The winningest football coach in Alabama State history died Wednesday.

Houston Markham, Jr. died at the age of 76.

Markham, the winningest head coach in Hornets’ football history,  had a career record of record of 68-47-4 from 1987 to 1997.

The football program is named after Markham, who also won a Black College national championship at ASU in 1991.

That season, the Hornets went 11-0-1. ASU beat North Carolina A&T 36-13 in the Alamo Heritage Bowl for the national title.

Markham also produced four NFL players during his 11 seasons at ASU.

Markham is a former football player at Alcorn State. He’s in the Alcorn Sports Hall of Fame and SWAC Hall of Fame.

ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. said in a statement that Markham touched many  lives.

“I considered him to be a personal friend and mentor. I first knew him when I was a student at ASU,” Ross said. “His son was one of my classmates, and the Markhams and I attended the same church.

“Coach Markham was a great advisor, who shared his wisdom and life experiences freely and lovingly with students both on and off the field. He will be greatly missed as a prominent member of this community and as a committed supporter of ASU and ASU athletics.”

SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland said Ross’ impact goes beyond ASU in Montgomery.

“Coach Markham had a lasting impact on the lives of many and we are forever grateful for his contributions,” McClelland said.

“In addition to the amazing success Coach Markham had during his coaching career he also was a true ambassador for the game as it relates to sportsmanship and winning the right way.