CHERRY TWP — Reaching the top of the mountain in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference was no small accomplishment for the Moniteau boys track and field team.

The Warriors had lived in the shadow of rival Karns City for years.

"We finished second to them for four or five years in a row," longtime Moniteau coach Mark Kosick said. "We felt we were gaining ground on them, but couldn't catch them."

His team finally caught them last year, ending the Gremlins' dual meet winning streak at 87 with a 77-73 triumph.

"It wasn't a sense of relief. It was more a sense of satisfaction," said Kosick, now in his 27th year at Moniteau.

The Warriors recently clinched their second consecutive perfect season and KSAC championship. Moniteau has won 22 consecutive dual meets.

"Beating Karns City was the culmination of a lot of hard work," senior thrower Nathan Guterry said. "I can't say it was a surprise when we won, but it felt good to finally break through."

Domination in field events has fueled Moniteau. The Warriors were outscored on the track 60-26 by Karns City in this year's meet, but they took 55 of the 63 field points to win the meet 81-69.

"Karns City was our first meet of the season this year, so it was big to get past them," senior hurdler Cody Thompson said. "Keystone gave us a close meet, too, but we felt pretty confident after that."

Thompson has run the 300 hurdles in 41.3 seconds this season, the third fastest time in Butler County. His personal best is only one second off older brother Zack Thompson's school record of 40.3.

"I want that record. It's been a goal of mine all year," Thompson said.

The District 9 meet takes place Friday at Brookville High School. Moniteau sent two athletes — Tyler Armagost (javelin) and Victor Santoyo (triple jump) — to the state meet last year.

Armagost is now a football player at Slippery Rock University and Santoyo has the county's longest distance in the triple jump at 44 feet, 1½ inches this year. He ranks second in the county in the high jump with a leap of 6-2.

Santoyo's personal record in the long jump is 20-8.

"I know I haven't peaked yet," the senior jumper said. "My best performance is still coming."

"He's the best jumper I've had in my coaching career," Kosick said. "He's consistent in every meet."

Jacob Boy is another senior standout. His personal-best throw of 155-7 in the discus leads the county. His shot-put effort of 49-10½ ranks third and his 163-6 in the javelin ranks second.

Distance runners Tony Miller and Phil Kristufek are other seniors who have been steady producers for the Warriors.

"We've got about eight seniors we're losing who have been huge for this program the last couple of years," Kosick said. "We're already trying to get our younger kids ready for next year."

The Moniteau boys track team is faring even better in the classroom. Senior sprinter Chris Cokain is the class valedictorian.

Five seniors, Boy (Harvard), Guterry (Buffalo), Miller (Gannon), Nathan and Bobby Moore (Tampa), are receiving close to full academic college scholarships next year.

The work ethic in the classroom spilled onto the track.

"We're out here in all kinds of weather," Santoyo said. "It doesn't matter how cold it is, whether it's raining — we're always outside."

Guterry said everyone on the team has contributed to its current win streak.

"It's much more than field events," he said. "Every point counts."

Even unscored points do.

"This sport is a progression," Thompson said. "You build toward your senior year, when you're expected to lead. In the meantime, younger guys work hard toward placing because third place can decide a meet."

Kosick doesn't expect to win the District 9 meet. Elk County Catholic is considered the favorite.

"We'll do our best and see what happens," the coach said. "These guys shine in big meets."