Wright City sophomore Zach Kowalik continued to climb the charts on Monday at the Eastern Missouri Conference meet. Kowalik placed second, falling short only to Bowling Green's Brian Buchmeier, who finished the race about 20 meters ahead. Kowalik's time of 18:01 was 40 seconds faster than his finishing time at the same Elsberry course a year ago. He placed fifth at last season's conference meet. Coach Sue Wright says Kowalik has cut nearly a minute off his time on most courses compared to last season. She was thrilled with his finish on Monday, especially considering Kowalik had run at the Borgia meet on Saturday. He took 11th place there among a field of much larger schools. "I was really pleased," said Wright. "And with him having run on Saturday, I was extremely happy. I think we can run just two days apart with a sophomore because they have so much energy." Wright says the Wildcats' work in practice paid off. In particular, Kowalik closed in on his opponents heading up inclines. "We work hills all the time at Innsbrook," said Wright. "And Elsberry's course is one hill after another. I told him to stay close, and if he felt good, to make his move. He looked strong across the finish line." Wright City's No. 2 runner Brandon Pruitt also competed but was unable to finish after a bout with muscle cramps. Junior Erik Hunter took 20th for the Wildcats, running a 21:25. Sophomore Eric Smurl raced in at 26th, clocking a 21:59. Devin Kiser completed the race in 27:19, placing 40th. Wright says she was impressed with Hunter's finish and progress. "This will give him some motivation going into districts," said Wright. Hunter has typically finished behind Smurl. "Eric (Smurl) ran a great race at Borgia," said Wright. "I think he felt the wrath of running a Saturday race more than Zach." Wright City did not enter any girls into the EMO race. Wright says the team is battling injuries and sickness, and she is hopeful several girls will be in good condition to compete at the district competition in Bowling Green on Oct. 31. "We're just trying to get everybody healthy and overcome injuries in time for districts," said Wright. Wright City will travel to Bowling Green on Friday for a regular season meet. Wright says this will provide a glimpse at what challenges the Wildcats can expect during their district run.