Pearland's Josh Shelton captures gold at state track meet

By Dr. David Davis

May 18, 2026

Pearland's Josh Shelton (center) took first place in the 400 meters at the 6A state track meet with a winning time of 45.86 for the gold medal and to finish ahead of Abram Reagan (46.23) of Austin Lake Travis and James Maverick (47.07) of Cibolo Steele who took silver and bronze respectively.

Only one trackster from Pearland High School qualified for the 2026 Class 6A state track meet this year and that was senior Josh Shelton who will continue his education and track career at Texas A&M University.

Shelton won the 400 meters at the District and Region III track meets to qualify for the state track meet at the Mike A. Myers Track & Soccer Stadium on the University of Texas campus in Austin.

However, he not only qualified to run at the state meet but he had posted the fastest time among all high school runners in the state and nation with a time of 45.21.

"Josh is an exceptional athlete and one of the best that I have ever been around," said Pearland head track coach Dwayne Evans. "He has worked extremely hard to get to where he is today and this hard work has awarded him the opportunity to get a scholarship to Texas A&M University.

"He broke his own school record at regionals, and we were excited to watch Josh represent himself, his family, this school, and community at the state meet."

Shelton certainly made everyone proud as he took first place in the 400 meters at the 6A state track meet with a winning time of 45.86 for the gold medal and to finish ahead of Abram Reagan (46.23) of Austin Lake Travis and James Maverick (47.07) of Cibolo Steele who took silver and bronze respectively.