Entering the day, it wasn’t even a concern.Coach Steve McDowell had given very little thought to the possibility of his team finishing among the top of the standings.The focus of the Warrenton boys track team was on advancing as individuals, but a cumulative effort resulted in the Warriors capturing their first-ever district title.“I didn’t even give it any consideration,” acknowledged McDowell. “I knew we were going to compete very well, but that was just the icing on the cake.”After a letdown at the GAC meet, Saturday’s finish was a pleasant surprise.“Not winning conference was a downer, because it had been a goal of ours, so coming out on top at districts was a great feeling,” explained sophomore sprinter Justin McBroom.Three first-place finishes helped Warrenton edge Hallsville by 1.5 points, as the Warriors advanced to sectionals in eight events.“We were able to contribute all over the place, and that’s been the story all year,” said McDowell.Much as they have all season, the sprinters carried the Warriors in four events, and junior Jordon Washington was involved at every turn.He won the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.91 seconds and finished third in the open 200-meter at 22.68 seconds.“He went in and took care of business,” asserted McDowell.Washington is expected to be seeded first in the 100-meter race heading into sectionals.He, along with Carlos Lopez, McBroom and Drake Wagner, also helped guide the 400- and 800-meter relay teams to first-place finishes.“It’s great to have another shot at state,” said Wagner. “I think we can still get a little bit faster on our times between now and then.”The Warriors recorded a time of 44.25 seconds in the 400-meter race, while 1:31.34 in the 800-meter relay.“I told them, ‘just take care of the stick,’ because we are a little bit faster than the other teams,” said McDowell. “Our handoffs ended up being pretty smooth.”Based on times from the other teams heading into the Class 3 sectional meet at Troy High School on Saturday, both of those marks should be sufficient for Warrenton to make a return to state.“We’ve got ourselves in pretty good position to be in the Top 4,” said McDowell. “It’s going to come down to our handoffs being clean and crisp again.”Wagner will be making a return to sectionals in the 200-meter race after finishing second with a time of 22.68 seconds.“Jordon and I both have a good chance of placing in state for our open events,” said Wagner, who says he wasn’t feeling well last Saturday and looks to avenge his runner-up finish.Senior Brian Lanigan continued his success in the triple jump, clearing 42 feet, 1.75 inches to place second and advance.“He had another awesome day,” said McDowell. “He’s fairing very well also and has a great opportunity this Saturday.Lanigan also competed in the long jump, but his best jump was only good enough for seventh.“He does a great job of coming up with team points for us,” added McDowell.Setting a new precedent for the Warriors in what has proven to be an emerging event this season, Warrenton is sending two pole vaulters on to the next round.Juniors Jared Kilpack and Caleb Hodgson placed second and third, respectively. Each cleared 12 feet, 3 inches.“To be able to get two of them to make it on to sectionals is an awesome accomplishment,” said McDowell. “They’ve both worked very hard to achieve what they have.”The duo is vying to become the first Warrenton pole vaulters to reach the state meet since 2007.But the Warriors’ team title wasn’t limited to the success of seven athletes. Several others finished among the Top 8, meaning they contributed points despite not qualifying for the next round.“Even some of those who didn’t qualify brought us some points in different areas,” said McDowell. “And we had second and third in a couple of events.”WAGNER LEADS WARRIORSDerrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor