Herbert "Diboll" Allen

James Gamble was a star athlete in high school who later attended Los Angeles Junior College and Prairie View on a basketball and track scholarship. He received his B.A. Degree and M.A. Degree from Prairie View and following graduation had an outstanding coaching career. He began in 1957 at 0.J. Thomas High School in Cameron, Texas followed by a stint at Prairie View in 1960. From 1962 to 1988 he compiled an unbelievable record at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur. He won state championships in '84, '86 and '88. When Lincoln dropped down to a 4A school, Coach Gamble won 3-4A state championships, 4 regional titles and 12 bi-district titles, 15 district championships and was voted by his peers as district coach for 8 years.

Not only has he won championships, but Coach Gamble has been the recipient of many honors. In 1976 he was chairperson of the Texas High School Association's selection committee, in 1986 he received the NAACP Award for contributions made to the community. Served as the coach of the South All-stars in 1987, also served on the Texas High School's Advisory Committee in 1977, had his bust in bronze placed in the Lincoln High School Gym, elected to PV's Hall of Honor in 1991, had the 1993 Holiday Classic at Lincoln High named after him and in 1994 the Southwestern Athletic Conference inducted him into the Hall of Fame in Baton Rouge, La. Since retiring in 1988 he has continued to contribute in the community and to athletics by serving as Deacon of 1st and 6th Streets Baptist Church, and Transportation director in the Port Arthur Independent school District. His coaching record for 26 years is 641 wins and only 220 losses.

The TAACA is proud to induct Coach James Gamble into our Hall of Honor.

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