Lea was hired to take over as head coach for the Pirates football program. Mark Shelton resigned following the 2013 season where Cedarville went 5-5.
“This is my first head coaching job and it presents some good opportunities,” Lea said. “It is a good chance for us to settle down and also we’ll have the chance to continue the past success that Cedarville has had.”
Cedarville will move to the 3A-1 for the 2014 season after playing in the 3A-4 in recent history.
“He has a really good resume as a coordinator and comes from a long line of success,” Cedarville athletic director Terry Parks said. “We wanted someone who is going to come in with a positive attitude with the kids. Someone who is going to let them know what to expect from him. Our kids are willing to work and I think coach Lea is going to come in and raise the expectations.”
Lea was at Lavaca last season and has also spent time at Atkins and Berryville in his coaching career.
“I’ve worked under three extremely knowledgeable head coaches and they have all given me great advice,” Lea said. “The main thing is not to try to just win one year but to try to build a program and that’s what we want to do.”