Archive for June, 2009
OK, so I am at a still in mixed emotions about this bout. Brew City is tough as nails, the completely kicked our asses in the first half. We had trouble putting points on the board, we were frazled, we were sloppy, across the board struggling. I really do not want to talk about this bout, if you want my personal opinions about what right/wrong, you can email me: relewis@sk8intheface.com
However, I do know that is just what you came for, so for that reason I am putting the complete ring side bout cast for your perusal. All I am going to say is, holy shit you girls put up a fight! You guys stuck with it, and even though you didn’t win, noone can question your heart! I was in absolute amazement watching this bout; at one point I was cursing at the screeen, the next I am jumping up and down flipping out (that is when I broke an expensive glass globe stand)! So yeah, I freaking loved watching this bout, even if it didn’t go the way I had hoped. So after the break is the full ringside boutcast.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Absolute amazement, I was on cloud nine! First, being able to connect my PC to my flat screen and get to watch derby in my home, was incredible! Being unable to travel to Philly due to my work schedule, having BRRG on my TV is the next best thing! I missed the first 10-15 minutes of the bout, I had just got back from Lakewood (searching for houses) Already BRRG is way out in front, still I am just shocked that I am able to watch ECE in the comfort of my own home. Hearing the commentators speaking so highly of BRRG; their communication on the track, their control of the pack, the jammer power-houses, almost brought tears to my eyes! Everyone played so well, you girls looked superb! One of the best moments was watching the last jam before the half, Eva Lucien takes lead jammer and the commentator says “well she may just call the jam and head to the locker room” And I said “you don’t know Eva”! Eva plays the jam clock all the way out and scores a fierce triple grand slam, you are a beast Eva! This brings the score to 93 BRRG - DCRG 13 SO of course I text Pain Austen and let her know the half-time score!
The second half started out a little shaky, Stella had to get her groove back. I do want to note seeing Professor Booty set up a nice booty block, then have Halochic plow through the poor jammer, made me miss the old Steamers just a little. Stroker Ace (I love watching her slam past pivots) took some heavy shots, which gave me a scare seeing her flop hard at turn four and crawl to her team. Only to find her three jams later, reeking havoc on the track smashing any obstacle that tries to stop her from becoming lead jammer. You girls were so solid out there, from pivot to pack, back blocker to jammer, you were unstoppable! It did not matter from jam to jam, every skater was totally on-point! In one of the most unfathomable moments; the cleanest skater ever, Ivanna Destroya managed to get set to the penalty box; I do not think I have ever saw that happen, I didn’t even know if she know where the penalty box was  !! Pain Austen was not sure if Destroya would even know how to re-enter the pack! All in all, every member of the All-Star team should be proud of themselves, as individuals you are terrific, as a team you are phenomanal! Final score DC 54 - Burning River 162 IMPRESSIVE!!!!
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 Derby Name: Primp Daddy
Number: 73
Team(s): Cleveland Steamers (and BRRG All-stars of course)
Position(s): Jammer and I’ll play any blocking position—sort of fill in where I am needed.
What brought you to the realm of Roller Derby?
When I moved to Cleveland (with Damnasty) in 2007, we found a bar called the Garage online and wanted to check it out. Then…we met Rolla Doobie (then Jen) and she took me to my first bout. I got hooked but never thought for a second I would actually play until some hard convincing over drinks at the Garage happened. Doobie and I were all in and then convinced Damnasty…and here we are now 2 years later!
What has been your greatest achievement in BRRG?
I’m most proud of bringing new ideas to the league from my travels and exposure to other leagues (I travel a fair bit because of my work). Also, I feel like I’ve been lucky to contribute to the league-wide shift from a party image to a more competitive, athletic image (still fun though!).
What do you hope to achieve in Roller Derby overall?
I would like to continue improving my fitness and skill at the game and see where that takes me. The first year I spent learning how to skate and the current season has been dedicated to understanding of the game, strategy and leadership. Next year, I’d like to cash in on those chips and see where my skating goes.
What do you feel is your derby weakness?
