For the first time in its history, the Shelton boys swimming team sent someone to State Open. In fact, Shelton sent a swimmer and two divers to finish tied for 41st place with 20 points at Yale University in the 55-team field.
“I’m very, very proud of them,” Gaels coach James Allan said. “They worked very hard, challenged themselves and worked together as a team.”
Sophomore Matt Hellauer scored 60 percent of the team’s points by taking 18th place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:50.30 and 21st place in the 200-yard freestyle (1:49.12).
Hellauer scored seven points in the 500-free and five in the 200-free.
“This was my long term goal of the season and I just wanted to swim my best time,” Hellauer said. “I was close to it and I was happy.”
Hellauer hopes to build on his success.
“I’m happy with my season and I hope to come back stronger next year,” Hellauer said.
Shelton received its remaining points in diving. Junior David Stein (334.50) took 19th place.
“I actually feel relieved to make it because I felt pressure to make it here and I’m proud of my success,” Stein said.
He’s confident that the best is yet to come from him next year.
“I’m very pleased with what I did this year and I hope to break my record next year,” Stein said.
Stein’s younger brother, freshman Joe Stein (314.45), took 22nd place.
“I was happy to come here with all the talent and compete and I had fun,” Joe Stein said.
The younger Stein has three more years with the Gaels and plans on building on his success.
“I didn’t expect to make it to Opens and it was a nice surprise,” Stein said. “I hope to get back to Opens and do a little better next year.”
Shelton is confident that this only the beginning of its success under Allan, who completed his first year as head coach. He was an assistant for three years before his ascension.
“This is just a staging area for next year,” Allan said. “We’re going to gain more than we lose next year.”
