By Thomas Grant Jr.
The athletic accomplishments of former Gray Collegiate and college quarterback Hunter Helms were recognized by his hometown Tuesday.
City of West Columbia City Council presented Helms a resolution during its monthly meeting. He was joined by his parents Todd and Kathryn Helms.
“I wasn’t really expecting it to be honest,” he said. “I got an email one day and I was kind of shocked by it. But I’m very grateful and very blessed to be from West Columbia and kind of represent the way that I have and looking forward to continue representing West Columbia.”
The resolution detailed his athletic career starting with his days playing football with the Cayce West Columbia Cougars and baseball with Pineview Dixie Youth.
After throwing for 9,129 passing yards and 98 touchdowns and earning All-State honors twice with the War Eagles, Helms worked himself from walk-on to the number two quarterback on the Tigers. He appeared in nine games over four seasons and completed 22-37 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns.
Last season, Helms transferred to Rhode Island where he helped the Rams win 11 games and win their first playoff game in 39 years. He completed 105-179 passes for 1,270 yards and five touchdowns in nine games.
Helms had another year of eligibility but instead will return to Clemson in June to begin an intern position.
“I just kind of (want to) get my college football coaching career started,” Helms said. “Just kind of get my foot in the door, doing whatever I need to do and just really excited to go back there because other than West Columbia, Clemson’s home.”
(Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.)
