Shelton senior Pat Gillen was pinned by Nick Gwiazdowsk of New York at 4:57 in the 215-pound division at the national tournament, held Sunday at Virginia Beach, VA.

Gillen finishes his career as a four-time All-American and four-time Academic All-American. He went 53-1 this year and 204-15 in his career. He set the state record for career wins at the national tournament. Gillen was a four-time Register All-Area selection and a two-time MVP.

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.

Shelton senior Pat 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.

Shelton senior wrestler Pat Gillen set the state record for career wins when he recorded his 201st during the NHSCA Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach on Friday. Gillen claimed the top spot after a pin over Brandon Lustgarten of FL in 35 seconds in his first match. Gillen's victory surpasses former Ledyard standout TJ Hepburn's mark of 200 wins. Gillen will face Michael Chapman of GA in the Round of 16 starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. For brackets and results, click here.

Shelton senior Pat Gillen defeated Brendan Battles-Santos from Nauset, Mass. by technical fall in the third period to win the championship at 215 pounds.
The victory marked career win No. 200 for Gillen, which tied Ledyard’s T.J. Hepburn for the state record.
Hepburn accomplished the feat from 2004-2007.
Gillen can set the record at the national tournament, which will be held later this month.
Hand junior Joe Demichele won his first New England title after emerging with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ben Tammany of Timberlane, N.H. in triple overtime at 285.

Four local wrestlers have advanced to the championship final of the New England Wrestling tournament Saturday at the New Haven Athletic Center. They are:


130: Ed Carroll, Hand
160: Dillon Carter, Hale-Ray
215: Pat Gillen, Shelton
285: Joe Demichele, Hand

Finals are expected to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Hand placed second behind Bacon Academy at the State Open Saturday. Bacon prevailed by the score of 98-91.

Hand's Ed Carroll (130) and Joe Demichele (285) both won titles. Shelton's Pat Gillen won his second straight Open crown at 215.

To view complete results, click here.