Russell Helson Position: Assistant Coach

Russell Helson is in his second season as an assistant men's and women's golf coach at his alma mater.

Helson, who played at Lamar from 2003-08, will begin his first season as a collegiate coach after spending the previous three years as a professional caddy.

"I'm thrilled to have a former Lamar player come back to help the program," said head coach Brian White. "Russell brings so much experience on the professional level and that will help him be a great teacher and coach on the college level."

During Helson's playing career at Lamar, the Cardinals won three straight Southland Conference titles and advanced to a NCAA Regional each of his four years. A native of Georgetown, Texas, Helson earned Third-Team All-Southland Conference honors as a senior after tying for fourth at the Southland Tournament. Helson also represented Lamar at the 2008 NCAA Central Regional in Columbus, Ohio.

"I've always wanted to coach college golf," said Helson. "I'm very excited to coach for not only my alma mater, but also for my former coach."

Helson, who caddied for two years on the Nationwide Tour and for one on the PGA Tour, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from Lamar in 2008.