JAMES HELMUTH '18 Recruiting Profile

As a freshman, I had the opportunity to compete at the varsity level for my high school cross country and track program. Little did I know that I would participate in the state cross country meet where our team would take home the first place trophy. That year taught me more than I could have imagined. My teammates and coaches showed me that in life you have to do the work and put in the time to be great. That knowledge wasn’t just applied at practices or at meets, but in my academic career as well. Having an underclassman majority in the cross country and track programs has given me the chance to be a leader and mentor. I have used the leadership skills that I attained from sports to help me succeed in my education. With the goal in mind to become a general surgeon, academics have become a high priority in my life. My hard work and dedication to athletics and academics has given me the skill to be a great asset to anything I am a part of.  

My family life is different than most. I was adopted at the age of 18 months from Ukraine. My adoptive family has supported each and every ambition and goal that I have set out to achieve, and they are the reason for my success today. Being adopted, I’ve learned that the world doesn’t owe anything to anyone and it is the drive and hard work of each individual that creates successful person. My parents taught me to always give 100% in everything I am  involved in. Outside of my running shoes,I am an active member of my school and community. I am  the president of my class, secretary of the student council, and a drum major for the marching band. I also dedicate time to my church by assisting during church services and volunteering in the youth group. My experience in positions of leadership will help the runner, student, and person that I know I can be.