Area Graduates Continue to Make an Impact at the College Level

David Chen · Columnist November 12, 2025, 10:13 AM 8 views

Former student-athletes from Lomira, Mayville, and Horicon continue to represent their hometowns at the collegiate level, contributing on the football field and building impressive résumés through years of hard work and development.

Lomira Alumni Making Noise

Lomira High School graduate Abe Helsell is in his redshirt-senior season with the UW–Stout Blue Devils football program. Helsell has appeared in 24 career games, anchoring the defensive line with physical play and consistency. During the 2025 season, he recorded 1.5 sacks, adding to his role as a reliable presence in the trenches for the Blue Devils.

Another Lomira alum, Avery Johnson, is competing at the Division II level with Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. Now a redshirt senior, Johnson has built an impressive collegiate career, totaling 73 tackles and 12 sacks across 34 games. His production and durability have made him a key contributor on the Mustangs’ defensive front.

Continuing the Tradition

Both Helsell and Johnson exemplify the success of local athletes transitioning from small-town high school programs to the college game. Their careers reflect not only individual dedication, but also the strong athletic foundations built at Lomira High School.

As the college football season continues, area fans will be watching closely as these former standouts finish their collegiate careers and represent their communities at the next level.