AMERICUS, Ga. - Southern Polytechnic's Mike Helfer, was awarded the Men's Coach of the Year by the Southern States Athletic Conference Thursday afternoon.

 Helfer's 2004-05 team capped off a "record" setting year for SPSU basketball.   After consistently being ranked in the top 25 (6 consecutive years), the Hornets broke through to the top spot on Feb. 8, 2005.  The #1 National Ranking was the first ever at Southern Poly.   SPSU finished the season ranked #2 in the NAIA.

Overall, the Hornets finished at 32-4 (89%) and won both the SSAC regular season championship and tournament championship.   It was the 3rd regular season championship for SPSU in the past 6 years and the third tournament title during that span.

The 32 wins clearly set the school record for wins in a season (29 previous mark).  SPSU's conference record of 20-2 also set a record at Southern Poly and within the Southern States Athletic Conference.

Southern Poly rounded out the 04-05 campaign with their 11th trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO.  It was the 5th trip in the past 6 years under Helfer and third trip to the "Sweet 16".   The Hornets gained the highest tournament seeding ever in school history at #2. 

The 04-05 team ran off the longest winning streak in school history when they rattled off 18 in-a-row midway through the season.  The Hornets also led the nation in scoring at 95.2 points per game, yet another school record.

SPSU's trademark defensive pressure led to yet two more records by leading the country in steal's at 12.7 per game and finishing 2nd in turnover margin at 6.38.  It is the first time in recent NAIA history that a team has led the nation in scoring and steals during the same season.

During the past 6 seasons (years that Helfer has coached with his recruited players), Southern Poly has averaged an amazing 26 wins per year (156 total).   The Hornets winning percentage during that span is .760 % and all 6 years have at least 20 wins.

Topping off the 2004-05 campaign is recognition for Coach Helfer.    Basketball Times magazine named him the National NAIA "Coach of the Year" and the Southern States Athletic Conference named him "Coach of the Year" for the 2nd time in the past 6 seasons.