Shelton's Gillen Ties State Wrestling Record For Most Career Wins

Shelton's Pat Gillen made state wrestling history Saturday evening at the New Haven Athletic Center.

The Virginia-bound Gillen earned his 200th victory, enabling him to match the state record for career wins set by Ledyard's T.J. Hepburn from 2004-07 and capture his second straight title in the 215-pound weight class in the New England championships.

Gillen equaled the mark when he pinned Brendan Battles-Santos of Nauset, Mass., with 42 seconds left in third period of his title match.

Gillen, who improved to 49-0 this season, was leading 11-2 at the time.

“I’ve wrestled a lot of strong kids being an upper weight,  so I was able to ‘slick’ him,” Gillen said. “Technique prevailed this time, having more strength to get by ... definitely a good feeling.”

After receiving his championship trophy, Gillen also was awarded the 2011 Most Outstanding Wrestler award.

"Mr. 200" is now headed to the 22nd annual wrestling national wrestling (senior division) championship March 31-April 3 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“I’m going to take a few days off, then hit it again quick,” Gillen said.  “I’ll be over at [Fairfield] Warde working with Coach [Jason] Shaughnessey getting prepared to win. That’s what I’m looking to do.”

Last year in the junior division, he finished seventh, losing to the 215-pound national champ, Joe Stolfi of Pennsylvania, 5-3.

"[My goal at nationals] is to dominate every match," Gillen said. "Take them one at a time, don’t look at the whole bracket, look at my opponent and it get done one-by-one.

“I’ve finished third, fourth and then seventh last year, so I’m definitely trying to go back up.”

Fellow SCC-foe Daniel Hand of Madison came in third overall in the team competition.