Success isn't always found in the places you're looking. Thats the lesson Millbrook High School senior wrestler, Stephen Boyle, learned four years ago.
"I didn't get into wrestling on purpose. As a freshman I wanted to be part of a sports team, and I tried out for basketball and didn't make it. But before I tried out for basketball I did the fall conditioning for winter athletes, and thats run by both Coach Haynes and Coach Mankins. So after I didn't make the basketball team, Coach Haynes said that he would love for me to give wrestling a try because he liked my work ethic from fall conditioning. So I gave it a try and I loved it and it's come to define me as a person." Says Boyle.
That serendipitous opportunity has turned Stephen into a four year letter winner and two year captain for the Pioneers. He's also a member of the national honor society and is taking six advanced placement courses, which already has him ahead of the game in college.
"If I get in, I want to go to Northwestern because Mike Wilbon went there and I want to be a sports journalist." Says Boyle.
Those goals seem within Stephen's grasp,and while he doesn't plan on wrestling in college, his coach believes the things he's learned on the mat will certainly take him places.
"He's a wrestler on and off the mat. He is dedicated not only to sport, but his family, friends, his church, and his academics. And he strives for perfection in everything he does, he is one of our guys who's a wrestler all the time." Says Millbrook Head Wrestling Coach, Chris Haynes.
Between school work and wrestling, Stephen doesn't have much time to relax. But when he has a chance, he says he wants to check out Will Ferrell's new movie "Semi-Pro" and indulge in some foods he can't have during the season.
"The big one is ice cream. The day after my season is over, I'll probably be at Cold Stone or Dairy Queen." Says Boyle.
Congratulations Stephen Boyle, TV3 Winchester's Student Athlete of The Week.