Has directed Blue Ridge Running from a small local camp of less the fifty runners to one of the best and most popular in the country. Probably the most successful high school coach in the history of Virginia track and cross country. His teams at Virginia and Woodbridge High Schools won ten state titles. Thirteen runners under Helmer’s direction qualified for the Kinney Nationals. 1998-99 has once again seen Helmer’s Lady Hoyas as a top ten mainstay. During 1998 his team’s brought home a third place finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. He has produced over 30 All-Americans and three National Champions. He also coaches several world class women with the Reebok Enclave.

Is an original of the Blue Ridge contingent. Directs much of the staff and running activities. Has coached athletes from the high school level to college All-Americans and an Olympian. At Blacksburg High School his men’s and women’s teams went undefeated in state meets. Pat joined the Georgetown coaching staff in July of 1999 as a cross country and distance coach. During his tenure at JMU over 25 school records have been set and has had athletes and relays with national rankings. In the 1998 cross country season his men’s finished 9th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships and had two All-Americans.

Jack of all trades who keeps Blue Ridge operating smoothly. Organizes and directs the speaking schedule at Blue Ridge. Instrumental in the growth of the camp. Consistently one of the best AA programs in the state, always in the hunt at the state meet. He has coached 30 All-State athletes during his long tenure at Marion High. Has had two of athletes qualify for the Kinney National cross country meet. Also known for his humorous motivational speeches.