The nationals is widely considered the toughest, most prestigous tournament for high school wrestlers. It was held July 17-25 in Fargo, N.D. and is often just called “Fargo.”
“It’s the super bowl of all tournaments — it’s huge,” said Carlos Torres, assistant coach for the Trinity High School wrestling team last year. He also serves as Doyle’s personal trainer.
Doyle is the son of David and Ronna Gantt of Trinity.
He began wrestling when he attended Archdale-Trinity Middle School. While in eighth grade he claimed two state titles — Amateur Athletic and USA.
He is the first THS freshman to qualify for a national tournament. He qualified when he won the Midwest regional title. All of the state wrestlers who qualified traveled with their coaches on a tour bus to compete in the national event.
Even with his achievement at Fargo, Doyle is already training for next year’s event. He must secure the conference, regional and state titles to have a shot at the No. 1 position.
“If I place in the top four in the nationals, I’ll get the chance to train at the Olympic training center in Colorado.” said Doyle.
Doyle trains in a private club in Trinity, Prodigy, which is a part of USA Wrestling Clubs. The club employs physical and mental workouts.
As part of the training exercise, Doyle bobs up and down in a swimming pool. As he comes up for air, Torres is on the sidelines describing a challenging wrestling situation. As Jesse goes back down, he must control his emotional response as he mentally comes up with a strategy to overcome his opponent.
Torres commends Doyle’s work ethic. Doyle does about seven workouts per week, although some days he gets in two workouts and sometimes he takes the day off.
“It’s actually not stressful,” Doyle said. Following workouts, club members shoot pool and watch videos. “We work hard and we play hard.”
Training has paid off. Doyle’s freshman year wrestling record stands at 48-10.
“Jesse wrestled at an upper weight class,” said Torres. “As a freshman he wrestled at a senior level.”
Doyle has experienced success in the classroom as well as on the mat. During the past school year he achieved an overall 4.0 grade point average.
“It’s been something he has put his heart and soul into,” said his mother. She added that the most significant change she has seen in her son has been his ability to manage time. “It’s a full schedule but he balances it. He has done a fantastic job of balancing his studies, workouts and spending time with family.”
The lessons go beyond the mat.
“You just take those skills you learn in wrestling and apply them to your life,” said Doyle. “Wrestling is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.”
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