MONTGOMERY, Ala. |  The renovation of the Alabama State University track at the Houston Markham Complex is very close to completion and will be ready for competition this spring.  

"I'm like a kid waking up on Christmas morning being able to just walk recruits out here to show them where they are going to train where they are going to be able to become great student-athletes….. it's finally coming and it's something that ASU can be proud of and our community can be proud of." ASU Track and Field Coach Ritchie Beene said.

Beene, who is the head track and field/cross-country coach, has won 40 conference championships, including the past 13 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 has been the track and field/cross-country coach for 14 years and nearly 25 years overall at ASU. He was an assistant coach under the legendary Horace Crump for 11 years before taking over as head coach upon Crump's retirement. The famed track is named after the former head track coach.

"The track has served the university well, but a quality, resurfaced track will beautify the campus," said Beene. "ASU will have the opportunity to recruit student-athletes and have them partake in something really special."

Renovations will make it possible for ASU to participate in more competitions, camps, and clinics.

Beene leads his student-athletes by example. He teaches them life skills around the track that will impact them not just for the four years on ASU's campus, but the next 40 years of their lives and beyond.

"Being a track and field athlete brings you as close to real-life experiences as you can get," said Beene. "The track will give them the ability to be the best they can be. I love my student-athletes and I want them to be resilient. I have tried to instill in them that life has choices. I want them to make the choice to give their very best at what they do in life. It is not about whether you win or lose, but at the end of the day, give it your all."

Renovations will include upgrades to the 400-meter eight-lane track and an area for high jumping at the west end of the facility.