Chapin SC, January 28, 2026
Cory Helms has been appointed as the new head coach for the Chapin High School football program, marking a significant change for the Eagles. Helms, who has a notable background in high school sports, aims to revitalise the program with a focus on effort, toughness, and discipline. His previous coaching experiences demonstrate his ability to improve struggling teams, making his appointment a promising development for both the players and the Chapin community.
Chapin, SC – The Chapin community is buzzing with the exciting news that Cory Helms has been appointed as the new head coach for the Chapin High School football program. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Eagles, ushering in a new era focused on individual achievement, disciplined growth, and renewed civic engagement around one of Chapin’s most cherished local institutions.
The selection of Coach Helms reflects a commitment to leveraging proven leadership and personal initiative to elevate the high school football experience. His history of revitalizing programs suggests that a focused, results-oriented approach, rather than extensive bureaucratic overhaul, is key to fostering success and strengthening community bonds. This appointment is poised to become a testament to how local choices and strategic leadership can directly contribute to positive community development and spirit.
A New Leader for Chapin Football
Chapin High School has officially welcomed Cory Helms as the tenth head coach in its football program’s history. This assignment marks Helms’ third head coaching role, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Chapin community. Helms steps into this role following the Eagles’ 2025 season, which saw the team conclude with a 0-10 record, marking their first winless campaign since 1998 and the first time missing the playoffs since 2020.
Coach Helms’s Journey and Proven Success
Helms is a highly regarded figure in South Carolina high school sports, known for his ability to transform programs. His athletic background includes a distinguished collegiate career as a former Gamecock offensive lineman, having transferred from Wake Forest to the University of South Carolina, where he made 46 starts combined at guard and center. He also had a brief stint in the NFL, signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and later being on the Cincinnati Bengals’ roster for preseason games that same year.
His coaching journey began with three seasons as an offensive line coach at Gray Collegiate, followed by a year as a graduate assistant at USC. Helms’s head coaching path started in the SCISA ranks, where he led Cardinal Newman, a private school in Columbia, for three years. During his tenure, he compiled a 16-18 record, including three playoff appearances. His most notable season at Cardinal Newman was in 2023, where the team achieved a 9-3 record and advanced to the semifinals of the SCISA Class 4A playoffs. The 16 wins under his leadership represented the most for the program in a three-year span since 1997-99.
Before arriving in Chapin, Helms spent one season (2025) as the head coach at Pelion High School, operating under the SCHSL 2A umbrella. He inherited a Pelion squad that had struggled, posting a 1-9 record in 2024. In his single season, he guided the Panthers to a 5-6 record and secured a trip to the Class 2A playoffs, with the five wins being the most for the program since 2014.
A Philosophy Rooted in Effort, Toughness, and Discipline
Chapin Athletic Director Billie Williams highlighted that the search committee sought a coach who could infuse the program with energy, structure, and experience in building successful teams and fostering strong relationships within the community. Williams noted that Coach Helms possesses a contagious passion for football, an energy that uplifts those around him, and a demonstrated ability to construct something exceptional for players.
Coach Helms’s coaching philosophy centers on three core principles: Effort, Toughness, and Discipline (ETD). He aims to cultivate a team that is physical, runs the ball effectively, exhibits high energy, is active on defense, and maintains strong discipline. His approach emphasizes outworking opponents, making smart decisions, and consistently doing things the right way, believing these actions lead to success. Helms’s energetic and enthusiastic coaching style is also expected to be a significant asset, invigorating the players and staff. He openly embraces the challenge of rebuilding, expressing that he is not intimidated by taking over programs that have faced difficulties, and finds enjoyment in the process.
The Road Ahead for Chapin SC Football
The move to Chapin places Helms in the Class 5A division, a highly competitive landscape within the S.C. High School League. The Eagles will compete in a region alongside formidable opponents such as Lexington, White Knoll, Dutch Fork, and River Bluff. Notably, Dutch Fork has achieved remarkable success, securing nine state titles in the last decade. This challenging environment is precisely what motivates Coach Helms, who expressed that Chapin was a top job he had long desired, recognizing its great people, abundant resources, and strong community, believing the potential for success is limitless.
Fostering Community Growth and Individual Excellence
The arrival of Coach Helms presents a significant opportunity not just for the Eagles football program but for the entire Chapin community. Strong high school sports programs often serve as a unifying force, drawing residents together and fostering a shared sense of identity and pride. By emphasizing personal initiative, rigorous discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, Helms’s leadership can inspire young athletes to develop not only their skills on the field but also invaluable life lessons in resilience, teamwork, and accountability. This focus aligns with the broader community value of supporting individual achievement and allowing local leadership to drive meaningful progress without excessive external oversight, empowering Chapin to shape its own success stories.
Conclusion
As Chapin embarks on this new chapter with Coach Cory Helms at the helm of its football program, the anticipation for a renewed spirit of competition and community engagement is palpable. His proven track record of rebuilding programs and his clear philosophy of effort, toughness, and discipline offer a promising outlook for the Eagles. The community is encouraged to rally behind its new coach and team, actively supporting the pursuit of excellence and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Chapin SC events. This collective effort will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in achieving shared goals and celebrating the achievements of our local athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chapin’s New Football Coach
What is Cory Helms’s new role in Chapin?
Cory Helms has been appointed as the new head coach for the Chapin High School football program.
What was Chapin’s football record in the 2025 season?
The Chapin Eagles concluded their 2025 season with a 0-10 record.
What is Cory Helms’s background as a player?
Cory Helms is a former Gamecock offensive lineman who played college football at Wake Forest before transferring to South Carolina, where he made 46 starts combined at guard and center. He also had a brief stint in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals in 2018.
Where has Cory Helms coached before Chapin?
Before joining Chapin, Cory Helms was the head coach at Cardinal Newman for three years, where he compiled a 16-18 record with three playoff appearances. He then coached Pelion High School for one season (2025), leading them to a 5-6 record and a playoff trip.
What is Coach Helms’s coaching philosophy?
Coach Helms’s coaching philosophy is centered on “ETD: effort, toughness, and discipline.” He aims for his teams to be physical, run the ball effectively, exhibit high energy, be active on defense, and maintain strong discipline.
Key Features of Cory Helms’s Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Role | Head Football Coach for Chapin High School |
| Previous Head Coaching Assignments | Cardinal Newman (3 years, 16-18 record, 3 playoff appearances); Pelion High School (1 year, 5-6 record, Class 2A playoffs) |
| Player Background | Former Gamecock offensive lineman (Wake Forest, South Carolina – 46 starts), brief NFL stint (Saints, Bengals) |
| Chapin’s 2025 Season Record | 0-10, first winless season since 1998, missed playoffs since 2020 |
| Coaching Philosophy | Emphasizes “ETD: effort, toughness, and discipline”; aims for physical, high-energy, disciplined play |
| Competitive Environment | Chapin remains in Class 5A, competing in a region with strong programs including Dutch Fork (9 state titles in last 10 years) |
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Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
