Helvey is a 2008 graduate of Wartburg College where he placed 5^th in the nation as a junior and was a national runner-up and Iowa Conference champion as a senior. Helvey was named an All-American twice at Wartburg.

Helvey graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 2004 where he placed 7^th at state as a junior and 5^th as a senior. He also wrestled on the Greco Roman National team as a junior and senior.