Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Matthew Helmbrecht, North Star Track

North Star's Matthew Helmbrecht following the family legacy of starring on the track

For some time now, Matthew Helmbrecht has been a dedicated athlete, and during his four years at North Star High School, he has competed in every sport available to him.

For the past few years, Helmbrecht has been on the football team, the basketball team and the track team for the Knights and he has excelled on all three. He has spent the past three football seasons starting for the Knights at quarterback or at end and he was a key member of a boys basketball program that has been on the rise the past two seasons.

Helmbrecht is like many small-town athletes. Often times, they play multiple sports and normally, they play a lot. In Six-Man football, you get very few breaks, which is something Helmbrecht knows a lot about after playing Six-Man football at North Star the past few seasons.

Yet, Helmbrecht and the many others that play Six-Man football or Class C basketball at places like North Star wouldn't have it any other way. The support and the relationships one develops playing Class C sports, not only with teammates and coaches at their schools, but ones from others as well provide lasting memories. And Helmbrecht, who competes seemingly year-round in some type of sport, knows that better than anyone.

"You build a lot of great relationships," Helmbrecht said. "You get to know a lot of different people really well."

While Helmbrecht was a solid quarterback for the Knights as their starter in 2013 and 2014, leading them to the playoffs both seasons, he moved to play on the line this past season, which in Six-Man football means both blocking and catching the football, His skill and athleticism was apparent on the football field, but it was on display during basketball even more.

Helmbrecht helped lead a resurgent North Star team that finished with a winning record this past season and after averaging more than 11 points per game, he earned Second-Team All-District 9C honors for his efforts.

Many athletes may prefer football and basketball to track and field, but Helmbrecht felt right at home in the sport, thanks to family ties and since he was a quarterback, he naturally has a strong arm, which over the years, he has developed that into a successful track career.

Last season, Helmbrecht performed very well and in the District 9C track meet he helped the North Star boys capture the district championship by placing in four different events. The junior won the javelin, finished third in the shot put and was fourth in both the discus and high jump.

Then, at the Northern C Divisional track meet, Helmbrecht put together another solid performance and qualified for the Class C state meet in the discus and javelin by finishing third and sixth, respectively. Helmbrecht also made it to state as a sophomore in the 1,600 relay and the javelin.

Helmbrecht, who plans to attend Montana State University-Northern next fall, has big goals for his senior season and after the way he has produced in his first three seasons of track, it wouldn't be surprising to see him achieve them.

The Havre Daily News recently caught up with Helmbrecht for five questions after he was recently in Havre to compete in both the Cal Wearley track meet and the Havre Lions Invitational.

HDN: Of the three sports you play, which is your favorite?

Helmbrecht: "I would have to say football. Although I like all of them pretty equally."

HDN: What accomplishment from your athletic career are you most proud of at this point?

Helmbrecht: "Making All-Conference in basketball. That was something that I felt like I had to work really hard to get."

HDN: What is your favorite sport to watch and who is your favorite team?

Helmbrecht: "Football is probably my favorite. I have always liked the Saints, even though they haven't been doing very well. I have always liked Drew Brees since I was a little kid."

HDN: What are your goals for this track season?

Helmbrecht: "I want to break a school record in one event and I want to medal at state in at least one event."

HDN: What would it mean to you if you are able to achieve those goals?

Helmbrecht: "It would mean a lot to me. My mom was great in track and my sister was great in track, so it would be nice to follow in their footsteps and be up there with some of the greats at our school."