Damn—so many things I am working on. Derby is a work in progress and when you put one fire out another one crops up. If pushed though, I’d have to say my muscle strength and anaerobic/sprinting fitness.
You are on the same team as your significant other, how has that been?
I can’t tell you how lucky I am that she is on my team! Back in the day we never expected to be on the same team and honestly didn’t care. But, it’s been good for our relationship time-wise and she has always been a shoulder to lean on in both good and bad times.
You have plans to play for Rat City next year, why is that?
When I moved here, it was always for 2 years only. I am moving back to Seattle for my job so that’s what takes me to Rat. But Rat is a highly ranked league and skater tryouts are TWO days long. Not exactly like our league! But I’m hoping that skating for two seasons with Burning River will help give me an edge. However, I have to say that regardless of if I make it on Rat City or not, BRRG will always hold a special place in my heart. After all, they took me when I could hardly stand up on skates!
What skates/equipment are you currently using?
I skate in the Riedell Phaze which is a jam skate. Problem is it has this super soft, comfy leather with zero break-in period. So…they are loose and I have to wear these adjustable in-line straps around the skate to keep them snug—especially for jamming. Otherwise, I love them! And I have probably been through more skates than anyone.
What skates are you eyeing?
I’d take something that fit and didn’t hurt my foot. Honestly, I don’t think the perfect derby skate has been made yet. I hope to see that over the next 10 years like we did with snowboards when the sport first started.
08′ Steamers to ‘09 Steamers, Thoughts, Feelings, Comments?
I am SO proud of my team this year. We have come a long way and the major difference from last year is that we now have a feeling of solidarity, team spirit and a positive attitude. My team and being the captain of the Cleveland Steamers is what makes me happy all the time this year. I never regret stepping into this role even if I signed up for the task as a pretty green skater. Leaving this team will be so hard for me. Go Steamers!!
Do you do any additional training outside of derby training?
Oh hell yes!! I go to the gym and also run. I am in constant search of the derby grail workout plan. Derby ain’t free when you’re my age.
What are your thoughts on the Turn Two Boys?
I heart the Turn Two Boys! I just started getting to know you toward the end of the season last year—I think I was in a rookie fog before that. You guys rock because you are such a great support to our league and I always love me a Cleveland Steamer fan!
Outside of being Captain of The Steamers, what else do you do for the league?
Well…BRRG represents sort of an additional job for me—I’m not kidding! I am the director of derby operations (Board of Directors position) which is a coaching figure for the league. In short, I’m responsible for the athletics, organization of practices and bringing in outside coaching and ideas. For instance, right now I am organizing a Bootcamp in June where we will host the nation’s best roller derby players right here in Cleveland. I hope this coaching experience will bring the All-Stars even closer to skating at regionals! And many, many other things–yes, BRRG keeps me busy!!
How do you enjoy being on the Travel Team?
It’s a real honor to skate with the best girls in our league. These are the girls that taught me how to skate. I consider myself lucky to be a part of an advanced-level team, and as one of the newer skaters on that team, I hope to learn much more from them.
When you are not playing derby, what do you do for fun?
I used to have a list of things but now roller derby dominates quite a bit. I do enjoy playing with my two Boxers, running, yoga, eating and reality TV. And in Seattle I liked wakeboarding, but not too much of that here.
How much longer do you think you will be able to play Roller Derby?
I don’t see an end in sight right now. I love the sport and the thought process/strategy is a big challenge that’s pretty addicting. I’m very healthy and I think it’s good for me. When I stop playing one day, I’d like to be a coach for junior or adult women’s roller derby.
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The East Coast Extravaganza is this weekend. From what I can see these girls have an exciting lineup ahead of them. The Saturday’s sanctioned WFTDA bout has The Burning River Roller Girls up against the D.C. Roller Girls. All I know is that Pain Austen is in between a rock and a hard place! It will be interesting to see how this bout plays out, and also how D.C. fares against Fort Wayne on Sunday.
The Second WFTDA sanctioned bout on Sunday, the BRR All-Stars will be playing against the Brewcity Bruisers. This is an exciting bout due to the fact that Brew City is ranked 12th and we are ranked 11th in WFTDA. Hopefully, fatigue and Saturday night partying does not play a big factor.
Last but certainly not least, Burning River RotteN RollR Girlz will be playing on saturday against PVRD Western Mass Destruction. Can somebody please let me know who is going to be on this roster?
For those of you who cannot make it to ECE but need to know what is going! Derby News Network will be streaming ECE Live! http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/live
Unfortunately you will not be able to see the exciting fun bouts they have going on at ECE like Rice (Asian’s) vs. Beans (Latina’s) that will have our very own Take-Out representing BRRG!
Kick ass and take names!
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I don’t even know where to begin after witnessing this past bout. In the first matchup, the undefeated Hellbombers were taking on the Defeated Hardknockers. The first few minutes set the standard of how the match played on. CoCo Sparx ended a very nice jam by slamming into Check Republic. Unfortunately Check was hit in a vulnerable spot that removed her from the game temporarily. The rest of the bout basically illustrated how many circles the Hellbombers could make around the Hardknockers. A couple out of control jams that stuck out were from Ida Bitter and Stroker Ace. I still don’t understand how they weave in and out so well. Stroker says to watch the hips and apparently it works for her! It was nice to see Ivanna get in there and do some work as well. From the Hardknockers, Pretty Scarrie was successful getting through the Hellbomber wall several times. By half time the score was 76-9 in favor of the Hellbombers. Toward the end I could see Finnish-Her starting to get a little fired up but by then the Knockers were down by too many. The Bombers backed off a bit in the end and I was very excited to see appearances from Damegerous, and the featured Hellbomber of the month, Slaughterama Mama aka “Sammich”. With a final score of 116-55, the Hellbombers once again secured a spot in the championship match!
This next match is the one I’ve been waiting for. I thought it was going to be close but didn’t expect it to be as ridiculous as it was. The jammer lineup was evenly matched with Professor Booty, Eva Lucien, and Punkd Pixie from the pinups going up against Primp Daddy, Take-Out, and the KILLUSTRATOR from the steamers. Even though the pinups were skating with only 9, they looked ready to roll! I was literally on the edge of my seat for the entire bout. Pretty Scarrie recently stated in an interview that Professor Booty is RELENTLESS and she certainly lived up to that reputation in this match. By halftime the Steamers pulled ahead from 37-37 to 41-37.
The second half was just as intense. The knee injury that Margarita Mayhem incurred started to take its toll. I could see the pain behind her eyes but she continued to give it her all and clearly helped out her team to the best of her ability. The jams seemed faster and the hits seemed harder. There was also another great hit in front of turn 2 from Halochic. She picked up the split and both pins went down at the same time! When Shocker reads this I would love to hear some input. The Steamers did a great job with blocking and it was exciting to see Stealth Bomber back in the lineup. The Pinups also did a great job with keeping their blockers at the front which made it easier for their jammers to break through. With only a couple minutes remaining, the score was extremely close but the Pinups were in the lead. There was time for 1 more jam and unfortunately 2 pinups were put in the penalty box. This obviously made it easy for the Steamers to capitalize. When I saw the Killustrator my heart skipped a beat and I knew the Pinups had a serious problem to deal with. Even with the quickness of Punkd Pixie, it looked nearly impossible for 2 lonely pinups to help her though the fortified wall of Steamers. It didn’t take long for the Killustrator to blow through the pack and score enough points to put up a final score of 78-76 in favor of the Steamers.
I was very happy to see my cousin Shannon watch her first bout from turn 2. She was very impressed and now I don’t have to hear anymore nonsense about derby being fake! I would have liked to see the Bombers take on the “healthy” Pinups but the Steamers deserve the challenge. I’m going to have to replace the nickname “rook” for the Killustrator to something more fitting. If anyone has any ideas let me know. Turn 2 is very excited for the upcoming July Championship bout. Who knows, if Finnish-Her ends up making me my shirt, everyone might see WC pretty in pink!
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OMG! I really am at a lost for words, these are going to be some impressive bouts. In the first bout we have the Hard Knockers battling the undefeated Hellbombers. The HardKnockers are in a David vs. Goliath bout fighting to grab their first win of the Season. The Hellbombers look to maintain their impeccable record (have these girls ever lost?) and secure their place in the Hazard Cup Finals. The Hard Knockers who have just come up short each bout this year, probably know the Hellbombers better than anyone. Before halftime in their last bout together the HardKnockers were actually ahead. If the Knockers can shut down the Grand-Slam a-thons that Ida Bitter (or Stroker, for that matter) come through with, we could be looking at a serious game. However if the Hellbombers get that momentum, that snow-ball effect will surely bulldoze the HardKnockers over. Will the HardKnocker pull the upset of the year? Will the Hellbomers keep their undefeated streak going?
In bout number two, we have the most anticipated rematch of the Season; The Cleveland Steamers vs. The Rolling Pin-ups. Not even God knows what the outcome of this bout will be! On one hand we have The Steamers who are getting Stealth Bomber back (a powerful, skilled blocker, who has been missed) but are faced with a new injury from Damnasty International (an all round talented skater, who is impressive any time on the track). This will change the dynamics, but the Pinups will have to adjust to this change as well. The Pinups are still skating nine, nine of the most skilled, talented, nothing but heart skaters. Thes girls are showing the league, that only skating nine is not a hinderance but something to fear!
It will be interesting to see who has picked up some new tricks from the Team Awesome Derby Camp! There is something that really throws you off seeing Take-Out in a Hellbombers Coco Sparx jersey! There was quite the Steamers presence at Team Awesome; Killustrator, Primp Daddy, and Take-Out makes me frightened to see how much they have soaked up in the Jammer Department. Eva Lucien was there as well honing in on her already impressive skill set. Soul Eater who I heard has learned acquired speed like a jammer, try passing her now! Ivanna Destroya, Ida Bitter, and Stroker Ace at derby camp is like a corking a baseball bat, these girls never cease to amaze me!
In the saddest of news, I will be not be at this match due to work :(, I will be flying home from Denver while the game is being played. I touched down in Cleveland at midnight, at this point I will be fiendishly trying to find out what had happened. Everyone better clap there ass of for my friend AAron Bonk, a good friend of mine whom I have known for ever! WC may be pretty lonely over in Turn Two so be sure not to forget to give him a kiss on the cheek! WC will be posting the after-bout recap once again! Good luck to all, only two teams can win, who wants it more! It’s Semi-Finals Time!
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Can you juggle a toilet seat, a shoe, and a chainsaw ?
Sure, but not all at the same time. Actually, I’ve never tried, but I do believe that, with practice, I can do anything to which I set my mind. On a side note though, I do think chainsaws are for hacks or lumberjacks and I’m not trying to be either.
How long have you been juggling?
I learned how to juggle when I was 11 and have been going now for 21 years. Which, of course, make me 26 years old.
You are also a musician, how has that been going?
It has been going well as I’ve really been getting into a sort of flamenco-type style with my guitar-playing. A few years ago I stopped playing out as a musician, which took the pressure off of it and now I just play for my own enjoyment and get together with friends for jam sessions. I’m much happier this way.
If you had to choose between music and juggling, which would you choose?
Rough call. See, I believe they come from the same place as each takes practice, dedication, passion and rhythm. Really, I feel that my type of juggling is a sort of visual music so it is hard to separate the two. However, due to the unsaturated nature of the art, it is much easier to pay the bills as a juggler than as a musician. Honestly, how many guitar players do you know? And how many jugglers?
How did you hear of the Burning River Roller Girls?
I think I saw articles and adverts, but then I was introduced to Angel N. Shadows who, at the time, was just joining the league (thought she no longer rolls with it). She had told some friends of mine about Black and Blue Friday the day after Thanksgiving a few years ago. We all went down and had a blast, though I remember thinking that they could use some sort of entertainment for half-time and whatnot. So, I contacted the BRRG and after quite some time of details not working out, finally got brought in by the awesome Miss Lea Maxwell to rock the show on the 20th.
