Furey embraces Lee 'challenge'

photo Paul Furey was introduced as the new leader of the Lee University men's soccer program.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Paul Furey was introduced as the new leader of the Lee University men's soccer program Monday at a luncheon in the Great Room of the school's science complex. He takes over for Henry Moyo, who in December resigned after 15 years with the program.

Moyo compiled a 110-67-10 mark in nine seasons as the men's head coach.

Furey coached his 2008 Mount Vernon (Ohio) Nazarene team to the NAIA Final Four. Mount Vernon was ranked as high as No. 3 in 2009, and the new Flames coach comes to Lee with a 252-165-37 record overall.

His main concern coming in? Excitement about the expectations.

"I'm happy to be at a place where the people care so much about athletics," he said. "I'm wanting to help elevate the men's level to the level of the other programs."

That would include a women's soccer program that under coach Matt Yelton has won three consecutive NAIA national championships. The Lee men advanced to four national tournaments under Moyo's direction and won back-to-back Southern States Athletic Conference championships in 2008 and 2009.

Furey, who met with his new team Monday night, is ready for the challenge.

"I'm excited about the opportunity," he said. "We loved Mount Vernon, but I was at a point where I needed a new challenge and not just any. It had to be a special place. This opportunity arose and I came because it's a great place to be.

"I want to bring this team to a new level. It's going to be a challenge, but it's one I'm ready for."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gh3sports.

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