Entering the Warrenton Invitational, Zach Kowalik wasn’t zoned in on crossing the finish line first.

Instead, the Wright City junior wanted to gauge himself against a fellow competitor he was yet to face this season.

Kowalik had beaten Bowling Green’s Brian Buchmeier only once prior to Friday — at the 2009 MSHSAA Championships.

“I was really wanting to go against the Bowling Green kid to see where I was at,” said Kowalik.

So when he came racing in ahead of his Eastern Missouri Conference foe, Kowalik felt confident about his physical ability at this point in the season. It reassured him that he is likely on the track for a repeat trip to state after finishing sixth in Class 2 last season.

Kowalik finished behind Holt’s Kenny Cushing on Friday, placing second on Warrenton’s newly designed course. Cushing completed the race in 17:11, while Kowalik clocked a 17:23.

“He’s been running really well,” said Coach Sue Wright. “He’s got those long legs, and he utilizes them.”

Kowalik says he tested Buchmeier for a while, waiting to see if he’d try to pass him. But Wright City’s No. 1 runner eventually separated himself from the field.

“I’ve managed to improve on all my times from last year,” said Kowalik. “I think I’m a little bit stronger this season.”

Wright says Kowalik has shown consistent strength throughout his races, staying healthy and pacing himself wisely.

“He’s running much better at his time than he was last year,” said Wright. “Right now he’s running extremely comfortable.”

He wasn’t the only Wildcat runner to have a successful outing. Wright took a full crew of five varsity runners, which finished seventh out of 11 teams.

Senior Brandon Pruitt finished 18th with a time of 19:01.

Senior Erik Hunter rose into a third-place spot for the team, which has been inconsistent throughout the season. He finished 45th overall, running a 20:50.

“On any given day I have someone different who is that third or fourth kid on the team,” said Wright. “We need to concentrate on all us having our best meet on the same day.”

Freshman Brendan Gierer continued to improve on his times during his inaugural varsity season, turning a 21:03.

Senior Eric Smurl placed 51st with a mark of 21:24, while Rico Zaldivar finished the course in 21:55.

Wright City had just one varsity representative on the girls’ side, as senior Rebecca Brown finished 18th with a 22:26.

“She’s just now getting back into somewhat of running shape,” said Wright. “I think the heat may have gotten to her a little bit.”

Wright also placed runners in each of the junior varsity races. Zach Murri ran the course in 20:51 to finish 12th. Gary Meyer completed the race in 21:26. Jackson Bruening turned in a time of 24:20, and Devin Kiser finished in 25:57.

In the girls’ JV race, Kaitlyn Karney placed 10th with a 25:13, while Loren Prather clocked a 31:43.

“We’ve done better in every meet that we’ve raced, and that’s what counts,” said Wright.