What made you decide to start jugging professionally?
I had been juggling for many years before I even considered the possibility of making money at it, just because I love doing it so much. Eventually, I got good enough that people started offering to pay me to come to their events and do my thing. That put the seed in my head and it only grew from there. So now, I make a living by traveling around, doing what I love and making people smile. Granted, there are a lot of ups, downs, humiliations, privileges and hard work involved, but now that I’m here I wouldn’t want it any other way. I firmly believe in finding a way to get paid to do what you love. More people need to smile at their jobs. Many more.
Where has juggling taken you so far?
From coast to coast in this beautiful country and more. I’ve worked a few cruise ships that have taken me to Hawaii and the East and West Caribbean Islands. I love island life and beaches.
Name three bands that have inspired you the most in your life?
Oooh, that’s a good one. I’m gonna go with Tool, Ani DiFranco and Shpongle. Anyone who wants to hear the whole story as to why can buy me a beer and hang out some night–too much to type. Music is my primary passion.
How many objects can you juggle at once?
I can do 6 balls pretty solidly, though I’ve been working a bit on 7 and my personal record is 54 catches. I generally only perform up to 5 balls, though, because I believe in presenting clean, polished material on stage. Besides, it’s not how many balls you got, it’s what you do with them matters.
What do you enjoy juggling the most?
I really enjoy working with fire as I’m a bit of a pyro and it is always a crowd pleaser, but my absolute favorite is to put on some good music and juggle just 3 balls. The simplicity of the 3-ball pattern allows for so much creativity and expression that it is my favorite place to hang out.
What is the hardest to juggle?
Girlfriends–ha ha, just kidding.
Mentally, anything that some jerk from the audience would yell out in the middle of a show–chainsaw, bowling balls, apple (while eating it)–because somebody saw it on TV once, was convinced that it is really difficult and believes it to be the mark of a truly skilled juggler. It is hard to do that stuff because I see it as a form of selling out. It has always been my goal to provide as original a show as possible.
Physically, I cut the tip of my thumb off once with a machete and cracked myself with the bullwhip countless times, so those are both intimidating. Whips hurt more then people think.
How has your juggling style evolved?
Another good question. I guess that early on I was influenced by extremely movement-oriented jugglers like Michael Menes and Michael Moschen, who do routines to music so the juggling becomes more of a dance performance. Later on, I became fascinated with comedy performers and started developing the talking and patter portions of my act. Today, my show is a combination of the two.
What is your next juggling feat?
I’m working on putting together a line of 20 fire performers to put on a massive fire show for an event on the Detroit-Superior bridge at the end of September. It is going to be awesome and if you spin fire poi or staff or juggle, you should contact me as I need people of all levels (even beginners). Stay tuned to my website for further details:
http://www.AaronBonk.com/
What can the fans of BRRG expect to see on June 20th when you begin?
Danger and Delight. The rest is a surprise…but no fire–outlawed by the venue. 
Are you excited to see the Roller Derby bouts?
Oh heck yeah! I always love watching the girls do their thing. They are some fierce females with serious skill and you know I can’t help but love that combination. I only hope my performance can measure up to the standard of awesomeness they set.
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Derby Name: Pretty Scarrie
Number: #80 MPH
Team(s): Hard Knockers and Burning River All-Stars
Position(s): Pivot, Blocker, Wanna-Be Jammer
What brought you to roller derby?
The A&E reality show “Roller Girls” about 5 years ago - I got addicted to watching it. When I heard the buzz about cleveland putting together a league by an article I read on cleveland.com, I knew it was something I just had to do.
What made you want to play and what keeps you playing?
The early days of building the league from scratch were really special. At first I, I just wanted to see if I could do it (just be a skater and not embarrass myself). After that, I wanted stay around and be part of it and see how far we could go with bringing roller derby to the city of Cleveland. Now I continue to play for the love and constant challenge of the sport as well as the opportunity to play other cities. I feel extremely fortunate to be an All-Star.
