Alabama State University News November 28, 2011 ASU Dedicates Houston Markham Jr., Football Complex By Deonshay Danson The "winningest" coach in the history in Alabama State University football history was honored as the Houston Markham Jr., Football Complex was dedicated on Wednesday, November 23. More than 300 people gathered outside ASU's new football complex to dedicate the facility in honor of Houston Markham Jr., the legendary Hornet football coach who is often described as the University's "winningest" coach. The event drew a crowd of Markham supporters that included his family and loyal fans, as well as ASU officials; Dr. Leon Howard, former ASU president; Mayor Todd Strange; John McKenzie and Jerome Harper, former Markham assistant coaches; and Eddie Robinson Jr., former Markham player and NFL linebacker. Robinson played for Markham on the 1991 Hornet team that won the SWAC and Black College National Championship. He was drafted in the 2nd Round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. "This is a testament to Coach Markham and all his hard work and dedication," said Robinson. "I think he saw something in each one of us that we didn't see in ourselves and made us better than we ever believed we could be." Current ASU football coach Reggie Barlow said described Markham as a tough coach who instilled discipline and pride in his players. Markham recruited Barlow in 1990 after watching him play baseball. Barlow became a record-breaking wide receiver for the Hornets, played in the NFL for eight years, won a NFL Championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became head coach for the Hornets in 2007. Barlow said he is both proud and humbled to work in a building that bears the name of his former coach. "It just creates a different atmosphere when we come to work, and we really appreciate it," said Barlow. "But out of all the wonderful things about this building, like the weight room, the best thing is the name that it bears." Markham expressed his gratitude for being honored by the University and its Board of Trustees; but made it clear that he shared the day's honors with his former coaching staff and players. "I want you to know this name on the side of this building is not just Houston Markham Jr.; it is Houston Markham and all the coaches, all the players, my family and many more," said Markham. "It's not them standing behind me, but beside me." Markham was hired in 1987 by ASU's eighth president, Dr. Leon Howard, after the Hornets experienced five straight losing seasons. Markham turned ASU football around immediately with an 8-3 record his first year as head coach. In 1991, Markham coached the Hornets to an 11-0-1 record, and wins in both the SWAC and the Black College National Championships. During his time as head coach, ASU posted a 9-2 record in the Magic City Classic and a 6-2 record in Turkey Day Classic. "My vision was to have him [Markham] build a championship team in a five year time frame," recalled Howard. "He exceeded expectations, I found him to be fantastic, the University couldn't have asked for a better man than Coach Markham." President William H. Harris gave the official dedicatory address on behalf of the University. He also praised Harris for his accomplishments and said the building was named for the former coach with good reason. "We dedicate this facility with joy, thanksgiving and praise in honor of Coach Markham," Harris said, "because he earned it, the old fashioned way." The festivities culminated with the unveiling of a portrait of Markham. The painting will be hung in a prominent place within the facility. The 33,165-square-foot football complex was completed in July of this year at a total cost of more than $7 million, an undertaking accomplished completely without the aid of state tax monies. The state-of-the-art facility boasts its own 5,000-square-foot weight room, 650-square-foot multipurpose area, 1,575-square-foot team room, 1,870-square-foot locker room, 1,512-square-foot training room and a 1,110-square-foot academic lab. Unique architectural features include a 1,290-square-foot two-story atrium, a balcony overlooking the football practice field, SMART Boards in the team room and energy-saving devices, such as HVAC controls. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.