DWU names Jamen Helton as head cross country coach

MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University has named Jamen Helton as the head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach, Director of Athletics Jon Hart announced Friday.

 Helton comes to DWU after spending a year at Trevecca Nazarene University, an NCAA Division II institution in Nashville, Tenn. While at TNU, Helton served as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for both the men's and women's cross country and track & field teams.

 "We are thrilled to announce Jamen as our new head cross country and assistant track & field coach," Hart said. "Jamen brings a strong background as a standout student-athlete, educator and coach."

 Prior to his time at TNU, he was a private coach for men's and women's 10,000-meter runs and marathons from 2015-17. He also served as the assistant boys and girls cross country and track & field coach for Parkview High School for three seasons. In 2017, Helton ran professionally for New Balance Elite in Chicago for 4 months while training for the US Olympic Trials.

 "Coach Helton's energy and passion for the sport, along with his ability to recruit and relate to prospective student-athletes ultimately set him apart from a very high quality candidate pool," Hart commented.

 Helton received his Bachelor of Arts degree from NCAA Division II, Drury University in Springfield, Mo. While at Drury, Helton received numerous accolades as a runner. In 2015, he was named track MVP and broke the indoor 5,000-meter record. He was also honored as an MVP in cross-country and named Newcomer of the Year in 2013.

 Helton went on to receive his Master's in Education from NCAA Division II, Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. While at Lewis, Helton used his final year of eligibility to participate in track and lead the cross-country program to the NCAA Division II National Championships for the first time in 16 years. Upon receiving his Master's Degree, Helton also completed the USATF Level 1 coaching certification in track and field.

 "Jamen will be a great fit to our new staffing structure and our growing program," Hart mentioned.

 Helton takes over the DWU men's and women's cross country teams who begin the 2018 season on August 31^st at the Augustana Twilight at Yankton Trails Park in Sioux Falls, S.D.

 "I want to thank Mr. Hart, Coach Lurz and the entire search committee for their confidence in me to lead this program going forward. I am extremely excited to get started and to help these programs reach new heights," Helton said. "I am eagerly excited to get to work in a first-class facility, for an amazing institution, in a great community."