Meet Preston Doyle, who works with at-risk youth — when not in the ring
Through the end of September, we’re celebrating the people who, every day, make life in the Sacramento region meaningful and interesting. Through 12 stories, a collection of short profiles, you’ll “Meet your neighbors.” Read more here.
As his partner taps him back into the ring, Preston Doyle, 26, swings his body under the rope, squaring his feet to meet his opponent. A chorus of children boo and shriek as he executes a theatrically-choreographed body slam, which only makes him laugh.
“I don’t hear you now!” he calls back, cupping his ear with his hand.
Spectators packed into the patio of Auburn’s Crooked Lane Brewery may be surprised to learn that by day, the tattooed wrestler throwing punches and taunting children before them is a soft-spoken social worker who cares for youth across Placer County.
Because tonight, Preston Doyle is “Preston Price,” one half of a tag team duo defending their Pacific Pro Wrestling league belts. They’re also the villains of the match, infamous for playing dirty and cheating.
“In wrestling, there’s always a good guy and a bad guy. I’m usually the bad guy,” Doyle says before the match. “It’s kind of funny, because in my work, I’m a good guy.”
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As a case manager for the Placer-Yuba-Sutter Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, Doyle spends his days with teenage boys who have experienced extreme traumas like domestic violence, sexual abuse and the criminal justice system. He tries to uplift his boys in any way he can, from afterschool pickups to mentoring sessions and court appearance. Sometimes, he’ll bring them to wrestling practice in Yuba City after the workday is over.
Inspired by his mother, who died when he was 8, Doyle always knew he wanted to help others. He started working at CASA the same month he and his roommate, Chase Peterson (also known as Chase “Brings the Action” Jackson), picked up wrestling as a duo.
After 15 minutes of delivering elbow drops and gut kicks, Doyle and Peterson stand over their opponents with outstretched arms, basking in their victory and the outrage of the crowd. Their gleaming belts are safe another night.
Doyle hopes to make it to the WWE one day. Until then, he’ll return to his day job, supporting his boys through what life has thrown their way.
Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Chase Peterson’s wrestling name. It is Chase “Brings the Action” Jackson.
