Sk8intheface sends many Happy Birthday shout outs to Oliver Pist on this fine day! Had it not been for that beautiful full moon, Marvin Gaye playing on the radio, Momma Pist, Poppa Pist, and a bottle of bubbly, the great world of roller derby may never have known Oliver. His ability to keep this chaotic sport of pure madness from turning into an instant Battle Royale is uncanny. His keen eagle eyes can always spot the difference between a girl pulling a knife (minor) and shanking a player (major). We are all thankful that the women of York Correctional Institution were just not tough enough in his eyes to continue working there. But once he saw derby, he knew he had met his calling! Happy Birthday Will! You love her pissed, and so do we!
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Alright here is the scoop. For any of you whom are excited about Brew City kicking the smack out of Fart Wayne tomorrow, but do not want to drive to HillBilly-Ville (no offense Bumpin jack)  Well then maybe you should think about stopping over my place, and watching the bout streamed on the flat screen!
Dexter and I will be watching this event at the Sk8intheface headquarters in Lakewood! What’s the matter, don’t know where I live? Buck up Bart…BUCK UP!! For those of you who do not know where I live you can:
A) Call me directly, if you have my number.
B) Call me via the Call Sk8intheface! Widget (must use your derby name)
C) Send an email to relewis@sk8intheface.com
D) Fuck off and hang out by yourself
Screen shot of previous action. 
Seriously if you would like to stop on out, bring your S.O., kids, racoons, whatever! We will be there watching the game, and would love some company!
Bouts begin on Saturday, January 9 at 6:45pm Eastern
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I hope everyone got all that they had wished for this year! Be safe and enjoy yourselves.
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How did you hear of the league?
I heard about BRRG back when the original Myspace message was posted about a roller derby league starting in Cleveland. CoCo Sparx and I were dating at the time when she first mentioned that she wanted to join, I had mixed feelings. It sounded like a really cool way to get involved in somethings really unique and meet really cool people. At the same time, I questioned whether she was going to be able to hold up to what I had imagined roller derby to be in my head. I tagged along for the very first meeting and quickly realized that my concern stemmed from a false idea of what derby was.
For the first year and a half I was just a supportive significant other enjoying the bout, after-parties and people.
What made you want to become a referee?
From the very beginning I would have been a referee; however, between full-time college and a full-time job I didn’t have the time. It wasn’t till the very beginning of 2008 when I graduated college that I was able to begin attending practices on skates.
What skates are you currently using?
This season you’re gonna see me rolling around in a hot pair of Riedell 965s with triton plates and whatever wheels CoCo casts off prematurely by my standards.
What is your favorite thing about being a referee?
Referees have the best seat in the house. You’re right on top of everything that happens on the track. When I am not preoccupied calling penalties, I get to enjoy the legal carnage of derby from just a few feet away. When skaters take nasty falls, I feel the ground shake or hear the wind getting knocked out of them. It’s also really cool being involved in the larger organization WFTDA and getting to see the game evolve as rules changed an d teams improve. Roller Derby referees also have a lot of fun and camaraderie.
Have you ever thought about joining/starting a men’s roller derby league?
It’s crossed my mind. If enough dudes expressed interest in starting a team, that would be fun. I have scrimmaged with the girls before, which was an interesting experience. Being inexperienced at hitting and having a weight , height, or size advantage over most the girls; I was a bit hesitant to throw hard hits. At the same time, the girls were enjoying the opportunity to take easy shots on me while I was outta my element. In short, if I were to play derby I’d wanna tighten up my skating skills and be playing against dudes. We’ll have to wait to see what the future holds.
Coco Sparks… that’s taking derby wife to an extreme, care to elaborate?
Yeah, it’s an experience dating or being married to a roller girl, especially being a referee married to a skater. Since CoCo puts so much time into derby, joining derby was the only way I got to spend any time with her. A lot of people shoot me a strange look when I explain that I am a roller derby referee and a referee over my wife. Questions about conflict of interest usually follow shortly after. Honestly, CoCo and I have a really cool derby dynamic, in which we separate our on-track and off-track relationships. Usually on bout days, CoCo and I don’t speak to each other very much.
Who do you consider “your right hand” on the track?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between Scissor Lick and Ref UG. Scissor taught me everything when I first began reffing and has been a referee from the very beginning of the league. Ref UG is a great resource to have on the track because no matter how crazy/heated/unexpected things get on the track, he’s always calm and frequently provides an alternate insight.
Being a relatively young sport, WFTDA rules are an ever evolving system. Rules changes are frequently reactive in nature. As unique circumstances arise that doesn’t have clear guidance in the rules, it’s very helpful to have knowledgeable people around you sharing their thoughts when these circumstances arise.
What travel team bout have you not referee’d, that you wished you had?
