R.C. Hatch High School legendary coach Eugene Mason, who holds the Alabama High School Association state record for career coaching wins, passed away Tuesday.

Mason, who coached Keith High School girls’ basketball coach Cecil Williams in high school, was at Keith Tuesday helping the Lady Bears prepare for their upcoming 1A state championship game against Spring Garden. Mason was rushed to the hospital after collapsing, although the cause of death is not yet known.

“Our prayers go out to Coach Mason’s family and his extended R.C. Hatch High School family,” the AHSAA said in a press release.

Mason was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association hall of fame in 2006. He guided R.C. Hatch to seven state championships, tied for the most of any coach in state history. He also coached in the Alabama-Mississippi and North-South all-star games.

Mason finished with a record of 919-306. He retired from his coaching position at the end of the 2004-2005 season, according to a previous Times-Journal story.

Funeral arrangements are not yet known.