Competing in what is considered one of the more challenging tournaments throughout the state, Coach Kevin Fowler was thrilled to see seven members of the Warrenton wrestling team return home with hardware.Only three Warriors failed to reach the medal round and the majority found success in their third-place matches.“On the positive side, if you look at how those guys who battled back to reach the third-place match, I was happy they responded from there,” said Fowler.Warrenton had a tremendous start to the tournament on Friday night, with just two grapplers making an early exit after two consecutive losses.“We actually had a pretty good first day,” said Fowler. “The round that got us was the semifinal round.”The Warriors stormed into Saturday, where they continued dominating until a disruptive semifinal round that sent all but one competitor into the consolation rounds.“We were one for six to start the second day, and that pretty much took us out of the team race,” said Fowler.Junior Dan Filipek was the only tournament champion, sweeping the 152-pound field to keep his perfect season intact at 31-0.He pinned his first three opponents before defeating Chaminade’s Buddy Conley 3-1 in the championship bout.“Dan continued to take care of business,” said Fowler. “He is on track to accomplish his goals still.”Four others earned third-place medals, finishing strong after being beaten in their semifinal matches.Senior Dominic Kennedy placed third at 106 pounds, topping Mexico’s Dylan Patton by an 8-5 decision in the title match.In the 120-pound bracket, senior Christian Yates earned another tournament medal. He pinned his first three foes, before losing in the semifinals. Yates recovered with a third-period pin in the championship bout.“Yates had a decent weekend as well,” said Fowler. “His only loss was to a three-time qualifier that’s medaled before. He had two falls on the backside and probably a couple on the front side too.”Senior Seth Brierly had one of his best showings during an improved season, taking third at 126 pounds. He overcame an early defeat by winning a series of consolation matches.“He won four straight matches after his quarterfinal loss,” said Fowler. “He had a good weekend and is wrestling pretty good right now.”Adding to the dominance of the lower to midweights, senior James Biship also finished third, making his mark on the 138-pound field. Biship earned his victories in a variety of ways before claiming a third-period fall in the title match.“He had another strong weekend,” said Fowler. “We knew the match he lost would be a tough one against a two-time state medalist, and he wrestled well late into that match.”Finishing 2-3 and landing in sixth place were Mason Timmerberg at 170 pounds and Jacob Manion at 220 pounds.The Warriors have a week off at the varsity level before traveling to Winfield on Wednesday to compete against three GAC opponents, including St. Charles, St. Charles West and the host team.BRIERLY TAKES THIRDDerrick Forsythe photo.