J. Christopher Giles has experienced the sport of wrestling in all its varieties: he has been a wrestler (nine years), a coach (nine years), and an official (29 years and counting). He was an outstanding wrestler at Henrico High School, winning over 100 matches on his way to district and regional championships as well as a fifth-place finish in the state tournament. In his venture into freestyle wrestling, he won a state title and an eighth-place national ranking. His performance led to scholarships and seasons at the University of Maryland and East Carolina University. While still at ECU, he began another wrestling endeavor by officiating high school matches. Graduation, however, led first to coaching as he returned to the Richmond area. He advanced from youth wrestling at Hanover, to a middle-school position at Chickahominy, to head-coaching tours, first for the Monacan Chiefs and finally at Clover Hill. He especially remembers his three years with the Cavaliers as "a great experience!" His service to wrestling then shifted into high gear when he returned to officiating. He has refereed events in four states over the years: NC, one year; NY, one year; and MA, three years, before his time in VA. In his 24 years in this state, he has been chosen as an elite official to work 17 state tournaments, one A, three AA, and 13 AAA. The list of high-profile regular-season appearances is equally impressive: Beast of the East (three); National Duals (three); Seahawk Slam (one), Hokie Open (twice); and the Wolfpack Open (twice). The high quality of his career was recently recognized in 2013, when he received the Virginia Official of the Year Award. Chris has also played a leadership role for his fellow officials. For the Central Virginia Wrestling Officials Association, he has served as Training Officer and later as President, and is currently entering his fourth year as Commissioner. He looks back on his years in wrestling with satisfaction: "I have met many great people in the wrestling community and have made lifetime friendships. Thank you for letting me live this journey!" He notes wryly that he "never met a wrestler I didn't like"”off the mat." His greatest accomplishment, however, is marrying Diane, his wife of 27 years and "being a Dad to two fabulous kids, Jordan and Logan."