Brian Harvey, brother of legendary former Everton player and manager Colin Harvey, has died at the age of 76.
Liverpool-born Brian, who was two-years younger than Colin, carved out a big reputation within football in the USA after first graduating from St.Bonaventure University in 1966 with a degree in physical education.
Brian then went on to play football professionally in Australia, China, England and the United States, where he started off at Dallas Tornadoes in the North American Soccer League. He toured with the Tornadoes around the world and even competed against the legendary Pele in Hong Kong back in 1972.
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Brian then became the coach of Oklahoma City University when they introduced men's soccer in 1986 and women's soccer in 1994. He built a hall of fame career in his 34 years at the university.
Brian retired from coaching in 2019, finishing with a combined men's and women's record of 813-341-70 over 34 years of dedicated service. He gained hall of fame recognition from OCU Athletics, the Oklahoma Soccer Association and the NAIA.
"Brian Harvey is an iconic figure in the history of Oklahoma City University Athletics," said Jim Abbott, former OCU athletics director. "What Abe Lemons was to basketball, Brian was to soccer. Brian's impact on the sport of soccer in Oklahoma is immeasurable, and his positive influence on the men and women who played for him is his real legacy.
“Brian exuded integrity, positivity and character, and I'm so grateful for his friendship and the example he set for our department every day."
While also paying tribute to Brian, Oklahoma City University President Dr. Kenneth R. Evans said: "Brian Harvey was the preeminent figure in the Oklahoma soccer community.
"Oklahoma City University is forever grateful for his contributions to the sport and the school over his illustrious career.
“The university community extends its sympathy to Coach Harvey's family and friends and to those whose lives he impacted before, during and after his time at OCU."
Brian is survived by his wife Judy and daughter, Nicole, who played for OCU in 2001-04 and served as Harvey's student assistant in 2005.
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