The race was Jed Helker's to win.

But it wasn't supposed to be.

Helker, an Edmond Memorial senior, has received his fair shade of accolades over the course of his varsity career.

He's twice been The Oklahoman's Cross Country Runner of the Year, he's won numerous gold medals in track and just this spring he signed a scholarship offer to run at Wichita State next year.

Perhaps his greatest quality, his coaches and teammates say, is his selflessness. Helker is always excited to cheer on his teammates and provide any tips that he can to help his team win.

So when it looked like Edmond Memorial was going to be in need of some points to guarantee the championship, Helker was called on again.

"I was supposed to sit out of the 800-meter race," Helker said. "We were wanting to kinda save my legs for the mile, but coach said he needed me.

"So I jumped out there to give it a go."