All of the North Central 09 Regionals “Brawl of America”. Regional referee selection takes place quite a bit of time before the event. I missed my time to apply to be a referee, so I had to settle for being a Non Skating Official. NSOing was fun, but also teasing at the same time. Regionals is an awesome level of competition between the best ranked teams. This next year I’ll be more punctual.
What do you think about the new venue?
Wolstein Center is awesome for the entire league. Beyond providing the league a spectacular venue in which to entertain our fans, WC makes officiating even more enjoyable. Concrete floors are much faster than Sport Court or wood, so the game will be much faster than it was last year. WC also enables us to use a much more sophisticated scoreboard which is really the heart beat of the event. Referees also get an actual locker room this year, so there are more creature comforts with the new venue.
What are some of your interests outside of derby?
Outside of my professional career and derby, I really enjoy cooking and eating good food. Anybody who has had more than a couple conversations with me, should know that I am an avid fan of MMA fighting. If I hadn’t gotten involved in derby, I would have started cross training in martial arts of some sort. Other than that, I don’t have time for much else.
You seem to be obtaining a great deal more refs, what will this mean for game play?
BRRG has been blessed to have a bunch of dedicated refs come out of the woodwork this season. With 16 refs total at the time I am writing this and inquiry emails still showing up in my inbox on a regular basis, I have an embarrassment of riches. Most teams including BRRG in the past have had only a handful of refs and frequently have to borrow refs from surrounding leagues. I have so many refs, our double headers will now have a separate ref squad for each game. This allows me to use refs for NSO (stats) positions also. Referees may be the largest team on BRRG this next season, and we surely will be the best.
How do you deal with the constant “razzing” from fans and Rev. and players?
Any referee gets razzed at times, its part of the fun of sports entertainment. I knew right from the rebirth of Cleveland derby, that roller derby referees were going to get heckled more than most refs from any other sport. Pretty much anything refs do in derby besides skating in circles gets a reaction from someone, whether it be a fan, skater, or announcer leading the charge. Fans hate when we have to call an official time out to figure something out, and the announcers love to egg the crowd on with some awesome and witty comments frequently questioning our intelligence or sobriety. Skaters express their deepest and darkest feelings of hatred towards us during bouts, usually for accurately doing our “job”. And, nothing adds to the excitement more than a referee getting taken out by a skater.
Honestly though, I expected all this coming into the sport, and I think every bit of it is entertaining for me too. This last season I couldn’t really hear the crowd or announcers clearly at the center of the track because the echo was so crazy at Euclid Sports Plant. At Black and Blue 4, I noticed that the superior acoustic qualities of Wolstein Center made everything more audible from the center of the track. That being said, this next season should be more interesting and entertaining. You’ll probably see me smiling back at people not really caring what they are saying about me or my other refs.
What are your hopes for Season 4?
Season 4 is going to be awesome. I am hoping for an educational season for myself and my ref crew. No matter how experienced a referee has, there are learning experiences during every single bout. I wanna see Cleveland have a ref group with a valuable reputation in the derby world.
How do you feel about the new WFTDA 12/1/09 rules?
WFTDA is a growing association, not just in numbers but also in experience. Each rules set that comes out is more refined than the previous. Some recent changes to the rules have to do with cutting the track technicalities, which made the game a little more focused on controlled skating and overall game awareness from skaters. Unfortunately the major rules changes usually come out during the middle of the BRRG intraleague season, so we finish out the season on the original rules set. This is really interesting for me because I sometimes have to ref BRRG intraleague bouts under an old rules set, then I ref WFTDA bouts under the current (new) rules set. I long for the season when I only have to be concerned about one rules set at a time.
What was your favorite bout that you have referee’d so far?
Any bout that is competitive. It really isn’t fun to ref an old fashioned spanking.
What do you think will help propel this sport further?
I can not say it load enough, televised bouts. The idea of a “Roller Girl” or “Derby Girl” is much more mainstream and trendy now than it was three years ago. I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to that think roller derby is the coolest thing, but they haven’t seen a bout. I can tell you first hand, roller girls are cool people, but the sport they compete in is where it’s at. It is my belief that televised bouts would propel the sport to where it deserves to be. Sponsors, advertisers, and leagues would all be mutually benefited. It’s time to make the sport of roller derby mainstream.
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How did you first learn about Derby?
In Dec of 2006, my dear friend called me and asked if I was interested in checking out a practice with her and another friend. My first experience watching these impressively strong women was awesome and I knew I would join right away. We began thinking up our derby names that night and we soon became Collinwood Thunder, Gonnolea and Slaughterama Mama. Thunder and I began in season I with Lea hot on our tails in season II.
What was your favorite travel team bout?
We were still quite new when Detroit spanked us so graciously back in 2008. We learned a lot from those girls and they wiped the floor with us like true ladies. So fun!
