Doyle sets win mark at Independence

Independence head coach Michael Doyle set the school's record for all-time dual victories.

Doyle, in his 13th season leading the Mustangs, passed former coach Bret Adams with Independence's win over Waukon on Jan. 26. Doyle is 207-110, topping Adams' 206 wins from 1982-99. The record is a nice accomplishment, but hasn't been a motivating factor in his career.

“I think about winning every dual we possibly can,” Doyle said. “It means you've had longevity at a school, and you've had a good community with a group of kids willing to work hard and do what is asked of them. As a result, you've won a lot of duals.”

He reached a milestone on Jan. 14, surpassing the 200-win plateau with a win over Clear Lake. He knew he was approaching the mark of Adams, who he served as an assistant to for four years before taking over for him.

“I learned a lot,” Doyle said about his time with Adams. “When coach Adams was in charge he set a high standard and expectation for anyone,”

In addition to producing nine winning seasons in his first 12 years, Doyle has led the Mustangs to five top-10 state finishes. He has coached 54 state qualifiers, 30 medalists and 12 finalists, including five state champions.