Mark Brew, an assistant under head coach David Altopp at Lee University for the past 10 years, has been named to replace the retiring Altopp at the end of the 2006 baseball season.

The announcement came from Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn after strong recommendations from both Altopp and athletic director Larry Carpenter.

"When we began looking for a new head baseball coach, we realized we need not look beyond our own program to find the quality individual we want to lead our program,” said Dr. Conn. “Coach Brew has earned the opportunity. He is a very savvy baseball man, a hard worker, and a coach whom players respect and enjoy playing for. I think Coach Altopp has done a terrific job grooming him for the top spot, and I believe he is going to step right up next year and do the job."

Brew wasted no time in joining Altopp and the Lee program when the veteran leader accepted the Lee head baseball job 10 years ago. He had served as Altopp’s assistant at Trevecca Nazarene University and had also played for Altopp at the Nashville-based university. In 1990, Brew was the top hitter for the Trevecca baseball team and was the closer for the Trojans for four years.

"I know of no young coach more ready to be a head college baseball coach than (Mark) Brew,” said Altopp.  “I have known him for 16 years, including three that he played for me at Trevecca.  He was a student assistant after completing his eligibility for one year and has been my full-time assistant for the past 12 years, all 10 here at Lee.  Thus, he has been my assistant for three times longer than any of my other assistant coaches over the past 35 years.

“I can fully attest to his impeccable character and integrity and of course, he knows the game. Mark has attended the American Baseball Coaches Clinic every year he has been my assistant where the best baseball minds in the world teach the game.  Without question, he is ready to take the reins of the Lee University baseball program and to greater heights in the years ahead."  

A native of Smyrna, Tenn., Brew serves as Lee’s pitching coach. He was a driving force in the recruiting operation and joined Altopp in helping the Flames become one of the nation’s top NAIA baseball programs. For the past 10 years he has been in charge of the field maintenance of all Lee’s athletic fields.

An NAIA Scholar-Athlete at Trevecca, Brew was also named the university’s Outstanding Christian Athlete during his senior year. A 1994 graduate of Trevecca, he received a B.S. degree in Physical Education and was an employee of the Nashville City School system before joining the Lee staff.

He and his wife, Rachel, have been married for 11 years and have a daughter, Elise, and are expecting a second child.

“I am extremely humbled to be following coach Altopp as the head coach of this program,” said Brew. “I am forever indebted to coach Altopp for the impact and example he has provided in my life.  His willingness to empower me with responsibility has enabled me to be prepared for this opportunity.  I am one of many former players and coaches that lives have been touched by coach Altopp and I hope to continue the success that he has established here at Lee.”

 Brew added, “I would like to thank Dr. Conn for showing great confidence in me to take over a highly successful program.  I look forward to the challenge and opportunity that he has put in front of me.  Dr. Conn’s support for athletics is second to none and I look forward to working under his leadership.

“Additionally, I would like to thank Athletic Director Larry Carpenter.  His advice as we move toward this transition has already been priceless and I look forward to working closely with him.  He is always ready to support and assist coaches in any matter and that has attested in the great success of all the athletic programs at Lee.

“Finally, I would like to thank my wife Rachel for standing by me for all the years in pursuit of my dream of being a head coach.  That support system at home is crucial to any coach and I am very thankful for her,” Brew stressed in closing.

Carpenter called Brew “a natural to take over the baseball program. He has been actively involved in all aspects of coaching for the past 10 years at Lee and understands what it takes to build and maintain a Top 10 program. He is a tireless worker and team player who understands the mission of Lee University and its athletic department. We are fortunate to have a man of Mark’s ability and integrity and look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

Brew will continue to direct the Lee pitching staff as well as head up recruiting for the 2007 season. The Flames are scheduled to open the 2006 Southern States Athletic Conference schedule this weekend when they play host to Georgia Southwestern State University in a three-game series at Olympic Field