Schoolmates, teammates and coaches will all miss Sean Doyle, who will run track at Appalachian State University after he graduates from Polk County High School this spring.

Doyle, who expects to run middle-distance events at Appalachian State, is excited to be headed to a Division I school, especially on a scholarship.

“I’ve always wanted to run at the college level,” Doyle said. However, he pointed out that until his times for certain events came down, in his junior year, he wasn’t sure that college coaches would be interested.

But, they have been interested, with offers coming from several schools.

Doyle liked what he saw and experienced at Appalachian State. “Everyone there seemed to know what’s going on. They have a great running program,” he said.

He feels the colder climate of Boone, N.C. with a town elevation of over 3,300 feet will make him work harder. As in Polk County, Doyle will find no shortage of challenging hills for training.

“One of the best middle-distance runners in PCHS history, with a record of helping his teammates, Sean is in the top three runners I’ve ever had for distance,” remarked PCHS head track and field and cross-country coach, Alan Peoples, who’s been coaching at Polk since 1989.

Did his experience at Polk County help prepare Doyle for the next step?

“For sure,” he answered. “Coach Wolfe and Coach Peoples really know what they’re doing. I feel really prepared.”

In addition to being a four-time state champion, “Sean broke the 3,200 meter record that my son set in 1992,” Peoples noted. “He’s a good kid, easy to coach. I’m sure Sean can run under 1:50 in the 800 (meter run). He has that leadership too.”

Doyle is also versatile and strong.

Said Peoples, “He’s the only kid I’ve ever had who could run a hard 3,200, and go run a 400 relay. It’s very exciting to see him go there,” Peoples said, referring to App State.

Doyle feels that a conscious lifestyle choice— a vegan diet has helped him.

“The big thing is,” Doyle said, “I cut out all animal products— total vegan.”

He was prompted by his senior project, which included watching and commenting on, the movie “Forks Over Knives.”

“That kind of inspired me to try it,” Doyle said.