College athletes from Warren County have begun reporting back to their respective schools in preparation for the fall season.Warrenton and Wright City will have representation in several sports, both male and female. Many of them will even meet one another on the field of play.A few are hoping to earn the respect of their teammates as incoming freshmen, while others are vying for starting roles.Among them is Missouri Western State University quarterback T.J. Lafaver, a 2013 Warrenton graduate. He is vying for a starting role as a sophomore, with last year’s starter having graduated.Another member of that 2013 class, Devin Ray, has earned a spot on the Lindenwood University team as a wide receiver.Warrenton graduate Austin Black is entering his sophomore season with the Southeast Missouri State football team. Black has made several position moves during his career, fluctuating weights in the process. This year he is listed as a defensive end.Additionally, Warrenton graduate and all-time leading passer Scott Lathrop is preparing to play quarterback for Missouri Southern University.On the younger front, Warrenton 2014 graduate Eddie Sanchez is entering his first year as a member of the inagural Missouri Baptist football team.Wright City has several graduates continuing their careers on the gridiron as well.All-time leading rusher Trent Davis is heading into his junior season at Emporia State University. Davis saw limited action last season, rushing for a career high 75 yards on seven carries against Truman State.His former teammate Wyatt Mohrmann is now playing on the offensive line at Lindenwood.Meanwhile, Wright City graduate Nathan Robison is entering his sophomore season as a kicker at Central Methodist University.OFF THE GRIDIRONAside from football, cross country and softball have been points of success for local high schools.Warrenton graduate Emily Mauch is entering her junior season a distance runner for Maryville University, where she has improved her time drastically. Mauch recorded a personal-best of 19:14 last fall at the UW-Parkside Rosa Open.Former Wright City runner Kaitlin Karney is a member of both the cross country and track teams at Central Methodist.Cody Klemp will be joining her at CMU, as a member of the mens cross country team.On the softball diamond, Kerri Cunningham returns for her senior season at Missouri State University. Last season she batted .325 and recorded 49 hits — second best on the team. She also scored 33 runs.Warrenton 2013 graduate and all-state infielder Jennah Garrison will continue her softball career at East Central College this fall.DAVISDerrick Forsythe photo.