Bennie Ellender (1982) - Hall of Honor - Arkansas State University

Hall of Honor

Bennie Ellender

Class
Induction

1982
Sport(s)

Coaches

Ellender was an assistant coach at ASU?in 1962 under then-head coach King Block, but was elevated to the head coaching position in 1963 and led A-State to 52-20-4 record over eight seasons for the highest winning percentage in school history at .711. His 52 victories are the second most by a head football coach in the history of ASU's football program.

Ellender was inducted into ASU's Ring of Honor in 2000, making him one of just 14 current members to earn the prestigious football honor. He was named the Southland Conference Coach of the Year four times (1964, 1968, 1969, 1970) and led A-State to the league title three consecutive years from 1968-70.

Under Ellender's leadership, Arkansas State won the 1970 NCAA?Division I?small college national championship while posting a perfect 11-0 record that included a 38-21 victory over Central Missouri State in the Pecan Bowl. ASU made three Pecan Bowl appearances from 1968-70, posting a 26-4-2 record over that span.

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