BELFRY, KY. - Pikeville College football got it’s man: Belfry’s 1,000 yard plus running back and defensive back Ivan Lee.

Lee signed a letter of intent yesterday during a ceremony at Belfry High School that included members of the Pikeville College Football Program, representatives of Belfry High School and Lee’s father, Paul Lee.

“It’s a big day for any young man to step up to the next level and play college athletics and we believe Ivan will be successful in doing so.” said Pikeville Football Coach Johnson. “We know he comes from a program here at Belfry where hard work and dedication are stressed and that’s important to us because he will have to work even harder to succeed in college.”

“We look for Ivan to work hard and contend for a starting spot right away,”said Johnson. “We may look for him to play some defense, perhaps linebacker; we know he’s quick and got a tons of speed,”

Lee said he was looking forward to the challenge and that being close to home was the deciding factor for him.

“ I’ve had a lot of great opportunities here at Belfry and I look forward to the opportunities at Pikeville.”said Lee. “I chose Pikeville because it’s a good program, a good school and it’s right down the road from dad and home and that’s important to me. If I need help or just need to talk to dad, he’s not that far away, I like that.”

“Everybody dreams of playing college ball when you’re in little league” said Lee. “But I never thought it could happen. But Belfry’s prepared me well for this opportunity.”

“I’m very proud of him and very thankful for the opportunities given to Ivan here at Belfry and I look forward to seeing him play at Pikeville.” said his dad, Paul Lee.

“Ivan’s a tremendous athlete, a hard worker who was a big part of our program and he’ll do well at Pikeville” said Belfry Coach Phillip Haywood.

“Ivan is a fine young man who has a strong work ethic and has an opportunity now to use those talents for an education.” said BHS Principal Rod Varney.