The Hit List: Skater Spotlight for 5/22/2015; Wiles #611

Photo by Juan Paden

What is your derby name?
Wiles of the Devil, but I only use it when reffing now. I skate under my last name, Wiles.

What is the story behind your name?
You know how Jules in Pulp Fiction would quote the Bible before cappin' some punk? In Ephesians 6:11, you'll read that you're going to need the full armor of God to withstand the Wiles of the Devil. You best protect thyself if I'm on the track.

What number do you wear?
611

Why did you choose it?
Eph. 6:11, of course, but the number has other significance for my family. Shout out to my li'l sis.

What is your role in the league?
Skater. But I also referee for Assault City Roller Derby, Syracuse's WFTDA team.

What is your preferred position on the track?
Blocker.

What’s your pre-derby athletic background?
I played football and ran track in high school, then I pretty much became vegetative lump until I found derby. I am the faculty adviser for the Syracuse University Quidditch team though. Go Snare!

What would you say are your greatest strengths as a skater?
I get knocked down, but I get up again.

What is your proudest accomplishment in roller derby and why?
Every time we hold back an opposing jammer and somebody says, "Nice wall!"

Which one of your teammates do you look up to most, and why?
All the team players who encourage each other and keep the positivity flowing. Bob, Tommy, Brandon, Bobby, Graham, Phil, Aaron, Baird (miss you, dude), Phil, Oxen, Kitten... And the ones who keep the intensity and just don't quit Anthony, Woo, Brandon, Thug... And the new guys who keep knocking me down the roster Heff, Pound, Morgan, Dick... You know, everybody. Everybody on the team has taught me something, and everybody pushes me to be better.

What is your best memory of the 2014 MRDA season?
Being welcomed to the team by a bunch of veterans who taught me to skate better, play the game, and trusted me enough to put me on the track. I've lived in Central New York for a while now, but I never had any family here until I found derby. I have a new family at home now too though, but the Quadfathers are better than brothers.

What is your motivational quote?
Pain is weakness leaving the body.

How did you get involved with roller derby?
Viva la Evolucion, a ref for ACRD (also one of my graduate students) and his partner The Crazy Cait Lady from Port City Roller Derby invited me to a WFTDA bout in Syracuse. I pretty much said "I want in!" within the first 30 seconds. I became a ref and signed up with the Quadfathers soon after.

Finally, is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you want to talk about?
I want to thank Professor Sarah Hall and our daughter Chloe for letting me do this. Can't wait until baby C.Ray can skate with us as a Quadtoddler.