The thought of competing in sports at the collegiate level was at best a blip on the radar for Brittany McPike.She had been one of the most relied-upon, committed athletes in her school since her freshman year, but the recent Wright City graduate never considered herself qualified to compete in college.“I didn’t think I was going to go anywhere for track because I didn’t progress until very late in the season,” said McPike.But the transformation was so extreme that it piqued her curiosity.“The fact I improved so much gave me the confidence to attempt to further my athletic career,” said McPike, who contacted a friend to inquire about the program at her school of choice, Missouri State University in Springfield.Warrenton graduate Melanie Raterman was the lone female thrower on the Bears’ track team last season, and she encouraged McPike to join the program.“Whenever we threw in high school she was really good, and I was mediocre,” said McPike.But a change to McPike’s technique weeks before districts catapulted her all the way to a Class 3 state medal in the discus throw.“We worked on her spin, release and starting point,” said Wright City Coach Fred Ross. “We opened her up on the spin, which got her to throwing the first sector to the right side.”McPike ended up winning the sectional meet, where she threw a personal-best distance of 121 feet, 11 inches.“It got me thinking, wow, maybe I could actually do this,” said McPike.The coaching staff at Missouri State was excited to learn of McPike’s interest, especially considering a desire to grow the program.“They think I could grow with this team,” said McPike, who will likely throw the hammer and weight as well.“The hardest part of her going to the next level is the weight-training aspect,” acknowleged Ross. “The footwork and momentum is similar, so I think she’ll adjust to that.”Ross coached McPike in three sports — softball, basketball and track — during which she was a four-year contributor.“I’m very proud of her as a four-year leader,” said Ross. “She’s one of the few girls we’ve had to do varsity sports in three sports for four years. She made herself a better athlete by just listening and working hard.”McPike will become the first Division I athlete out of Wright City since softball player Danielle Brinkmann committed to Creighton in 2009. She will be joining several other incoming freshmen in hopes of providing depth to the team.“It’s good for Wright City to get a Division I athlete,” said Ross. “That’s quite an accomplishment for herself and the school.”McPike is still undecided on her major.“I am so excited,” said McPike. “I’m still in a little shock phase, because I never thought I would continue my athletic career, let alone become a Division I athlete.”CHANGING COURSEDerrick Forsythe photo.