When Drake Wagner moved to Warrenton during the middle of his freshman year, he wasn’t sure what to expect.How would he fit in?He had been an emerging track star during junior high at Hannibal, but how competitive would he be in his new setting?Three years later, the numbers and hardware tell the story.Fresh off graduation and eagerly anticipating a return to state this weekend, Wagner has become one of the most accomplished track athletes in the history of the program.And he has achieved this in just two seasons, after sitting out of sports his sophomore year.Last spring he helped both the 400- and 800-meter relay teams reach the MSHSAA Championships. This year he will again accompany the 800-meter relay crew, while also competing in the 200-meter race after winning the open event at sectionals.Wagner currently holds the school record in the 200-meter at 22.32 seconds. On Saturday he recorded a 22.55-second finish.This past fall Wagner was also a part of the Warrenton football team, although a back injury kept him sidelined much of the time. He rushed for 219 yards on 50 carries, scoring three touchdowns. Wagner also caught three passes for 53 yards and a score.While the bulk of his success has come on the track, he actually isn’t all that fond of running. Wagner instead endeavors to eventually play college football.He plans to attend St. Charles Community College during his first year, before transferring to join a gridiron program, perhaps at Missouri Baptist.Q: Did you ever imagine you’d have this big of an impact on the Warrenton track program when you moved?“When I first started track, I didn’t know if I’d make varsity or not. Going into the first day of practices, I definitely didn’t expect to be going to state or breaking these records like I am.”Q: Who is the funniest member of the relay team?“Probably Justin (Mc Broom), because he says some goofy stuff and jokes around with anyone he can. Justin and I always pick on Carlos and Jordon.”Q: What race-day routines does the relay team have?“We always do a breakdown with the baton before and after every race.”Q: What strategies do you use when sprinting?“I try to get a 10 to 15 meter hard starting sprint out of the blocks. Then I slow down on the curve. I’ll usually trail until the last 50 to 75 meters when I kick in my finishing sprint.”Q: When did you first realize the open 200-meter was your signature race?“Probably in practice before our first medal meet. I didn’t have the acceleration, but I could keep my endurance up for the 200.”Q: What did you take away from your senior football season?“That’s the first time I’ve been able to work in a real team sport setting since ninth grade. I liked it a lot more than track. Track is boring compared to football, because in football you constantly push yourself. In track you run a race then wait around.”Q: What was it like finishing your football season against your former school at Hannibal?“I wish I would have been 100 percent to play a lot more. My back kept me out for most of it. It was fun to see my friends, but I wish we had beaten them. That would have made it more memorable.”Q: What do you hope to accomplish this weekend at state?“I want our relay team to place in the Top 3, and I want to medal anywhere in the 200. I definitely want two state medals.”Q: You mentioned an interest in lacrosse. How did that begin?“I saw it on TV one day, and started watching it because it’s so crazy. They put their bodies through so much from getting hit by each other and with sticks.”Q: How would you describe your personality?“I’m kind of shy when you first meet me. But then I’m real competitive, even in P.E. or team sports.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“My mom. She didn’t make it to a lot of meets, because she always has to work. But she was always the first person who called after my races, and she was the first one I called when I broke the record.”Q: What has been the best part about moving to Warrenton?“Meeting all my new friends and my girlfriend.”Q: What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from sports?“Definitely to work harder than your competitor. That’s the biggest motivation in sports. We’ve been a lot more serious in track this season and are working a lot harder.”Favorite Class: “Klostermann’s History class.”Favorite Food: “Chinese food.”Favorite Restaurant: “Concettas Italian.”Favorite TV Show: “Dual Survival.”Favorite Movie: “This is the End.”Favorite Musician: “J Cole.”— Compiled by Derrick Forsythe,Record Sports EditorATHLETE OF THE MONTHDerrick Forsythe Photo.