Some information from Shelton wrestling coach Bill Maloney:

Shelton senior Pat Gillen, a four-time NHSCA All-American, is looking to become the first Connecticut wrestler to win a NHSCA Senior National title. Only two other state wrestlers have earned a spot in the senior finals – Windham High’s James Poulin at 275 pounds in 1991 and Hand’s Jim Guzzio at 130 in 1992. Both finished second.

Ledyard’s T.J. Hepburn is the only Connecticut wrestler to win a NHSCA national championship when he won a Junior National title at 135 pounds in 2006.

Gillen advanced to the championship final at 215 pounds at the national wrestling tournament after an impressive performance Saturday at Virginia Beach, Va. Gillen earned a major decision over Darren Hankins of Virginia, 15-7, to earn a spot in the finals, which will be held today at 5 p.m. Earlier in the day, Gillen pinned Blake Bean of Kansas at 2:41. Gillen will face Nick Gwiadowski of New York for the championship. Gillen is currently 53-0 on the season and has a career record 204-14.