How did you feel seeing yourself on the Sk8intheface header the first time?
I basically felt lucky to have been caught in a shot with all of the super players that are also included on the header. Every time I see it I feel humbled and flattered! It gives me the right to tell my grandma that I’m awesome.
What is the feeling of having your son and husband in the stands?
It would have been impossible for me to have ever imagined that I would receive the kind of support that I get from my “guys.” There are my biggest fans as well as my toughest critics. On top of making it to nearly every game, my son has endured countless hours of practice like a trooper.
Do you enjoy travel team bouts of interleague bouts better?
That is a tough question to answer because they are hard to compare. Travel bouts allow for the opportunity to meet fantastic skaters from all over the country as well as experience cities I may never have visited otherwise. The high level of competition brings on a healthy blend of anxiety and adrenaline all topped off by awesome hotel room shenanigans. On the other hand, I miss my family when I am away, even for just a night or two and bouts at home seem to be more fun. Here at home when we are on our turf, we get to play against our best friends and see all of the Cleveland fans. If there is one thing I have learned, Cleveland derby is like no other. Interleague wins in my book.
You have a remarkable fan base at my work, any words for your loving fans?
You sure know how to pick ‘em! Who knew I had fans!?!
What has been the worst injury that you have obtained from derby?
Are you trying to jinx me? In three seasons, the worst injury I ever received was when I jumped over the dance floor railing at the Garage bar like Daivd Lee Roth at an after party and twisted my ankle. That is what they call a “sammich” move.
What is the best part of derby in your opinion?
Learning what my body is capable of alongside of other women who are also learning what their bodies are capable of.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Heck, I have to say it: 3peat! Sorry, guys. Gotta gloat…
What are your 2010 derby goals?
I am looking forward to getting back on skates as soon as possible. This season I am going to be a Bench-bomber. Steve and I are expecting! There will be a little Slaughter in late July.
What skates are you currently using?
Minx 965s. They took a while to break in but I like ‘em.
Who do you miss that no longer skates for the league?
Obviously Collinwood Thunder and the Bombers we have lost along the way (Twiste’r, Deliliah…) But also skaters from season I such as Skellawhore, She-Rages and LaLa…
What are your thoughts in regards to the growth of this sport since you first started?
Who knew there would be “Talk derby to me” tee shirts at Spencer’s?!?
What hobbies do you have other than derby?
As if there was time for anything else! I am a graduate student planning to finish in May, and a mom/stepmom. The husband and I are remodeling our house, I guess that counts. I like snuggling with my dogs and dreaming about I will do with all of my spare time once I graduate.
What has derby done for you as an individual?
I try not to get emotional when I discuss the enormous impact that derby has made on me personally. Believe it or not, I was quite shy and reserved in my past life. I had never played sports and basically stuck to things I was already good at like reading and loafing. This sport and these girls helped me learn to push myself and I saw results that I could never have dreamed of. If I can line up on that pivot line in front of all those people and go head to head with the amazing athletes that I skate with, I know that I can do anything. Aside from motherhood, becoming a part of BRRG has been the single most life changing event I have ever experienced because of the confidence I have gained.
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I almost let this one slip away from me (mad props to Take Out), tomorrow’s bout is destined to be an exciting one. Both our All-Stars and are Hazmat Crew are heading out to Indiana to teach Naptown a thing or two about derby. I never take any bout lightly, I always view the match-ups and see what I can garner. Naptown Roller Girls are WFTDA ranked as 12th in between Ohio Roller Girls and Fort Wayne Roller Girls. This makes them are strong contender with a lot to prove on the track. However, I have so much respect for my girls and I know what they can accomplish; each game we play I feel we become stronger, smarter, and better as a team. This is an away game so you are always subject to referees that sometimes, whether on purpose or not, judge things in favor of their home team. You have to be careful and play squeaky clean. This is the last game of 2009 for us, and if I can have one thing for Christmas, it is to have two wins on December 5th. I have faith in you girls, I know you can do this.
Unfortunately, Turn Two will not be able to head down to the bout for a few reasons; First, today is WC’s birthday, he is the big 18, Second tomorrow we have class that will not end until 4 which means that we would never make it on time, and last, the newest Turn Two boy Dexter is still learning how not to piss on my floor.
As always please be safe, have fun, and most of all stomp some Naptown skaters!
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…..And this one is actually good looking! As you may know by now Turn 2 has been starting a small army, many of the newest soldiers are on the front lines ready to heckle at a moments notice. This week a new Turn 2 boy has emerged, wait for it………..my son! Though we may differ on opinions, he may pee on my floor, I still love him and you should all as well! Meet the newest Turn 2 Boy…… Dexter!
