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SE’s Doyle does it all

Gael senior making the most of his final athletic season

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Charlie Doyle of St. Edmond shoots earlier this season in the Gael gym.

Charlie Doyle will have a book full of accolades to remember when his athletic career at St. Edmond is complete.

The Gael senior knows, though, that these past three-plus years have been about much more than just wins and losses.

Doyle, a three-sport standout, is currently in the midst of his final season with the St. Edmond basketball team. The Gaels are 4-3 and open the new year Jan. 6 at Clear Lake.

After spending last season at point guard, SEHS head coach Adolph Kochendorfer shifted Doyle over to shooting guard to, as he said, “give him a chance to shoot more, which surprised me.”

“It’s working great,” Doyle said. “(Sophomore point guard) Andrew (Gibb) is quicker and we work well together (in the backcourt).

“The move is for the better of the team so I was all for it — I was just shocked when (Kochendorfer) said I needed to shoot more.”

Doyle has fired up 245 three-pointers in his career, making 106 of them. He is also a 43 percent field goal shooter, and a nearly 70 percent performer at the free throw line.

To date, Doyle has scored 475 points in 51 games, adding 132 assists — including a team-high 27 so far this year — and 30 steals. Doyle is averaging just under 13 points a night at the moment.

On the gridiron, Doyle was a two-way starter for head coach Dick Tighe along the offensive and defensive lines. He was also voted a co-captain alongside Logan Fear this past fall.

“I don’t think too many people can say they have played guard in football and guard in basketball,” Doyle laughed. “But coach Tighe and coach Kochendorfer found a way to make it work.”

Doyle’s accomplishments on the links include a state runner-up performance last spring in Class 2A, which helped St. Edmond finish second overall. He shot a 141 (72-69), and will be the program’s top returning player this spring.

As as sophomore, Doyle was tied for 17th at state as the Gaels placed fourth. His freshman season, SEHS was second overall and he tied for 25th.

“Ever since I was young, my dad would take me out to the course,” Doyle said. “He was a great role model for me and (brother) Eddie (Doyle, who is currently playing for the University of Tampa).”

Doyle has embraced the “senior leadership” role expected of him in the final chapter of his prep career. He also credited those who came before him and helped mold his values.

“I’ve played with some good leaders,” Doyle said. “My freshman year, we had Vinnie Harvey and Hank Crimmins in football and Landon Peed in basketball. Last year we had Harrison Mayer, Robert Flattery and Colin Flattery, who all did a great job.

“I’ve just tried to take some of the stuff they did and be like them.”

Two people even closer to Doyle helped him when it came to balancing being a student and an athlete: Eddie and sister Theresa.

“Eddie was just an unbelievable golfer (at St. Edmond),” Doyle said. “But Theresa was probably a better role model as far as sports go. She was just so humble about it and kept her grades up at the same time.

“Between them, I had two great examples of how to handle yourself as a student first and an athlete second.”

Doyle also wanted to take time to express his appreciation for the hard work and long hours put in by all the Gael coaches.

“I’m just so thankful for all the coaches that I’ve had — not just the great head coaches like coach Kochendorfer, coach (Dan) Streit and coach Tighe,” he said. “But the assistants, too, like coach (Jacob) Short, coach (Cory) Naughton, Justin Faiferlick and all the assistants. They don’t get enough of the glory for what they do for us players.”

Doyle’s plans include attending the University of Iowa where he will be “just a student.” He did mention several “really good schools” who showed interest in him for golf.

“It’s a lot of work playing sports at that level, and after 12 years of doing it, I’m ready to just be a student.”

Doyle has been involved in National Honor Society and National Council on Youth Leadership, along with maintaining a 3.95 grade point average.

TIMEOUT WITH CHARLIE DOYLE

Vacation destination: Maui.

People I would like to have dinner with: Dallas Clark, Tiger Woods and my late Grandpa Doyle.

It would surprise people that I: play a lot of card games, especially poker.

My sports role model: Dallas Clark.

Everyday role model: parents.

I can’t go a day without: Gatorade or Powerade.

Nickname: Chuck, Charles and The Rifleman.

Superstition: wearing the opposing team’s school

colors for underwear during basketball season.

Most heated rivalry: Manson NW Webster.

Favorite road trip: anywhere with Coach Streit.

What are you listening to right now? country music.

Favorites…

Team: North Carolina.

Class: math.

Movie: Glory Road.

Book: “Playing for Knight” by Steve Alford.

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