Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Larry Helms was a dedicated and standout performer for the Bear football team for four years (1964-67).  Certainly one of the best defensive players in Lenoir-Rhyne history, Helms came to the Bears from Cherryville High School where he was a center and linebacker.  His prep career was capped with a trip to the Shrine Bowl, Lion's Bowl and the East-West All-Star Game.  During his initial season as a Bear, Helms earned the team's Outstanding Defensive Player award and was named the Most Outstanding Freshman.  From that season on, the Outstanding Defensive Player award would rest on Helms' shelf as he was honored with the trophy each of his next three football years.  Other football honors came to Helms as he progressed in school.  A standout center as well, he was a two-time All-Carolinas Conference choice and a three-time All-District 26 honoree.  Helms co-captained the 1967 Bears who went 8-1 and won the third of four conference crowns.  In his senior year, Helms was named to the second-team NAIA All-American squad as a center and was also honorable mention All-State performer.  Following his graduation, Helms coached football and baseball and taught at Statesville Senior High School for three years before moving to Eden, N.C.  At John M. Morehead High School, Helms coached the offensive line for 12 seasons and later became the school's assistant principal.  While serving as Assistant Principal at Douglass Elementary, Helms earned his master's degree.