NOTE: Warrenton will open the MSHSAA Championships today at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.A lot of additional pressure fell onto the shoulders of the Warrenton wrestling program, having to host the Class 3 District 2 Tournament on Friday and Saturday.But the Warriors were able to shake the distractions and focus on the task at hand, advancing six competitors through to the MSHSAA Championships.Dan Filipek won his weight class, Dakota Werner finished second, Drake Meine placed third and three others took fourth. Coach Kevin Fowler says his grapplers were clutch during the "bubble matches," which determined the fate of their season."There's a huge amount of pressure on you during that round," said Fowler. "Your season ends or continues, and everybody knows it."Fowler says qualifying six was on the high end of his expectations, and he is very pleased with the outcome, considering Warrenton fielded just nine competitors."We wrestled extremely well," said Fowler. "Our guys didn't let the distractions or pressure get to them."For Werner, the lone senior, this is it. If he doesn't accomplish his goals this weekend, there will be no more opportunities.“My goal is to medal this weekend,” said Werner. “My bracket looks pretty decent, and I'd like to get third or better.”Still being on the team is an accomplishment in itself, as Werner recalls his journey. When he joined the program, he was one of 12 freshman. He is the only one that remains.“I kind of my proud of myself for having the dedication to stick with it,” said Werner. Werner has focused on maximizing his talents this season.“I've gotten my priorities a lot more straight,” said Werner. “I've figured out my best takedowns. I've gotten a lot better at my standing, which is a good thing to have.” Werner's only loss during districts came against defending state champion Chandler Fohey.Meanwhile, Filipek dominated his bracket, earning the Warriors' only individual district title. He has been living in the shadow of his older brother J.J's state championship from last season and believes a title run may be on the horizon for himself."What my brother set was something really hard to beat, but I think winning multiple titles would be really good for the program," said Filipek. "I feel like I've got just as good of shot as anyone else in my bracket."The sophomore is 43-7 heading into state.Drake Meine will have the honor of being the Warriors' first freshman to qualify for state since 2007. His story begins both nine years ago and just six weeks ago.While he has been a part of the little league program for nearly a decade, it was only in early January at the GAC Tournament that Meine first competed on the varsity level.“It's fun because now I can finally get a little more respect on the varsity level,” said Meine. “I was a newbie for a long time.”He had to work his way through wrestlebacks before taking third place at 132 pounds.“I came back through and took what was mine — that I've been working toward for nine years now,” said Meine.Dylan Wade placed fourth at 152 pounds and is excited about his first trip to state. His accomplishment is both about personal and family pride. “I'll be the first Wade to make it to state in any sport, so that drove me,” said Wade.Stamina and finishing strength has been key for Wade during his first complete season after dealing with injuries and other adversities during his freshman and sophomore years.“I think wrestling all three periods is what I'm best at,” said Wade. “Most people really can't last all three periods.” Dominic Kennedy will also be making his first trip to state, competing in the 113-pound bracket. He is keeping his goals modest after a fourth-place finish at districts.“Getting a medal would be awesome, but if I wrestle the hardest I can, I feel like that would be a pretty good accomplishment,” said Kennedy.He is one of the most inexperienced competitors on the team, having wrestled for about six months over the course of the past two seasons.“I feel pretty good considering I'm a sophomore,” said Kennedy. “It's been one of my goals since I started.” Sophomore James Biship also had to persevere through the bubble match round and overcome the pressure that hovered over him after falling just one win shy of a trip to state last year. This time he finished fourth at 138 pounds.“A lot of it was focusing on my takedowns and actually shooting on the guy instead of laying back and letting him control the pace,” said Biship. He says this year he has tried to become more an aggressor on the mat, which has paid dividends.“I'm hoping to actually place, but there are some tough competitors in my bracket,” said Biship.

James Biship is one of six Warrenton wrestlers heading to state.

Bill Barrett photo.