July 28, 2010 – The Teacher Once Again Becomes The Master

The popular route scoring website 8a.nu is reporting that Mike Doyle has surpassed Sean McColl’s route tally and is now officially ranked as Canada’s number-one rock climber. This turn of events reverses the long standing trend where McColl was ranked as the top Canadian climber. Doyle was a coach on the Canadian Junior National Climbing Team and helped guide McColl to numerous national and international victories. McColl’s skills improved and eventually surpassed that of his talented mentor and he is now successfully competing in the IFSC World Cup climbing events in Europe. Commenting on the change in rankings Doyle said, “I’m number one on 8a in Canada for the first time in years. Sean hasn’t been logging his routes, and he could compile my annual score in a day but that’s not the point. Boo-ya! Take that Sean!” Hearing about the status change, McColl said, “Yeah, I noticed that as well. It’s because Mike has recently logged more significant routes – four 5.14a routes, two 5.14b route, etc. I only did a V12 today.” McColl, however graciously accepted the change in rankings and offered Doyle his “sincere congratulations.” Hearing of McColl’s reaction Doyle said, “Thank you Sean. You are taking your defeat very well.” Doyle also added, “I will never climb V12.”

McColl is currently in Europe preparing for this season’s final World Cup climbing competition. So far, he has had an incredible season with numerous top-ten and podium finishes.

Doyle is now living in Las Vegas, enjoying the almost year-round climbing available within a few hours drive. Between sending 5.14 and working as a computer programmer, he spends his time enjoying his new 8a ranking.