SEAN HYLTON

Steve Virgen

Up until his junior year at Costa Mesa High, Sean Hylton was known

primarily as a water polo defender.

They used to call him the “Preying Mantis,” because at 6-foot-7,

and with long arms, he was imposing while playing defense, usually

against the opponents’ top offensive threat.

However, something happened during the summer before his junior

year that allowed him to be more of a versatile player.

While training for the Junior Olympics, Hylton participated in a

shooting drill. His shot was tracked by a radar gun and he had the

fastest shot among the standouts.

“That’s when my coach started using me as an offensive player,

too,” Hylton said.

Still, Hylton never shied away from defensel. His coach, Brian

Kreutzkamp, stressed the importance of defense, so Hylton fit in

perfectly with the Mustangs. And, with Hylton’s adding offensive

production to his defensive skills, Costa Mesa, which also included

Robert Grayeli, who shared MVP honors in the Pacific Coast League

with Hylton in the fall of 1995, became stronger.

In 1995, the Mustangs won the CIF Southern Section Division II

championship with a 12-11 title-game victory over Marina. Hylton

earned first-team All-CIF honors and also played with his younger

brother, Todd, during the playoffs.

“It was absolutely special to win CIF with him,” said Sean, who is

two years older than Todd.

Sean Hylton also competed in swimming at Costa Mesa. In his senior

season, he earned a varsity letter in volleyball, just for fun, he

said.

His athleticism and versatility helped him prolong his career

after high school. He began playing college water polo at USC. Two

years after graduating from Costa Mesa, Hylton, started for the

Trojans, as a redshirt freshman, a rare feat for the program.

Hylton helped guide the Trojans to the Mountain Pacific Sports

Federation tournament title. However, after that season, Hylton

decided to transfer to Pepperdine because he wanted to play under

Coach Terry Schroeder.

Grayeli also played for the Waves. Hylton and Grayeli finished

their college careers together. They remain in touch and Grayeli was

in Hylton’s wedding last June. Jeff Walters and James Comfort, who

also played at Costa Mesa with Hylton, were also in the wedding.

Hylton had to put water polo behind him before marrying his

girlfriend, Sarah. That was easier said than done.

After college, Hylton competed in Australia. He also qualified for

the U.S. men’s national B team in 2002.

“When I played with the U.S. team, I was trying to figure out me,”

said Hylton, the latest honoree of the Daily Pilot Sports Hall of

Fame. “I just came to a conclusion: I had a great run and I just

wanted to focus on getting married and getting started in a career.”

During a break in competition in Australia, Hylton flew back to

California and surprised Sarah. He then proposed to her. They live in

Camarillo, but are planning to move to Simi Valley. Hylton works as

the district manager for a medical device company. He is in charge of

business from northern Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo.