Warrenton junior Will Filipek has never experienced the state wrestling meet in person - not even as a spectator. The 215-pound grappler will get his initiation this Thursday, as he makes his debut at Mizzou Arena. "This will be a new experience, because I've never been to a state meet in my life," said Filipek. "I've seen video of it on YouTube, but that's it." He's heard the pinnacle event can be overwhelming for a first-timer, but with the company of six of his teammates, Filipek isn't too concerned. The Warriors will send seven wrestlers to the Class 3 MSHSAA Championships this weekend. First round action begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Among those seven are all four returning qualifiers from 2009. Three newcomers, including Filipek, also look to leave their mark on the state level. Warrenton's only returning medalist is senior Zach Schall, who finished fourth at 112 pounds last season. He has the most state experience among his teammates, having qualified all four years. Schall enters the final meet of his prep career at 36-0, ranked first in the state at 112 pounds. Each of the three grapplers who finished ahead of him at last year's competition have either graduated or moved to another weight class. "This weekend coming up is what we've been waiting for all year with Zach," said Fowler. "He's going to get his test, and his upcoming goal begins this Thursday." Schall, a No. 1 seed, awaits a first-round match against Caleb Schuck (25-18) of Willard. "It helps to face the No. 4 seed in my first match," said Schall. "I'm not going to settle for anything less, because all the guys in front of me are now gone." "I'm sure knowing everybody that was ahead in his class is now gone helps his mental focus going in," added Fowler. "If he just enters in the right mindset, he'll be fine." Junior Sean Daven, now 28-9, will be making his first appearance at the state meet as a No. 1 seed. "We told Daven all along to take advantage of this year, because he had the chance to work out against one of the best in the state. He ought to be proud as a district champion in just his third year of wrestling," said Fowler. Daven will open against Andy Broeder (26-16) of Washington in the 119-pound bracket. "This season has been good," said Daven. "There's been times I could have done better. But it's good compared to last year, because I went 0-2 (at districts). I'm excited about making the trip to state. "I'm aiming straight for a medal this year." Senior Steven Wallace is making his second trip to state, also having qualified last season. He enters as a No. 2 seed against Dylan Henley (28-11) of Rockwood Summit. Wallace (30-4) has overcome both hand and shoulder injuries late in the season. "Steven had a great comeback this week from his hand injury," said Fowler. "I was proud of him for beating (Jake) Hawks in semis. I know he's focused on achieving his ultimate goal this weekend." Jake DeClue's year of firsts continued on Saturday, as he locked down the No. 1 seed entering his inaugural trip to state. DeClue felt like he didn't have a fair chance to prove himself last season, battling a shoulder injury for much of the season. During his senior campaign he won both a conference and district title and is on track to achieve even loftier goals. "This season feels like it's gone by so fast," said DeClue. "I've been tearing down milestones for myself. I set goals for myself this year, and there hasn't been one that I haven't hit. My next one is to be a state champion. If I can do that, it will end my career on a perfect note." DeClue carries a 35-2 mark into the 145-pound field of 16 state competitors. He will open against Dakota Stanart (36-11) of Raytown. "Coach always says if you want to be remembered, you have to get your name on the wall, which means you medaled at state," said DeClue. Senior John Meyer (25-1) looks to continue his dominating campaign in the 189-pound bracket. Meyer pinned all four of his district opponents in the first period, locking up a district title and No. 1 seed. He will open on Thursday against Nelson Horton (21-22) of Carthage. "I think it comes down to this - I'm going to have to wrestle the best to be the best, so I don't care who I have to wrestle. As long as they keep coming at me, I'm going to keep beating them." Filipek enters the 215-pound bracket as a No. 2 seed. He will open against another first-time, Jordan Moffett (33-10) of McDonald County. "I'm looking forward to seeing the caliber of all the wrestlers there," said Filipek. "One thing I'm not looking forward to is all the third periods I'm could be faced with." Junior Reece Berry (33-7) will be making his second consecutive appearance, again sporting a No. 3 seed. The heavyweight will open against Trey Grovenor (41-7) of Cape Central. "I'm real excited," said Berry. "I had a few doubts, because the Hannibal kid beat me before, and I wasn't wrestling up to par today. I really needed to beat that kid (in the third-place match), because it's make a lot of difference at state."