EVERETT – It turns out Jeff Helmer will run high school track this season after all.
Helmer, a senior who won the Class 4A 3,200-meter championship last spring and the 4A state cross country title this past fall, recently received approval from Everett School District’s superintendent to transfer from Jackson High to Everett High.
Earlier this month Helmer, an Arizona State University recruit, said he would no longer compete for the Jackson track and field team due to a conflict with Jackson coach Eric Hruschka. At the time, Helmer said he would skip his final prep track season and run only in national meets.
But on Thursday Helmer said district superintendent Dr. Carol Whitehead approved his transfer to Everett and he will compete for the Seagulls.
“It’s a huge relief,” Helmer said, “and I’m happy I get a chance to run.”
The move is unusual because Washington student-athletes are generally not allowed to transfer for athletic reasons, according to Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules. But Helmer’s transfer involves schools from the same district and the WIAA lets multi-school districts set their own transfer rules, said Terri McMahan, District 1 executive board president. There is also an appeal process that allows transfers in the case of certain hardships.
Helmer will attend his final day of classes at Jackson today and immediately begin training with Everett. He needs to complete 10 practices before he can run in a meet for the Seagulls. He will likely debut for Everett April 13 when the Seagulls host Edmonds-Woodway and Lynnwood at Everett Memorial Stadium.
“We’re just opening our arms and welcoming him as a kid. We want to make his senior year the best it can be,” Everett High athletic director Jo Levin said.
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