The Eristic

Riley Wong is always ready to duke it out in any intellectual brawl, no matter the subject

Riley Wong (’16) is a person of many parts, almost all of them good. I first met Riley in the summer of 2013 in my summer geometry class. He was clearly a man who shared his opinion man on virtually any subject and was not afraid to voice his opinion during class.

Although he was prepared to defend his position on any subject to the end or attack my viewpoint with equal vigor, I was drawn to him because I enjoy listening to him debate any viewpoint. What set Riley apart from others is his good humor, even joy, with which he attacks any issue.

It is a unique experience to be told I have absolutely no idea what I am talking about in such a pleasant manor while someone’s face radiates great joy at the thought of my ignorance.

Riley is ready, willing, and able to take a position on a wide range of subjects from sports to politics and is able to marshal the necessary “facts” — that word being used loosely — to support his point of view.

I know my impression of Riley is not unique — I have spoken with several CB students who share the my view of Riley and admire his indomitable spirit in an argument.

Efrain Vallejo (’16) has been going to school with him for the past 13 years.

“Riley lets you know exactly what he’s thinking,” Efrain says, adding that Riley is a “blunt man” who will be straight with you on any topic.

Riley while listening to his opponents’ argument 

Valente Araiza (’16), a close friend of Riley, commented on his vast knowledge and extreme passion.

“I’m surprised by how much Riley knows about the most obscure stuff,” the senior says. “When I first met him, I thought he was making it up, but he actually does know what he’s talking about.”

Almost everything.

“He argued to me about how he would be able to dunk by the end of March,” Valente claims. “Still don’t have a result.”

Frequent opponent of Riley, Luke Harris (’16) described one of the many heated discussions he had with the eristic.

“Riley will argue any topic with me,” he says. “We once argued about if Tim Tebow is an NFL quality quarterback for two hours — never at one point did he stop giving me reasons why Tebow was the best.”

Though many think they know Riley or have him figured out, there is so much more to him. One line that captures Riley completely was said best by Mary Hynes (’16).

“How do you beat Riley Wong?”

Exactly, Mary, how can beat a person who with the boldness of Winston Churchill and the brain of Rain Man. You simply can’t.