Shelton's Gillen Wins State Open Wrestling Title At 215-Pound Division

There may be nothing that can stand in the way of Shelton's Pat Gillen before he completes his mission to become the winningest high school wrestler in Connecticut state history.

Gillen captured his second straight state Open championship Saturday in the 215-pound division, pinning Xavier's Sean Marinan a minute into their gold medal match at the New Haven Athletic Center.

Gillen improved to 45-0 this year and upped his career mark to 196-14, leaving him four wins away from equaling the state record set by Ledyard's T.J. Hepburn from 2004-07.

The Shelton senior can match Hepburn's mark next week, when he looks to defend his title in the New England championships, also in New Haven.

Colchester's Bacon Academy won the team competition (98.0 points), followed by Hand (91.0) and New Milford (88.0).  Shelton finished 10th with 47.5 points.