helf '54 passed away last week at the age of 86. One of the top grapplers in program history, Helf was inducted to the F&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11 from 3-6 p.m. at West Sayville Funeral home in Sayville, N.Y. More information can be found here.

Helf was one of the Diplomats' 17 All-America honorees after placing fourth at 123 pounds to garner the distinction in 1953. His only defeat at the NCAA Championships came against four-time national champion John Perry of Pittsburgh by a narrow 2-1 score.

A recipient of the "Uncle Charlie" Mayser Award, presented to the outstanding wrestler in that year's team, Helf finished with a 20-9 record during a three-year career with the program, while also competing for the cross country team. He earned his Bachelor's degree in geology in 1954 and went on to receive a Master's of Education from Hofstra University.

In lieu of flowers, Helf's family requests donations to be made to the Art Helf-Tommy Riglin Annual Scholarship Fund, which rewards outstanding Long Island athletes who demonstrate leadership, athletic achievement, respect and most importantly kindness.