The Helmer Family Track will be dedicated at the 50th Anniversary of the Southwestern College Relays on April 30, 2011 at approximately 4:00 p.m.     Southwestern is privileged to have the opportunity to honor a living legend in Coach Jim Helmer with the momentous naming of the Helmer Family Track. 

The historic legacy built by Jim  Helmer ’71 is nothing short of extraordinary and spans generations of graduates at Southwestern College.  Since he joined the faculty at his alma mater, Helmer has coached 31 straight conference champion cross country teams (1980-2010) and his men’s track and field squads have won every conference championship since 1983.  In 2001, he was inducted into the NAIA Cross Country Hall of Fame in the category of coach.  Only nine other coaches have been awarded this honor in cross country since 1956.