Darrell Doolittle Wilbur-Creston Year: Senior Sport: Wrestling Weight: 190

Wrestling has helped Darrell Doolittle get where he is, a determined young man looking for more success.

The Wilbur-Creston senior last year won the State 1A/B 178-pound championship at Mat Classic in the Tacoma Dome in his first try.

This year, Doolittle is unbeaten at 190 pounds, ready to compete in what may be the toughest state bracket.

But if anyone is up to the task of repeating, it is he.

“He’s always been a tough kid,” said his coach, Jerry Jones. “He’s never been one to run away. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever coached.”

Both Doolittle and Jones credit assistant Wayne Lembcke as a reason for his success. Lembcke is a four-time state qualifier from Republic and Doolittle’s training partner.

“He does really well with technique,” said Doolittle, “He’s the only one bigger than me on the team.”

Another factor was last summer’s J Robinson intensive camp in Oregon.

“They work you until you can’t do anything, then they work you some more,” said Doolittle.

Yet it isn’t winning or losing that drives Doolittle as a wrestler.

“I started wrestling in kindergarten, I believe, and really liked it,” he said.

“I like the competition, win or lose. If it’s a really good match, I’d much rather have that than winning.”