Limited numbers have long been an obstacle for coaches at Warrenton. The same could be said for the wrestling program this season, but Coach Kevin Fowler is concerning himself more with maximizing the talent he does have on the mats. “One positive is we should be able to get a lot of coaching and these guys should develop more,” said Fowler. “Smaller numbers mean more individual attention.” The program is coming off a season in which it boasted the school's first-ever state champion, J.J. Filipek. With the just one returning state qualifier in the mix, there is plenty of opportunity for improvement and for new leadership roles to be assumed. Senior Dakota Werner will be expected to compete for titles on a routine basis at 120 pounds. He advanced to his first state tournament last season, finishing XX. “He's got the best credentials coming back,” said Fowler. “We expect him to contend for championships in every tournament he wrestles in. He got a taste of the state tournament last year.” Several others nearly booked trips to state last February, falling in the 'bubble' matches. Sophomore Dan Filipek is among them and will be battling at 145 pounds this season. “Dan has put in a ton of work over the offseason and jumped a level as far as his technique,” said Fowler. “He'll be battling for titles in every tournament as well.” James Biship also showed considerable potential as a freshman and will be looking to push through at 138 pounds. Looking at the other weight classes, Warrenton will likely be open in the 113, 132, 170, 195, 220 and heavyweight divisions. Sophomore Dominic Kennedy will lock down the 106-pound spot after wrestling limited varsity a year ago. At 126 pounds, junior Seth Brierly returns the most experience, but Fowler expects junior Brendan Brannock and freshman Justin Spalding to contend too. "I'm pretty confident Brierly will hang in that 126 spot, with Brannock and Spalding probably battling for 132," said Fowler. Along with Biship at 138 pounds, freshmen Drake Meine and Alex Kilpatrick will also see potential mat time. Fowler is also excited about the potential of junior Dylan Wade at 152 pounds. “Wade is extremely talented athletically,' said Fowler. “I expect him to make some noise, because a lot of people don't know who he is. He's probably been the most impressive as far as newcomers.” Competing at 160 pounds will be junior Steven Strohbeck, while sophomore Jacob Manion will hold down the 182-pound role previously occupied by J.J. Filipek. “Manion is really buying in and should make some big gain," said Fowler. There is also the potential for other freshman to gradually fill in at varsity roles. “Every one of our guys has wrestling experience except for one,” said Fowler. “It's time for some of these other guys to start winning big matches for us.” Fowler says the tournament schedule is much like last season but the duals will now take on a tri format, with more teams involved. “We'll get more matches in, and I think we've stepped up the competition level,” said Fowler. “We've got a pretty good tournament schedule. Blue Springs South and Farmington are two of our best tournaments.” Despite the limited numbers, he is settling for nothing less than his usual expectations. “Our main goal is the same every year, to have these guys develop to the fullest,” said Fowler. “In February, we want everybody pushing for a state medal.”