MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama State University Horace Crump Track and Field Coplex project is officially complete and turned over to the school after a final walk-through on Thursday, December 15, 2022.
"The track renovation is another crucial step in enhancing the student-athlete experience at Alabama State," said ASU Athletic Director Dr. Jason Cable. "I want to thank all involved, especially President Quinton T. Ross, Vice President for Facilities Donald Dotson, and the Alabama State University Board of Trustees for making this project a reality, ASU's track, and field program has a rich tradition and it deserves a quality facility for training and competition."
Renovations feature upgrades to the 400-meter eight-lane track and an area for high jumping at the west end of the facility while also upgrading the long jump pit. New field turf was also installed on the football practice field which includes areas for field events during competition Renovations will make it possible for ASU to participate in and host more competitions, camps, and clinics. Another phase of the project includes a new entrance to the track by the Houston Markham Complex building.
"I want to say thank you to the Board of Trustees Dr. Ross, Dr. Cable, Mr. Dotson, and the many others who worked to get this track completed, ASU Head Track and Field Coach Ritchie Beane stated. "I am happy to see this for our student-athletes and alums. The new track has been a long time coming. Well, it's here! I am excited about the opportunities."
The Alabama State track and field /cross country program has been one of the best in the country under Beane's leadership. The Hornets have won 40 conference championships under its current head coach, including the last 11 outdoor championships on the women's side and the 2019 men's outdoor championship. Since 1976, Alabama State has captured 55 conference championships overall for the track program.
Beene is in his 14th year at the helm of the track and field/cross-country program for 14 years and 25th years overall at ASU. He was an assistant coach under the legendary Horace Crum
p for 11 years before taking over as head coach upon Crump's retirement. The famed track is named after the former head track coach.
"Bringing this project to fruition is truly exciting for Hornet Nation, but more importantly it is evidence of the University's commitment to fulfilling its' FOCUS 2030 Strategic Plan's pledge to upgrade and revitalize our campus facilities," Mr. Donald Dotson, ASU Vice President for Facilities said.
The track was constructed and surfaced by
BEYNON a Tarkett Sports Company. The post-tension concrete surface has an expected lifecycle of nearly 50 years, nearly three times longer than an asphalt base surface.
BEYON's featured track and field projects include the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Ole Miss., the University of Oregon, Florida State University, Duke University, the University of Arizona, and Stanford University.
Alabama State University and the Athletic Department is planning a ribbon cutting for the new facility at a date to be determined.
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