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I just wanted to share my experience from Black and Blue 4 being a part of the blue team. I enjoyed every minute of it, it was soo amazing! As a bench manager, I sucked; I pretty much did the same thing that I do when I am at my seat, yell my freakin head off and swing my hands like a maniac. But I am pretty sure that is why I was asked to do it! I wish I could have been more effective at it, but hey it was my first time! Anyway, I had the chance to view a great deal of skaters that I normally do not have my eye on, see their quirks and understand (and sometimes not understand ) their decisions on the track. I spent the majority of my time ensuring that we received all our points that we scored. Not always did it go my way, but in no way did I feel that there was any bias in the decisions made. The first half was incredible I was on cloud 9, my team was racking up points and shutting down jammers. By half time I was dancing like I had never danced before! I remember finally looking at the stands at half time and saying “Holy Shit, there is a lot of people here”! As I watched the insanity known as Full Contact Musical Chairs, I could not believe the roars from the crowd, it was soo loud! And once again I placed my musical chairs bet,(mumbling obscenities under my breath at Magic) and lost. 
The second half started up with me back on cloud 9, this is when I made the mistake of smack talking Ida Bitter on the Jam line, bad, bad, bad idea; number one - I love Bitter so it is hard for me to do, number two - when that girl get some wind in her sails nothing can stop her! Regardless, I cannot express how proud I was of my team, win or lose everyone played so well, it almost makes you cry (but I am no wimp; except when watching the notebook, then I am a total wimp)! It was so great to be a part of something so amazing; don’t get me wrong I love being a fan, but just this once it was nice to be something more. With the final jam being the deciding factor to the game, I couldn’t help but think about how if this was someones first time seeing derby, they have got to be in total amazement! Speaking of which, I had to teach my class the day after the bout and I had two new students; one of them kept awkwardly staring at me (I assumed it was because I am a young instructor) then he says “were you at Roller Derby yesterday” to which I reply “Hell Yeah!”. It turns out one of his friends had won tickets to the bout, so he was invited, he said it was some of the craziest stuff he had ever seen! Will be seeing him in March!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone on the blue team, I love you all, you freaking kicked ass out there!
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As couples go, Melanie Root and Justin Haas are the perfect match.
“I like that he basically loves me for me and I can be my goofy self,” she said. “And he’s my best friend.”
“She’s the most caring person I’ve ever met,” said Haas. “She always puts everyone else before herself.”
Especially him. Root is giving up the sport she loves for Haas.
“I know that she hates when I bring up that she’s saving my life,” he said, “but she is.”
Read the rest of the article here.
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Pain Austen, you no longer need to hit the refresh button! Before I get into the brutality, I want to say how much fun I had! RE and I were starting to go crazy without some derby to watch. He had a better seat by the blue team and I was glad to see him coach them to victory. I thought it was awesome that this bout supported charities like toys for tots and coats for kids. I would also like to thank the marines for coming out and obviously enjoying themselves. At times they were screaming louder than the players. When I looked at the rosters, I really didn’t know who was going to take the victory. This bout left heads turning, bodies leaning, and mouths screaming!
The bout had a strong start from team black. The way they were skating, I knew right away that team blue had a lot of work to do. At midpoint through the first half, team blue started to make its comeback with Ivanna Destroya and Stroker Ace scoring an insane amount of points. Killustrator did an awesome job playing all kinds of different positions! Team blue scored so many points from passing black players in the penalty box. This killed team black and by half time, team blue was ahead 55 -36.
Half time proved to be entertaining as usual. A round of musical chairs on skates will always leave smiles on faces. Recent friends became enemies and some of those enemies became murderers. I was very disappointed to see Mad Chatter leave because I had money on her. Magic Lee and I picked number 12 at that point and she proved to be victorious. The fresh meat this year looked feisty but we shall see how they play with the teams!
The second half was breathtaking indeed. Ida Bitter, CoCo Sparks, Finnish-Her, Punk’d Pixie, Skank Williams are a few to mention. I was very impressed by Skank Williams and Punk’d Pixie on the jam line. They made short work of the wall setup by team blue. I thought both teams did a very good job keeping the blockers in line. Halochic always does a great job in the pack but she must have been extremely angry Saturday night. I’ve never seen her lay out so many skaters. I’m sure Pretty Scarrie feels differently, but it was exciting to see her upside down due to a tremendous hit from Halo. The pivots did a very good job speeding up and slowing down the pack. The teams took full advantage of this strategy which in my opinion, kept the scores close. The tables were turned at the end of the bout with many penalties from team blue, and team black caught up. I’m just glad our poll happened to be right on the money with the final score 89 - 90 BLUE! You sure don’t see that every day!
I would also like to say congratulations to Dita Von B for hitting someone else and to the sign guy for showing up. Sign guy, I can see your leave of absence left your signs in a pitiful state but I can’t wait to see what you bring to the 2010 season!
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