WINFIELD, Kan. (KSNW) — It's been over a decade since Jim Helmer coached a cross country program. After seven years at Winfield, and over three decades at Southwestern College, Helmer called it a career.

This August, however, 11 years into his retirement, Winfield's program was in dire need of a leader, so the Kansas sports hall of famer picked up the phone.

"I called the Winfield High School athletic director John Kaufman and asked if he would be interested in me applying for the job, and he immediately said 'yes, please do that.' It had been over 50 years since I've updated my resume," Helmer said laughing.

For the first time since 1978, Helmer laced up his shoes and put on the Winfield cap to lead the Vikings. A legend in central Kansas, Helmer claimed 31-straight KCAC men's cross co

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