Louis Crews

Class of 1989

Louis Crews stands as a towering figure in Alabama A&M University’s athletic history. Inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989, his legacy as a player, coach, and educator remains an enduring source of inspiration.

Born on March 28, 1917, in Bessemer, Alabama, Crews’ journey began at Dunbar High School and continued at Alabama A&M, where he was an outstanding running back in the late 1930s. Notably, he scored the first-ever touchdown in the historic Magic City Classic, the storied rivalry between Alabama A&M and Alabama State. This moment marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with the university and its football program.

Crews returned to his alma mater as head football coach in 1960, inheriting a program that lacked athletic scholarships. Despite these challenges, he transformed Alabama A&M into a football powerhouse. His impact was immediate; in his first season, he led the Bulldogs to a victory in the Magic City Classic, a feat he repeated seven times consecutively. Under his leadership, Alabama A&M gained a reputation for excellence, and his teams were known for their discipline, strategic play, and resilience.

Beyond football, Crews also coached baseball at the university, demonstrating his versatile coaching talent. His commitment to education was equally impressive. Crews pursued advanced studies at institutions such as Ohio State, Yale, New York Tech, and Indiana University, reflecting his belief in the power of learning both on and off the field.

Crews' induction into Huntsville’s Athletic Booster Club Hall of Fame underscores his lasting impact on the community. His pioneering work at Alabama A&M laid the foundation for future generations of student-athletes, ensuring that his influence would be felt long after his coaching days ended. Louis Crews’ legacy is one of dedication, excellence, and unwavering commitment to building champions.

Disclaimer): This feature is a narrative summary for the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame project, based on Hall materials and public records. Statistics and honors reflect the cited sources; please contact the Hall for official confirmations.