Shelton stadium is named after legendary Hays High School football coach Bob Shelton, who, until his retirement in 2010, was the only head coach ever for the Rebels. He began coaching at Hays High School when it formed in 1968 and was head coach at Buda High School for four years prior to that. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest tenured high school football coach at the same school in Texas.

The stadium was named in Shelton’s honor in 1996. That year, Shelton led Hays High School to the Class 4A Division I state championship game. In 1997, Shelton was selected to receive the Tom Landry Award, and was chosen as the 4A Coach of the Year by the Texas Sportswriters’ Association. In 2002, Shelton was named to the Hall of Honor of the Texas High School Football Coaches Association. In 2003, Coach Shelton was named a National Federation of State High School Associations State Coach of the Year. His career record is 507 games coached, including more than 300 wins. Fewer than 10 coaches in Texas history can claim a longer or better record. One of his career highlights is a 23-year non-losing season streak.

More important than the numbers and the awards is the impact Coach Shelton has had on the community and his students. His character and leadership is unquestioned.

Bob Shelton photo courtesy of the Hays Free Press, by Mary Stone 2014.