Helton resigns as Director of Track and Field/Cross-Country

MITCHELL, S.D.– Following his third year with Dakota Wesleyan University, Jamen Helton will be stepping down as the Director of Track and Field/Cross-Country, it was announced Friday.

 Helton has accepted an assistant track and cross-country position at NAIA institution, the University of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

 "I can't thank Jon Hart, the campus community and our student-athletes at DWU enough," Helton said. "They made this campus a home for me and I am so grateful for the relationships I've gained here. I'm confident the program will continue to move forward in the right direction."

 During his time with Dakota Wesleyan, the Waterloo, Ill., native coached two-time national champion, Kamberlyn Lamer in 2019 as she was also an eight-time NAIA All-American. In 2019, Helton also saw 20 school records set between cross-country and track and field, as well as 110 All-Time Program Top-10 performances.

 During the 2020 indoor season, he coached seven All-Conference athletes, including three athletes qualifying for the 2020 NAIA Indoor National Championships.

 In the indoor season this year, Helton coached seven Tigers to All-GPAC honors, including a pair of All-American nods. During the outdoor season currently taking place, he has coached two athletes to the national championships.

 "I want to thank Jamen for his time, effort and dedication to the program over the last three seasons," Director of Athletics Jon Hart commented. "Under his guidance, we have experienced progress and success. We wish him nothing but the best in this new chapter."

 A search for a replacement will begin at the conclusion of the outdoor track & field season.