General | 8/26/2015 4:06:00 PM

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

PORTALES, N.M. — It is with heavy hearts, that the Department of Athletics at Eastern New Mexico University acknowledges the passing of former athletic director B.B. Lees. Over the years Lees always remained supportive of the programs he helped build and received numerous accolades.
 
"B.B. Lees is the epitome of what it means to be a Greyhound," said ENMU President Steven Gamble. "Steve Doerr once said that B.B. bleeds green and I know that's true. I don't know of a better friend the university has had in its history. The University will miss Coach Lees very much. He was truly an inspiration and a friend to everyone who knew him."
 
Inducted into the ENMU Athletics Hall of Honors in 1994, Lees served the ENMU athletic department for more than 37 years as a coach, faculty member and administrator, including 18 years as athletic director. During his time at Eastern, he coached most of the teams and took the golf team to 12 consecutive NAIA District VII championships. In May 1995, he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame as a golf coach.
 
He served as the chairman of the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament from 1990-1993, and was among fellow committee members honored in 2012 during the Elite Eight at the Bank of Kentucky Center in Highland Heights, Ken.
 
"BB set the bar for those athletic directors who followed him," said ENMU athletic director Jeff Geiser. "In my six years at Eastern I have not heard one negative comment about BB. Everyone loved him. He will be missed but his legacy will live on forever at his beloved ENMU."
 
"From the time I arrived at ENMU in 1982 as the director of News Services/Sports Information, B.B. immediately made me feel at home," said ENMU director of Media Relations Wendel Sloan. "I don't remember ever having a conversation with him without hearing his infectious laugh.  In all the years I knew him, including seeing him often working out in Greyhound Arena in recent years, did I ever hear him say a negative word about anything or anyone.  He epitomized the friendly spirit that makes ENMU such a great place to work.  I will never forget him or the positive impact he had on me and everyone I know.  I know the heavens are now enjoying his friendly laughter and loving spirit."
 
"B.B. was great pioneer of Greyhound football," said ENMU football coach Josh Lynn. "There is no other previous ENMU football coach that did more for the community of Portales than him.  He will be missed." 
 
"'What's up partner!' always was his greeting to me," said ENMU volleyball coach Sia Poyer. "I've known Mr. Lees since my days as a volunteer student assistant. Always kind, supportive and full of wisdom. He wasn't just a friend to Eastern, but a friend to me, Jennifer and my kids. I'm going to miss him so much."
 
"I met B.B. Lees shortly after I arrived at Eastern," said ENMU director of Athletic Communications Adam Pitterman. "He was one of the people who helped me feel at home at ENMU. B.B. Lees was one of the friendliest people I've ever met and he will be truly missed."