Independence boys’ wrestling coach Michael Doyle surpasses 500 dual victories at State Duals tournament

CORALVILLE – You know it’s a big deal when Independence Coach Michael Doyle becomes emotional.

Doyle was moved by the number but all of the things that 500 career dual victories were built during the last 26 years. He was more moved by the wrestlers, their parents, his assistants, the community, and especially, his family, who has equally supported, contributed to and sacrificed for his calling.

“I have two daughters (Allison and Natalie),” Doyle said. “My oldest daughter is a cheerleader on the team. My youngest daughter was a manager. My son (Matthew) wrestled for me in the state finals.

“It is just special. I feel bad for my wife (Jessie) a little bit because she's on her own. My family has always done whatever, right?”

Independence defeated Wamac rival Mount Vernon in the consolation round of the Class 2A State Duals tournament Saturday afternoon at Xtream Arena. Doyle became the 12th boys’ wrestling coach in Iowa history to reach the 500-win plateau.

Independence placed fifth, giving Doyle 501 career wins, which is way more than have of the program’s 846 all-time wins.

“When you start off, you don't really think about it I'm going to coach to 500 wins,” Doyle said. “You just want to win every dual that's in front of you, but it goes to show that Independence has just been a good place for wrestling.”

Doyle was an assistant for a couple years before taking over for the 1999-2000 season. He has led Independence to 13 State Duals appearances, securing his ninth top-six finish this year. The Mustangs were runners-up in 2022.

Doyle has also led Independence to eight top-10 traditional tournament finishes, placing third in 2005 and 2021. He has coached nine state champions, 21 finalists, 56 medalists and 110 qualifiers.

“You know that whatever happens he’s going to be there to pick you up and make you better,” Independence’s junior 165-pounder Christophere Meyer said. “You can wrestle with a fearless mentality. You don’t feel much pressure when he’s in your corner because he’ll calm you down. He’ll tell you what’s up and set you on the right path.”

He also reached 300 career wins at the State Duals, so it seemed fitting for him to achieve another milestone here.

“State Duals is a great environment to be able to accomplish whatever our team accomplishes,” Doyle said. “It’s a great testament to what they've done all year and what our what our staff's done and what our community’s put into this.”

Longtime assistant and former Mustangs wrestler Keith Donnelly said the milestone is impressive and Doyle has joined an elite group. It is easy to take Doyle’s efforts for granted.

“It is a big deal,” Donnelly said. “We’re happy for him. We’re excited for him. We’re looking forward to the next dual.”

Donnelly was a junior when Doyle’s tenure started. He was a student at Iowa State when he received a call from Doyle, asking if he was interested to join his staff. Donnelly said he didn’t intend to be a coach at that time, but he has manned the Mustangs’ corner alongside Doyle for about 20 years.

“We've been through a lot,” Donnelly said. “It is kind of emotional, because you look at somebody that caliber of a coach to go through the highs and the lows. We've been through a lot together. We've had some great days and we've had some tough days. I don't think that people really truly realize the category that he's in yet. It'll sink in over time, but it's a special group to be in 500.”

Donnelly is just one of a few Mustangs coaches who wrestled for Doyle, joining Nicholas Holt, Brian Loughren, Daniel Eschen, Nick Fuller and Matt McMillan.

They returned to the program, demonstrating the impact Doyle has had on countless athletes. Doyle said it was a cool experience to have former wrestlers give back and share in the success.

“When you're coaching them, you're not really sure if you really influence them that much,” Doyle said. “Then, as they get older and you get older, you realize you influenced them quite a bit, so it's pretty cool to see them come back and start that over.”

Donnelly said athletes may like football or baseball better but come out for wrestling to be pushed by Doyle, knowing he wants them to be their best. Coaching is more than wrestling to Doyle, according to Donnelly. He is focused on making them better people in life through and teaching the sport’s intangibles.

“He's just that type of a he's that type of an individual,” Donnelly said. “It's more than wrestling to him. When it's track season and baseball season, Michael Doyle's going to be around because he cares. It's not just wrestling.”

Doyle has a strong rapport with wrestlers. Meyer shined a light on a different side of Doyle. He has a wry wit.

“He doesn’t get enough credit for how funny he is,” Meyer said. “He likes to be sarcastic. Sometimes it’s hard to know if he’s serious or not. He always knows what’s best for our team. He is on us during practice. He knows when to let off and go super hard. He does a good job.

“He keeps us motivated throughout. Yeah, he’s a little stern sometimes so it was good to see him get emotional. He earned those 500 wins.”

Doyle, a former West Delaware state medalist, said some of the duals with his alma mater turned rival stand out, including one where he made about eight lineup changes to get the victory. He also pointed out a regional dual upset against New Hampton that Matthew participated. Overall, too many to count.

“Us and West Delaware have had some barn burners,” Doyle said. “The Wamac, this year in particular, every dual's a barn burner.

“There are lots of things. Lots of cool memories.”

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