Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/14/15
From Press Release
Fusion lacrosse is proud to announce the addition of former National Lacrosse League all-star and 8-year NLL veteran Luke Wiles (Delaware) to its staff full time. Coach Wiles will immediately become a fixture at each of Fusion’s practices and tournaments.
“Coach Wiles brings a wealth of knowledge on the offensive end of the field particularly,” said Fusion co-founder and long time pro Steve Holmes “As well, his expertise in the box lacrosse game is something we value greatly and Luke brings a ton of that.
“Luke is a fabulous communicator and his direct and honest approach with the kids has been very well received. He balances our staff tremendously.”
Wiles grew up in Ontario playing only box lacrosse but his skills were so substantial that he earned a full-ride to the University of Delaware to play field lacrosse. He excelled at UD and then moved onto a hugely successful career as a great goal scorer in the National Lacrosse League, scoring over 250 goals in his career.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with such a great lacrosse IQ and one of the best players to ever play box lacrosse living in the Philadelphia market,” said Fusion co-founder and current NLL/MLL all-star Kevin Crowley. “Adding Luke to our team of coaches elevated the level of coaching all players in our program will receive.”
Coach Wiles brings offensive experience with over 450 career NLL points and he was a 3x all-star. Coach Wiles also has ample experience coaching, having run his own very successful camps back in Ontario Canada for the past 9 years called Pro-Star Box lacrosse camps. Wiles currently resides in Philadelphia with his wife and two children and is excited about his new venture with Fusion.
“Fusion is a good fit simply because of the staff. Put great people around you and it will give you the opportunity to be great. Fusions staff has some great men who are great with kids and have strong values, so I am honored to be a piece of the puzzle” said Wiles who is eager to have his box lessons translate outdoors
“There is a toughness and an edge developed (in box lax) from going into the corners and into the prime scoring area. Knowing you are going to get hit and still make a play is a grit factor that all top athletes in the world have. This will translate directly to field because kids will carry that toughness factor with them, they will have advanced skills and it will become a playground with all that extra room to operate.”
Wiles joins Fusion’s group of “core coaches”. These coaches attend and run every practice for each of Fusion’s travel teams. This group includes Holmes (NLL veteran current defenseman NY Lizards and Malvern Prep defensive coordinator), Crowley (MLL MVP 2013, current NLL player for NE Blackwolves), Matt McCormick (two-time Drexel captain and Malvern Prep assistant coach), and Ryan Sankey (Offensive coordinator Harriton HS, Cabrini captain)
Fusion will be holding tryouts for all ages this coming September 2015. Find out more information here:
