Athlete of the Week: Doyle close to stamping name in Poway High record book

Breaking Poway High School wrestling records is no easy task. The program has been elite in the state for over 30 years and the list of talented grapplers to wear the green singlet is a long one.

But Colt Doyle is in position to put some fresh ink in that tough-to-crack record book after Saturday’s San Diego Section Masters Championships at El Centro Southwest High.

The 160-pound senior claimed his 45th straight victory with an 8-2 decision over Hoover’s Kenneth Moore in the Masters final.

Doyle is two straight wins shy of breaking the school record of 46 set by Todd Schavrien in 2005-2006.

Doyle’s streak started at the state tournament last year, where he went 5-0 en route to the 162-pound championship. He is 40-0 this season.

“I think losing to Alexander Graves (of San Marcos) last year in the Masters final really motivated me,” said Doyle, who fell in double overtime to Graves. “He was the No. 1 kid in the state at the time and that definitely got me motivated for the state tournament.”

And then some.

Doyle has not lost since. And he could join legendary Poway wrestlers Brody Barrios and Paul Baird as the only Titans to capture two state championships. Barrios did it in 1999 and 2000, while Baird did it in 2002 and 2003.

“That would be amazing,” Doyle said. “When you talk about great wrestlers at Poway those are the guys that I think of. Growing up you hear all the stories that coach (Wayne) Branstetter tells about them and what they did extra and how much work they put in. I cannot even imagine being part of that class right now.”

Doyle is in a class of his own in many areas on the mat, including his pre-match warm-up routine.

He is about as calm as one can be before going into battle. You won’t find him blaring music in his ears or doing any kind of dancing to pump himself up. He will lightly bounce around to stay warm, but that’s about it.

“It’s the calm before the storm,” Doyle said. “I am really relaxed, but at the same time focused. I am thinking about what I can do and what the other guy can do. I am calm, but ready to wrestle at the same time.”

Calm. Grounded. Humble. Those are three words that fit Doyle perfectly. He credits his father, Dan Doyle, and his older brother, Cody Doyle, for his success. Dan wrestled in high school and college. Cody wrestled at Poway, graduating in 2014.

“If it wasn’t for my brother or dad, I wouldn’t be what I am today,” Colt said, adding that the two are his at-home coaches. “They helped me along the way in every way possible. They have been there for me every step of this journey.”

The high school portion of his journey is coming to an end. Friday and Saturday’s state championships inside of Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield is all he has left.

Doyle, who is ranked No. 1 in the state, knows ending his prep career with a second straight title won’t be easy. Last year he was unknown. This year he has a bullseye on his back.

“Going in undefeated and as the defending state champion, if I was another kid looking at me, I would think this is my opportunity to beat him,” Doyle said. “So, I can’t take anyone for granted. It is going to be a fight regardless of who the kid is.”

And you can bet Doyle will be ready. And maybe history will be made.