Two of the most iconic figures in Texas high school football history, Tom Nolen and Ray Seals, were honored as 2025 inductees into the Houston ISD Athletics Hall of Honor.
With a combined 600 victories, 79 years of coaching service and legacies that have shaped generations of athletes, the legendary coaches were celebrated during a special ceremony August 9th 2025 at Delmar Fieldhouse, cementing their place among Houston’s all-time greats.
“Made me feel really good to get this nomination, this is really nice,” said Nolen.
A Houston native, Nolen graduated from Marian Christian High School before continuing his education at Sam Houston State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He began his coaching career at St. Michael’s School in 1967, then moved to Strake Jesuit in 1968 as an assistant head coach. There, he collected 57 wins and two league championships before taking over Lamar High School’s football program in 1985.
At Lamar, Nolen built one of the city’s most dominant programs, winning 308 games and 20 district championships, including eight straight to end his career. His 307 UIL victories remain a Houston-area record, standing 88 wins ahead of Katy’s Gary Joseph, who currently sits at 276.
“Gary is a good guy, he will probably pass me someday, but you know, you just gotta do it long enough,” said Nolen. “Thirty-three years, I think we won 308 games, so if you hang around a while, you’re going to do it.”
In 2012, he led Lamar to the 6A state championship, falling to Allen before a crowd of 48,000. That same year, he was named Touchdown Club of Houston Coach of the Year. He retired from Lamar in 2018.
Nolen credits his longevity and consistency to the people around him.
“I just had good players and good coaches throughout the years,” said Nolen.
One of those players was defensive back Chris Boykins, who remembers Nolen as a demanding but deeply impactful leader.
“Coach Nolen’s coaching style was old-school, no-nonsense, disciplinary,” said Boykins. “Once he got mad, he would stomp the ground to let the world know that he was upset. Then he would stare with a blank look on his face and we all knew to stay away.”
Behind that tough exterior, Nolen was a mentor.
“He was a father-figure and a mentor to us all, a true leader,” said Boykins.
The culture he instilled at Lamar centered on discipline, accountability and respect.
“Be on time, be ready, work hard, be polite and respect others,” said Boykins. “Always answer with yes, sir, or no, sir, be accountable and put in full effort. He taught us to be winners.”
While Nolen’s impact shaped Lamar, Seals left a generational mark at Madison High School and beyond. His coaching philosophy was rooted in both discipline and compassion.
“Coach Seals deeply cared about us as people, not just as athletes,” said Moran Norris, a former Madison player who went on to the NFL. “He knew the game inside and out, but he also knew our families, our struggles and our dreams. He had a way of holding you accountable while also making you believe in yourself, even when you doubted your own abilities. That balance of toughness and genuine care is rare and it made all the difference.”
For Seals, it was never about recognition.
“I was never one who wanted to be in the spotlight,” said Seals. “What I did was for the love of kids and to make a difference in their lives. I tried to teach them to be humble and to use their talent to benefit others. I was proud to be recognized with Tom Nolen. I think we shared the same philosophy of coaching. I really appreciate this honor and will cherish this day. I give God the praise for it all!”
Born in Bellville, Texas, Seals was a standout athlete who led his high school teams to state titles in both football and track. At Prairie View A&M University, he helped secure two national championships and was named an All-American running back in 1964 before being drafted by the Houston Oilers.
Seals dedicated 46 years to Houston ISD, coaching at Attucks, Woodson, Sterling, Milby, Houston High and M.C. Williams before finding his home at Madison High School. Over 23 seasons as Madison’s head coach, he built one of HISD’s most respected football programs.
“I coached at Madison for over 25 years,” said Seals. “We became a family and that is what we wanted our students to invest in. My coaching staff bought into my vision of building character and integrity into our young men and women. We had to show them what that looked like and the kids eventually understood what we were teaching them. Many of them needed a father figure, so we became what they needed.”
Seals finished his career with 212 victories, 21 playoff appearances, 10 HISD Coach of the Year awards and in 2008 became the inaugural Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year. University of Texas legend Vince Young, among his most notable players, starred under Seals at Madison in the early 2000s.
“Coach Seals didn’t just teach me how to play the game; he taught me how to approach life,” said Norris. “He pushed me to give my best every day, showing me the value of discipline, preparation and resilience.”
Seals instilled lessons that went far beyond football.
“He made it clear that the habits you build in the locker room follow you into the real world,” said Norris. “Because of him, I learned that being a great player means nothing if you’re not also striving to be a great person.”
Together, Nolen and Seals combined for more than 600 wins, 79 years of service and immeasurable impact on players, programs and communities across Houston.
“Besides winning a ton of games, Coach Nolen and Coach Seals not only impacted the players they coached, but they also impacted the communities they served, this State and the nation,” said Andre Walker, HISD Athletic Director. “Look at the awards they received. They are both well-known far beyond the city of Houston because of the legacies they built through players and coaches alike. They set a high standard for all of us to follow.”
Now retired, both men reflected on what the recognition meant after decades of sacrifice and service.
“It means everything,” said Nolen. “Like I said, it was fun seeing all the old players and old coaches here today more than anything.”
“It means that I have not been forgotten for the work I have done in the lives of the young men and women in HISD,” said Seals. Being in education for over 45 years has shown my dedication and commitment to educating the youth. The real honors for me are when these young men and women that I have coached over the years come back and tell me that what I have taught them has made a positive difference in their lives.”
