No coach in Ferris history tutored more All-Americans than Helsing, who produced 20 in cross country and track from 1968-82. He was best known for founding and coaching Ferris cross country, leading his teams to a 77-17 dual meet mark and four Great Lakes Conference titles. Twice named NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year, he also served as president of the NCAA-II Cross Country Coaches Association. In 1980 he led FSU to a fourth place finish at the D-II Championships. Helsing coached 15 All-Americans in the men's indoor and outdoor track programs. In addition, he began the swimming program, serving as head coach from 1970-72. From 1969-75, he had a 53-39 mark as the second men's tennis coach. A graduate of Springfield (MA) College, Helsing competed in track and cross country there and was recently honored by his alma mater when a classmate founded the Ray Helsing Student Scholarship Fund with a $500,000 gift.