Lyle began competing at the age of 8, traveling all over the United States showing cattle.   He won over 300 championships on the county, state and national levels over the next 10 years.  In 1982, at the Missouri State Fair, he was awarded the Grand Champion Showman award, beating out 432 showmen.  As a teenager, Lyle started running UKC Night Hunts with his coon dogs.  Lyle competed with Labradors as an amateur for many years before turning a professional.

In the fall of 2006, Lyle ran his first Super Retriever Series event (www.superretrieverseries.com).  Since the first time in 2006, he and his team have more than 60 Super Retriever Series wins including SEVEN CROWN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 & 2017 with 4 different dogs. Currently Lyle is sponsored by Country Vet Pet Foods, ZoomDog Supplements, & SPORTDog Brand.

His AKC accomplishments are undeniable.   Over 3600+ Master passes, 39 Hall of Fame Dogs, 238 Master National Plates and the numbers keep growing.  He loves this sport and lifestyle!!

Lyle was awarded the Bill Teague Handler of the Year award in 2019.  This award is a nomination from peers.  He was the 4th recipient of this very humbling award.

When Lyle is not training, he cherishes time with his best friend and wife Stephanie, family and friends. Lyle and Stephanie live near Gower,  MO, in the summer and in the winter, reside in Palestine, Texas.