The Helmer Family Track inside Richard L. Jantz Stadium on the campus of Southwestern College will be dedicated Saturday, April 30, at 4 p.m.

A meet-and-greet reception is planned for Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. on the Farney Family Plaza located on the south end of Richard L. Jantz Stadium.  A tour of the new facilities also will be given.  Community members and friends of the program are invited to attend.

The historic legacy built by Jim Helmer, a 1971 graduate of Southwestern College, is nothing short of extraordinary and spans generations of graduates at Southwestern College.  Since he joined the faculty, Helmer has coached 31 consecutive conference champion cross-country teams (1980-2010) and his men’s track and field squads have won every conference championship since 1983. 

In 2001, Helmer 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.

“Southwestern College and the athletic department are extremely grateful to Coach Jim Helmer and his family for the sustained dedication and unceasing efforts that have been in place for the past 41 years,” says Dave Denly, Southwestern College athletic director.  “The success that has been achieved has been nothing short of remarkable.  The dedication of the Helmer Family Track on April 30 is a way to permanently place Jim and his family in the storied history of Southwestern College.  Coach Helmer is a great example of what hard work, a love for educating student-athletes, and bringing the sports of cross-country and track and field into the lives of countless people over the course of time.  His everlasting mark is in the hearts and souls of those that have competed with him and for him throughout his time at SC.  I am very privileged to have the opportunity to work with Coach Helmer and am looking forward to many more years of sustained success.”

The Southwestern College Relays will also take place on April 30.  This will mark the 50th anniversary of the Southwestern College Relays.