The Warrenton wrestling team graduated four of its seven state qualifiers from a milestone 2010 campaign, during which it captured the school’s first district wrestling title. The odds of defending that team title are likely slim, due to the Warriors’ lack of depth at certain weights this season. But the Warriors took the worst of blows recently when their most proven competitor suffered a season-ending injury. Senior Will Filipek finished third among Missouri’s Class 3 wrestlers in the 215-pound division last winter but was forced to call it quits after tearing his meniscus against Rock Bridge. “It hurts not having Will in the tournament,” said coach Kevin Fowler. “That’s a big hit not only at the district tournament but at state. He usually gives us 30 points.” This season Filipek engineered a 16-3 record. “You have to step back and re-evaluate what your team goals are at the district and state tournaments,” said Fowler. With the district tournament this weekend, Fowler believes his team can send several on to the state meet. “There’s five guys going into the tournament that I believe will be expected to make it through on paper,” said Fowler. “On a good day. I think we’re looking at five to seven overall, depending on how things shake out.” Of the three remaining state qualifiers from 2010, two of them appear on track for another trip to Columbia. “I knew a lot of people would not be expecting us to do as well,” said Fowler. “We had the talent, but it was just a developmental year as far as how many kids would come back more improved.” Senior Reece Berry has managed to make up for lost time from earlier in the season, making the most of his minutes on the mats during recent tournaments. He is currently ranked 10th in Class 3 and carries a 15-6 record into the district meet. “The main thing for him was being able to get a lot of matches under his belt,” said Fowler. “I think he’s gotten smarter in his strategy as a wrestler ... I’ve been real pleased with how he’s come along.” Senior Sean Daven has been a steady competitor in the 130-pound class and is sporting a 29-7 mark and ranked ninth in Class 3 at the conclusion of the regular season. “If Daven goes in and wrestles well, he’s going to be one of the favorites in that weight class,” said Fowler. Fowler is optimistic about the chances of several competitors making their first-time trips to the MSHSAA Championships. Junior Travis Doyle and sophomore J.J. Filipek were practically unknowns on the varsity level a year ago, spending most of their mat time on the lower ranks. But the two have emerged as finalists during the bulk of Warrenton’s tournaments, gradually gaining state recognition. “I knew J.J. and Doyle would be better,” asserted Fowler. With the Warriors having more than one capable competitor at 171 pounds, Doyle has had to compete for his mat time. He and senior Justin Greene compete in “wrestle offs” during practice for the rights to represent Warrenton in tournament or dual action. The loser typically ends up having to step up a weight and wrestle in the 189-pound class. Doyle finished the regular season at 26-10, climbing into the state rankings. “171 is kind of still up in the air,” said Fowler. “No matter who is at 171, I would expect they’d have a better than average chance to make it through.” J.J. Filipek has been a constant presence in the 160-pound class, amassing a 29-8 record. Fowler says the sophomore’s level of improvement has been impressive. “J.J. is very capable of making it through,” said Fowler. Fowler also anticipates sophomore Ryan Sherry should finish among the top four at the district meet, paving the way for his first trip the MSHSAA Championships. Sherry has established a 28-3 record competing in the 103-pound class as a more of a finesse, technique-based grappler. Fowler says it will be key for Sherry to avoid submitting to his opponents’ style of match and maintain control on the mats. While injury limited him in the early going and he has often had to wrestle up a class, Greene also faces the possibility of advancing to state. He nearly accomplished the feat last season, during his first year of varsity competition, but unforeseen circumstances set him back during districts. Greene was one match away from qualifying for state when he tore his miniscus, eventually forcing him to exit the competition. Junior Chris Schall recently returned from an elbow injury and will attempt to reach the MSHSAA Championships during his first season on the team. Schall had managed 12-9 mark at 112 pounds prior to the injury. Junior Joel Eversmeyer has gained varsity experience at 140 pounds, going 5-14.