Jim Helmer (coach) - Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship

Helmer is known not only for his ability to produce both athletic and academic all-Americans, Helmer is considered by peers to be a true fair-play sportsman. This sense of fair play is reflected in the statement by McPherson College head coach Dave Smith concerning a chance that Helmer had to secure home-field advantage for the 2005 regional Cross Country meet.

"When I heard about the (NAIA region) realignment, I thought Jim (Helmer at Southwestern) would want to host the meet at his place. But, when Jim called he said he was already hosting his own meet and the KCAC meet, and he didn’t feel right about hosting three meets on his course."

This sense of sportsmanship and fair play has appeared to "rub off" on the teams he coaches. One day at practice in 2002, an alleged shoplifting youth ran in to the Cross Country team. While attempting to make his escape, the team scattered and chased him down, turning him in to local police.