The wrestling banner that adorns the gym walls at Warrenton High School will no longer remain blank. The Warriors won the Class 3 District 2 tournament at Timberland on Saturday in dominating fashion, claiming the program's first-ever district title in wrestling. "I knew we had the caliber of team to win the title," said senior Zach Schall. "It reminds me of how much fun this year has been. It's gone by so fast." Warrenton qualified seven grapplers for the MSHSAA Championships, which begins on Thursday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. "We're definitely excited about what this program has achieved," said Coach Kevin Fowler. "It's going to be a lot easier to set a district title as a goal every year now that we've finally achieved it and set the precedent." While they were savoring their individual accomplishments, the Warriors were perhaps more proud of what they accomplished as a team. "That just makes it 10 times better," said junior Reece Berry. "It's unbelievable." "It's going to be cool to finally go into the gym and look up at the banner knowing that I was a part of winning that (district title)," added junior Will Filipek. Six Warriors reached the finals on Saturday, helping the team maintain a secure lead over second-place finisher Hannibal. Warrenton amassed 178 points, while the runners-up tallied 141 points. Zumwalt North took third, and Zumwalt East finished fourth. Zumwalt North defeated Warrenton for the GAC North title last month, but the Panthers fell in the standings during Saturday's semifinal round. The Warriors had a firm hold on the team title heading into the last round of wrestlebacks, leading Hannibal by 20.5 points. Each of Warrenton's returning state qualifiers advanced, while three newcomers also reached the pinnacle. Senior Zach Schall remained unbeaten at 112 pounds, winning a 12-4 major decision over Mike Loaiza of St. Charles. Schall didn't face much suspense entering his title bout, having beaten Loaiza eight times over his four-year varsity career. "I did the same thing I did at the GAC meet - wrestled him on his feet, where he's not too good," said Schall. Schall will carry his 36-0 record and a No. 1 seed into the state meet. Junior Sean Daven won the 119-pound division in a 5-4 decision over Conor McAvoy of Chaminade. Daven will be making his first trip to the state meet. Senior Steven Wallace faced the state's top ranked grappler at 135 pounds, losing the title match in a 10-6 decision to Alex Larson of Zumwalt East. Senior Jake DeClue will be making his first trip to state after avenging a controversial loss to Hannibal's Blake Jarman. DeClue held off a comeback in the 145-pound title match, winning a 6-5 decision. "I'm just proud of the way Jake wrestled all weekend," said Fowler. "He's really been coming along this year. He began the season not having won a championship in high school. Now he's a conference and district champ and on his way to the state tournament for the first time ever." Jarman had beaten DeClue just over a week earlier during dual action. "I came into this match telling myself I wasn't going to lose," said DeClue. "He's an awesome wrestler, and he stuck with me." Senior John Meyer tore through the 189-pound bracket, pinning his final two opponents. He defeated Tyler Femmer of Zumwalt East in just 30 seconds during the final match. "My competition today wasn't all that tough," said Meyer. "I was kind of hoping for a little tougher competition before state. I haven't had it yet, so hopefully it doesn't come back to bit me." Meyer doesn't believe his No. 4 ranking in the state is indicative of his capabilities. "I've only got four kids ranked higher than me in the state, and I don't think it's true," said Meyer. "When it comes down to it, it's all about heart. And I think I've got more heart than them." Filipek fell victim to Hannibal's Jacob Borgmeyer for the second time in as many weeks in the 215-pound class. Filipek lost a 3-2 decision in the championship match. He will be making his first trip to state this weekend. "I went from last year not even coming close to making it to this year at least placing second," said Filipek. "I'm glad I've made it. I think I could have done better, but it is what it is." Reece Berry's return trip to state didn't come as easily as he'd anticipated. The junior heavyweight had to fight through wrestlebacks just to reach the final round. He finished third by pinning Hannibal's Jordan Strickland in 2:17. "I wasn't expecting it to be this difficult," said Berry. "Last year I made it to the third-place match a lot easier." Several Warriors fell just one round shy of qualifying for the state meet. Freshman Ryan Sherry lost his qualifying match in the 103-pound class. Junior Travis Doyle wasn't seeded among the top eight at 140 pounds but battled his way into the final round of wrestlebacks. "I can't say enough about the way Doyle wrestled," said Fowler. "He beat a returning state qualifier and showed a great amount of heart and determination." Junior Justin Greene was stricken by adversity during his attempt to become a state qualifier during his first season as a varsity wrestler. Greene tore the meniscus in his knee during his second round match. He chose to compete in his wrestleback, needing just one win to qualify for state. Leading 9-2 during the second period, Greene was forced to submit to his injury. Fowler says the forfeit was disheartening considering how close the Warriors came to clinching an eight qualifier. "He had put in a lot of extra work recently, and it was paying off," said Fowler. "After the injury, he went out and gave it a try, but his body just wouldn't let him finish."