For decades, they built programs, mentored students, and shaped Houston high school athletics far beyond the scoreboard. On Tuesday night at the HISD Joe Tusa Circle of Honor Award Ceremony, retiring coaches and athletic coordinators from across the district were honored not only for championships and victories but also for the lasting impact they had on generations of student-athletes.
The event brought together coaches whose careers spanned more than 30 years in the Houston Independent School District, each leaving behind programs, traditions, and relationships that outlasted seasons and scoreboards.
Building Something That Lasts
Among those honored was Bellaire’s head boys basketball coach, Bruce Glover, who spent 24 seasons building one of the most consistent programs in HISD.
Glover said the wins mattered, but what stood out more was the number of kids who advanced to the next level and became outstanding young men.
He reflected on more than 400 career wins and on Bellaire’s run to its first UIL state tournament championship game in 2024-25, calling it a moment that reflected years of development rather than a single season of success.
At Lamar High School, baseball coach David Munoz leaves behind one of the most decorated résumés in the district’s history.
Munoz highlighted more than 160 players who advanced to college baseball and 22 MLB Draft selections, noting that the real reward has always been watching athletes develop beyond high school.
“Not only do they have the skill set to advance, which, for many, isn’t just God-given, but it also tells me they’ve had a purpose, an approach, and, probably most importantly, an unwavering sense of confidence,” said Munoz. “I’ve never seen an athlete rise beyond their self-image. One of our program goals is to develop young men into good people, leaders, husbands, fathers, and community contributors. It’s rewarding to see a strong work ethic pay off and, just as importantly, to see players learn to handle failure and respond to what the game teaches them. Baseball mirrors life.”
Over 12 seasons, Sharpstown soccer coach Greg Boles also built sustained success, guiding his teams to consistent playoff appearances and a 2019 UIL 5A state semifinal run.
Boles said that class and character were the foundation.
“I wanted our program to represent young men who strived for class and character in their lives,” said Boles. “One thing I preached to them over and over again was that you can win or lose in sports, but one thing people can’t take from you is your character. I wanted these young men to be equipped for their next challenge in life.”
Craig Maura, Madison’s longtime boys basketball coach, also leaves behind more than 500 career wins and multiple district and regional titles.
Maura credited culture and accountability, emphasizing that success was built day by day, not annually.
Coaching Beyond the Game
For many of those honored, success was measured not by championships but by decades of mentorship and service to students.
Milby volleyball coach Claudia Cardenas spent 35 years in HISD across several campuses.
Cardenas said the students were the reason she stayed.
“Watching my student-athletes shine both on the court and in life, knowing I played a part in shaping their journey through lessons in the classroom and the discipline of athletics, sustains my spirit,” said Cardenas.
Michael Porter spent 30 years at Northside High School (formerly Davis), teaching and coaching multiple sports, including football, track, and basketball.
Porter said it was about consistency and community.
“I remained at Northside High School because I felt obligated to the community,” said Porter. “I grew up in the area and attended and graduated from Davis High School. I wanted to give back to the school that had given me so many memories and opportunities.”
Burl Jones, who held multiple roles at several HISD schools, reflected on a career spanning football, golf, and athletic coordination.
“Seeing my former athletes become successful after graduation as doctors, lawyers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes,” said Jones. “When they share how I positively impacted their lives and helped shape who they became, knowing I made a difference both on and off the field is the greatest reward of coaching.”
A Legacy That Remains
As the ceremony continued, it became clear that each coach’s career extended far beyond wins and losses. Together, they embodied decades of influence across Houston athletics, shaping athletes who would go on to college programs, professional careers, and life beyond sports.
Theo Young, who served as an athletic coordinator at Austin High School and as a longtime coach with experience at the NFL and collegiate levels, reflected on what the recognition meant after a long career spanning multiple levels of the game.
Young said it was a reminder that impact is not always measured in wins but in people.
“The recognition was great, and doing it with this group was awesome,” said Young. “If you stay in this business long enough, you build strong relationships with students and players. I’ve stayed in touch with a few players, and I’ve had them come by to speak with our players.”
As HISD honored its retiring coaches, the message of the night was clear: While their careers on the sidelines may be ending, their influence will endure through every athlete, classroom, and community they’ve helped shape.
“I remained at Northside High School because I felt obligated to the community… I grew up in the area and attended and graduated from Davis High School. I wanted to give back to the school that had given me so many memories and opportunities.”
Michael Porter
Long after the applause faded, their legacy will remain woven into the fabric of Houston high school athletics.
2025-2026 Retirees
Theo Young (Austin High School athletic coordinator)
Bruce Glover (Bellaire High School head boys basketball coach)
David Munoz (Lamar High School head baseball coach)
Adrain Pickett (Madison High School head baseball coach)
Craig Maura (Madison High School head boys basketball coach)
Claudia Cardenas (Milby High School head volleyball coach)
Michael Porter (Davis aka Northside High School head football coach)
Greg Boles (Sharpstown High School head boys soccer coach)
Andrea Young (Sterling High School head boys basketball coach)
Burl Jones (Sterling High School athletic coordinator)
