LAWTON, Okla. – After 24 years of running the Cameron University men's team and 17 years as the head coach of the women's tennis team, James Helvey is stepping down.

"I would like to give a big thank you to Cameron for giving me the opportunity to be here to begin with," Helvey said. "I'd also like to thank all of the people in the community who have supported me and the program. I'm looking forward to a new challenge in my life and getting to go home."

Helvey was the first coach of the Aggie men's program, which began in 1993. His men's teams have had 24 straight winning seasons while at Cameron and have advanced to the NCAA postseason 21 times. In 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 the CU men took NCAA South Central Regional titles and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen at the NCAA National Tournament.  The 2015 team made it all the way to the Elite Eight, which is the furthest the program has ever gone.

Helvey took over the women's tennis program when longtime Cameron women's tennis head coach Joe Jones resigned in 1999, leading the Aggie women to 13 NCAA South Central Regional Championship appearances and claiming the Regional Title in 2011, 2012, and in 2016 won the Regional title and took the team to the Elite Eight at the NCAA National Tournament in Denver, Colorado. Helvey's women's teams have had 17 straight winning seasons.

Coach Helvey's other honors include: Named the Intercollegiate Association (ITA) National chair for Division II men's tennis in 2007-present, ITA National Coach of the Year in 2008, South Central Regional Coach of the Year Eight times,  Four Lone Star Conference Championships, coached eight All-Americans, 36 academic All-Americans, multiple All-LSC performers, coached four LSC Players of the Year, eight LSC Freshmen of the Year, four LSC Academic Players of the Year, two LSC Sportsmanship Players of the Year, three LSC Newcomers of the Year, LSC Coach of the Year five times, and an overall personal record of 802-393.

"I feel very fortunate. I give all the credit to my players. Without them, none of this would be possible. I feel lucky to have been able to surround myself with great people. Because of them we were able to achieve a lot. To be able to take that with me, those relationships I've developed, is quite an honor. Reflecting back, it's been a lot of fun."

There will be a reception in the Cameron Athletic Department on Thursday to celebrate Coach Helvey's 24 years of service to the university. The reception is come and go with light refreshments being served on the fifth floor of South Shepler from 3-5 p.m.