John Helm

John Helm played tailback on the undefeated Taylorville Tornadoes Football team in 1959 and is considered by many to be the one of the best running backs to ever wear the purple and gold He also lettered as a sophomore in 1957 and contributed as the starting tailback on the 8-1 1958 Tornadoes football team. He was selected the team's Most Valuable Back as well as to the All-State Football Team in 1959.

 Following his graduation, Helm was offered and accepted a full scholarship to attend the University of Missouri and play football. He was a member of the Tiger football squad his freshman year but later transferred to Millikin University in Decatur. As a member of the Big Blue Football Team. Helm lettered three years. During his sophomore year, 1962, he led the team in rushing and scoring. During his senior year, he led the team in receiving, touchdowns, punt returns and kickoff returns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

 As a member of the Tornadoes Basketball Team, the multi-talented Helm lettered three years. As a junior, in 1959, he was an integral part of the last Tornadoes team to advance to the supersectional. The following year he established the school's single game scoring record of 38 points. At the season's end Helm led the Mid-State Conference in scoring with 567 points and had also set the school record for average points per game during a season of 21.8 points per game, a record that still stands today. Helm is currently ninth in career scoring at THS with a total of 879 points.

 In the spring, Helm played on the Tornadoes baseball team as well as ran on the track team. He was a starter and integral part of the 1959 team that advanced to the state tournament in Peoria. In track, Helm was the fastest sprinter on the team, lettering two years.

 While attendingMilikin, University, Helm also lettered two years on the baseball team, being selected co-captain in 1964. During the 1963 season, he led the team in batting average, hits, and doubles and was selected the team's Most Valuable Player.

 John Helm earned ten varsity letters in all four sports that were offered at Taylorville High School during his high school career. He established team and school records in each of the sports he played. He excelled in football and baseball at Millikin University. He is without question one of the best and most versatile athletes to participate at Taylorville High School.