Rolling Along

The instant music fills the air, the Philadelphia Wizards on Wheels members get to work. Using stomps, claps, spins and splits, the group places every morsel of energy into its practice session at the Vare Recreation Center, 26th and Morris streets.

South Philly resident Clyde McCoy even squeezes in a few "donkey kicks," placing his hands on the ground while vigorously kicking his skate-adorned feet in the air.

But this group is known for defying gravity – and age: the majority of its members are over 40.

Though its lineup fluctuates, the Philadelphia Wizards on Wheels have been bopping along the roller-skating circuit for more than 25 years. Performing at block parties, talent shows, community festivals and parades, they have a knack for engaging crowds through their infectious moves.

And their talents might roll them 3,000 miles away to Hollywood. They are participating in the Roll Bounce Skate-Off competition. The winner will showcase their skills at the world premiere of the movie Roll Bounce, a coming-of-age tale set against the
backdrop of the 1970s skate craze.

Wizards on Wheels won the Philadelphia contest Aug. 14 and is heading to New York City Sunday for the regional competition.

Skating and shaking to Missy Elliott’s hit song Lose Control, the freestyle group had no problem captivating the Philly audience. They plan to tackle Sunday’s competition using the same rip-roaring routine.

"The minute the record came on, the crowd was with us all the way until the end," said McCoy, also known as "Ice."

Even their fellow competitors were blown away by the performance. The father of another contestant told McCoy, "I really thought my girls had a chance, but after seeing you, we don’t see anybody beating you."

The Wizards on Wheels also consists of Orlando "Fudd" Brown of South Philly, Linda Corley of North Philly, Morris "Phlash" Armstrong of Mount Airy, William "Bay-Boy" Jones of Brooklyn, N.Y., and original member and founder Anthony "Tex" Smith of North Philly.

Practicing at Vare three times a week, the group is confident its upcoming New York performance will skate them to new heights.

"We call ourselves ‘wizards’ because we can practically skate to anything," said McCoy.

WIZARDS ON WHEELS was first formed in the late 1970s by a handful of skating-rink regulars from all over the city. Since its inception, the number of group participants is about 20 and has included an eclectic mix of break dancers, educators, lawyers and police officers.

Before joining the group in 1987, McCoy’s love of skating began at age 2 when his brother would take him to the St. Charles Borromeo cafeteria, 20th and Christian streets, which would double as a skating rink on weekends, and Southwest Philly’s Elmwood Skating Rink.

As he grew up, McCoy’s skates became fixed to his feet.

"I used to skate to stores, skate to work," he said. "I had people trying to run me over."

It was not uncommon for McCoy to venture outside South Philly and sneak a peek inside the city’s other skating rinks to "see what other people were doing."

But he strived to set himself apart from his peers. During his 20s, he took dance, tap and ballet, which enhanced his moves on the floor. Now possessing the flexibility of a gymnast, McCoy has no problem doing a split while wearing his skates. McCoy says the workout he gets from skating has kept him in superb shape.

"It’s constant exercise," he said. "I don’t think we’ll ever get fat because we skate so hard."

Keeping roller skates on both feet is a one way to keep one foot out of the grave, said Brown, McCoy’s teammate.

"My mother is 75 and she used to skate," said Brown, 51. "As a matter of fact, she doesn’t look her age. None of us do."

Skating with the Wizards on Wheels for more than 20 years, Brown fondly recalled his group placing second in the city’s African American Talent Festival in 1989. They lost the top spot to Boys II Men.

While ecstatic at the group’s achievements, Brown mostly enjoys the euphoric feeling he gets when he slips on his skates.

"It gives you peace of mind," said Brown, of 19th and South Woodstock streets. "When I skate, I’m happy. I’m relaxed. It helps revive your mind and helps you stay out of trouble."

McCoy said there is a sturdy subculture of skaters across the country. Weekend skate parties called Skate Jams are held at various cities during the year and attract all age groups. Participants begin the festivities at about midnight and do not stop until the early morning, he said.

"It’s just adults having a good time. Some are rekindling their youth," said McCoy, who is also an educator in West Philly. "It’s just a big party – on wheels."

The group is focusing its energies on Sunday’s competition in New York. If they win, the team will head to Chicago Sept. 17 for the finals.

Brown – referred to as "Fudd" by his teammates – did not get a chance to participate in the Philly skate-off competition, but happily cheered from the sidelines.

"When they put those skates down on the floor, [the crowd] started screaming," he said.

Brushing off the notion skating is a lost pastime and he is too old for the sport, Brown said, "you’re not to old for anything if God gave you the willpower."

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Members of the Philadelphia Wizards on Wheels will show off their moves at Sunday’s Roll Bounce Skate-Off competition in New York City. Shown here (clockwise, from top right) are William "Bay-Boy" Jones, South Philly resident Clyde "Ice" McCoy and founding member Anthony "Tex" Smith.