Rick Hughes resigned Thursday as the men's basketball coach at Lee University in Cleveland after back-to-back losing seasons.

"I officially turned in a a letter of resignation today,'' Hughes said Thursday afternoon at the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament at McKenzie Arena.

Hughes said he would prefer not to make any comments about why he resigned. Sources at the arena said Hughes may have been forced out.

"I will say that I had six great years at Lee University,'' Hughes said. "It was a great opportunity. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the university.''

"I feel after six years at Lee University we have taken the men's basketball program to new heights, “ he added, “but after two straight losing seasons, I feel it is in the best interest of the university to look in a new direction."

A 22-year veteran of coaching, Hughes has posted over 400 victories. He held head coaching positions at Bryan College, Miami Christian, Montreat-Anderson, Hiwassee College and Wabash Valley before accepting the Lee position.

"Coach Hughes is one of the hardest workers I know, and he has accomplished some terrific things here at Lee,” said Lee president Dr. Paul Conn. “His passion for basketball is unmatched, and we will certainly miss his energy and total dedication to the job.”

Said Conn, “He has always set a very high standard for himself and for his team, and I have such admiration for his professionalism and commitment to excellence. He has been a good friend to those of us who have worked with him, and we all wish him well as he makes this next transition."

Lee Athletic Director Larry Carpenter also praised the overall work of Hughes as the leader of the Flames program. “Coach Hughes has been a vital part of the Lee Athletic Department for the last six years and has taken the basketball program to a national prominence,” said Carpenter.

The AD added, “He’s worked extremely hard trying to ensure his teams success both on the court and in the classroom. He will be remembered as the coach who took the first Lee men’s basketball team to the NAIA National Tournament, not once but twice, finishing in the Elite 8 the second time around. I appreciate Coach Hughes friendship and commitment to Lee and certainly wish him the best in the future.”

Carpenter also pointed out that a search for a new men’s basketball coach will begin shortly. “We expect a great amount of interest to be shown in this position. Our office will announce plans for accepting applications within the next few days.”

A native of Alcoa, Tn., Hughes came to Lee from Wabash Valley College (ILL.), and just completed his sixth season as head coach of the Flames.

In his second season at Lee, Hughes wrapped up a stellar year by being selected the Tennessee College Basketball Coach of the Year (including NAIA and all NCAA programs). He directed the 28-7 Flames to their first TranSouth Conference men's regular season and tournament basketball championship.

The Flames were ranked 11th in the final NAIA poll and made their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.

Two years ago, the Flames returned to the NAIA National Tournament and recorded a top eight finish.

In his first four seasons at Lee, Hughes' teams stood at 75-59. At Wabash, his 1997 team recorded a 30-3 record, was ranked eighth in the nation. Wabash advanced to the National Junior College Tournament, and Hughes was voted the Illinois Coach of the Year. His overall record at Wabash Valley was 63-36.

In six season at Hiwassee, his clubs won 146 games and lost just 53. He directed the Tigers to three regional championships, and two state junior college crowns. Hiwassee placed eighth in the National Junior College Tournament in 1994.

Hughes also has served as an assistant coach under Don DeVoe at the University of Florida.

Not only is Hughes known as an outstanding recruiter, his players have graduated from college at near a 100 percent rate. He has coached 30 student-athletes that have gone on to play at the NCAA Division I level, and 42 of the 43 junior college players he coached received four-year scholarships. Twenty of his former players are currently playing at the professional basketball level.

Hughes is married to the former Wendy Tucker. The couple have a daughter, Lindsey, age 17, and a son, Granger, age 13.

(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)