Nearing the most pivotal point of what is setting up to be a historic season, the Warrenton wrestling team has set some lefty goals. The Warriors improved to 25-5 with wins over Hannibal and Westminster last Thursday. They will enter the district tournament at Timberland on Friday and Saturday. Coach Kevin Fowler says the team expects to substantially improve upon its number of state qualifiers from last season. "We're going to take 14," said Fowler. "That's just the mindset you have to have. We got out there to win every match. It may not happen, but you have to have that attitude." Fowler is looking for the entire team to finish among the top four at districts. While a few weight classes might be in question due to inexperience on the varsity level, Warrenton could be traveling in mass to Columbia for the MSHSAA Championships on Feb. 18. "It'll be a good district tournament," said Fowler. "There's a lot of tough kids. There's five teams - Timberland, Hannibal, Zumwalt North, Zumwalt East and ourselves - that have worked each other over." Fowler expects there to be some guarantees. Several Warrior grapplers have lingered in the Top 10 throughout the season. Senior Zach Schall remains unbeaten and is ranked No. 1 in the state at 112 pounds. He will be looking for his fourth trip to the state meet. Seniors Steven Wallace at 135 pounds and 189-pounder John Meyer are also looking to make a return to Columbia, as is junior heavyweight Reece Berry. But the Warriors have a coule of dominant performers who have been flying under the radar. Senior Jake DeClue has been wrestling at both 145 and 152 pounds. He will competing in the 145-pound class at districts. Junior Will Filipek is ranked fifth at 215 pounds heading into districts. He acknowledges having improved drastically since last season. One of Filipek's concerns earlier in the season was his level of conditioing. Many of his matches in December and January ended by fall in the first period. He hadn't been tested to go a full three periods until more recently. "I think my endurance has gotten better since last year and the beginning of this year," said Filipek. "Last year I really didn't even come close, but this year I should have a shot." Filipek's stamina was put to the test on Thursday, as he was forced to go three periods against one opponent and into overtime against another. "Tonight he went two full matches and then some against quality kids," said Fowler. "He's definitely went the distance a lot more here lately. It's good for him. He's taken some losses, but those will pay off in the short term. He'll see the benefits real quick." Fowler also anticipates Berry will have to be at his best during the district meet. He split matches versus two district competitors on Thursday. And then there are plenty of guys who could play a spoiler role, according to Fowler. Junior Travis Doyle has fully recovered from a football injury to secure the 140-pound job. "Doyle has improved tremendously," said Fowler. "He's had good workout partners, going in there against Wallace and DeClue everyday." Sophomore Anthony Dewey has showcased early success at 125 pounds. "Dewey is the same way. He gets to wrestle with Schall and (Sean) Daven. I expect Daven to make his first trip to the state tournament," added Fowler. Freshman Ryan Sherry has produced better results at 103 pounds as the season has unfolded. "Ryan has been wrestling excellent the last couple times he has taken the mat," said Fowler. "We're looking for big things from him. I think he could really surprise some people." The greatest team concern approaching districts is health. Midseason injuries sidelined a pair of the Warriors most successful wrestlers. But Wallace and Meyer, who both suffered broken hands, have since returned to the mats in winning form. "I think in general we're pretty healthy now," said Fowler. "That's all that matters going into districts."