"I knew we had an outside shot to have a big group," the Wright City track coach. "That is what you work for. But you got to perform." The Wildcats performed in a big way Saturday. At the Class 2, Sectional 1 Meet hosted by Principia High School, Wright City had three individuals and two relay teams qualify for this weekend's state meet. Only the top four finishers in each event advanced. The MSHSAA Class 2 Championships will be held this Friday and Saturday at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Field events begin at 11 a.m. and running events start at noon both days. "It's always fun to have more kids there," Wright said. "You can't teach experience. It motivates other kids to make it there, too. "I am real excited about the kids that are going." Senior Megan Kowalik not only is the Wildcats' most decorated athlete - having medaled six times in three trips to state - but this weekend marks her last shot at claiming a state title that has eluded her in the past. At sectionals, she swept titles in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, while taking third in the 300 hurdles. She won the 1,600 race in 5 minutes, 23.32 seconds and the 3,200 in 11:57.39. In the 300 hurdles, she had a time of 47.9 seconds. Kowalik was a favorite a year ago in the 300 hurdles, but a hip injury ended her weekend prematurely. Now, Wright believes she can contend in the mile or two mile events. "She has a chance," Wright said. "She has all the ability and talent to do it this year. Hopefully, she is mentally and physically able to do that." Also making a return trip to state is the girls 4x800 relay team. The foursome of Katherine Kopp, Jessica Lang, Lyndsey Dollard and Samantha Itinger were second in 10:34.18 at sectionals. Principia won the race in 10:06.33. Kopp, Lang and Dollard were members of last year's state-qualifying relay which placed 15th out of 16 in 10:59.42. "They have talent," Wright said. "This year, their goal is to medal. You want them to go out and do their best." The rest of the state contingent is comprised of first-time qualifiers. Senior Whitney Johnson, who has failed to get out of sectionals the past two years, finally got over the postseason hump. She was fourth in the 100 hurdles in 17.46. "I knew she had a chance," Wright said. "She did an awesome job." Senior triple jumper Kyle Wimmer snuck in barely. Also competing in the high jump held at the same time, Wimmer claimed fourth by a half-inch on his final attempt in the triple jump. He had a qualifying jump of 41 feet, 2 inches. "He did it at the right time," Wright said of Wimmer. Also heading to Jefferson City is the boys 4x100 relay. Deshaun Spight, Stevie Jones, Nick Adkins and Zac Kaibel received a little help and the Wildcats took advantage by placing fourth in 45.34. "They work their hand-offs so hard," Wright said. "That is what made it. They were perfect. I am very excited for them." Wright City had two more athletes on the cusp of qualifying for state. Both Danielle Brinkmann and Felipe Quintanar were fifth in the discus and 1,600, respectively. Also competing for the Wildcats at sectionals were the boys 4x800 relay comprised of Dennis Sloan, Burt Collier, Daniel Smurl and Quintanar. Sloan also ran the 1,600 and 3,200, while Collier was in the 110 hurdles.