Hard Knockers are in a place they have never been, what is happening there?
Yes, the HK’s have had some tough breaks the past two seasons, but don’t count us out.
NONE OF OUR BOUTS HAVE EVER BEEN BLOW OUT LOSSES.
We always keep the fans at the edge of their seats - better yet - we get them out of their seats, standing up and cheering… No fans leave early when we play…
If you could steal another member from the league and put her on the knockers, who would you take and why?
Wow - you are just starting trouble with that question, so I will politely decline to answer….
What has been the best moment of your derby career so far?
This season - although it’s been tough for the Hard Knockers as a team, I feel that my individual derby skills have advanced to a new level. Im really starting to think like a jammer.
What do you like/dislike most about the travel team bouts?
I LOVE being an All-Star. Its truly an honor to be picked to represent the league and our city. Playing travel bouts are also a much higher level of strategy and athleticism. I love playing against girls that I don’t know - or have only seen or heard of. Its very intimidating at times, but SO exciting.
Who do you have the toughest time against on the track?
Where do I start? There are SO many good skaters, that I honestly can’t pick just one. Now that I jam for the HK’s, I notice things differently. Skaters like Stroker Ace, Ivanna Destroya and E. Gargiulo are a real challenge to get around because they are so smart and patient. They can control the speed of the pack. Getting trapped and trying to get around one of them is tough, two is nearly impossible When Halochic cuts a hard lateral, then clobbers you and sends you flying into the suicide seats, it doesn’t feel too good. Professor Booty is just RELENTLESS.
What do you think is ahead for derby as a sport?
I think (hope) derby will continue to evolve and be recognized as a legitimate sport.
What skates/gear are you currently using?
Riedell “Phase” skates - with some customization from Rich at Skater’s Edge. I wear ankle strap stabilizers as well. All of my pads are TSG. I like the TSG force knee pads in particular. I wear Gladiator gaskets under them. My helmet is one of a kind – It was a “hand me down” from my son from when he used to skate board. I don’t think its any name brand in particular. Its silver chrome and covered with bullet holes! (Stickers – but they sure do look realistic!) I love this helmet because it’s from my son, and because it’s the only silver chrome helmet I have ever seen. Rich has been trying to locate another one for me, unsuccessfully for a while now.
How does it feel to be on the header of sk8intheface?
I feel like I’m not worthy of being there, as well as, extremely flattered and grateful.
What has been the worst injury you have received?
The beginning of last season, I bruised my left lower quad muscle right where it attaches to the knee cap. Luckily I didn’t tear anything, but I was off skates (and miserable) for about 3 months. I also think I tore something or damaged something permanently in my right rotator cuff during our first season, because every time I raise my arm over my head to stretch, I can feel something pop inside. I never actually got treatment for it, so I don’t know for sure. I just dealt with the pain and it eventually got better.. The popping thing doesn’t actually hurt and I have full range of motion, so I figured that’s good enough. Maybe someday (if I re-injure it) I will go get it looked at.
How long do you feel you will play derby for?
My goal is a minimum of 5 years, or until my body falls apart.
what is your favorite movie of all time?
The Goonies
What are your thoughts on the new venue?
There are a lot of positive things about the new venue. Overall I am happy. I do miss the polished concrete floor from our old venue. The sport court is taking a little time to get used to.
How has derby changed your life?
When I joined the league in 2006, I was a really unhappy person. I could never have predicted all the twists and turns that took place since and how extremely rewarding and positive of an experience it has been.
Here are my top 10 experiences – in order!
(10) Learning how to skate backwards (at Brook Park skate before the league was really a league). Mommy’s Little Monster and The Validator were the first friends I made.
(9) Being picked to be a Hard Knocker.
(8) Skating down Euclid Ave. in the pouring rain (and I mean POURING) with The Validator and Rouge Cheddar after some PR event.
(7) Serving as Skaters Relations director and working to make the league a success.
(6) Skating in Black & Blue – 11/26/2006 – our first EVER public event.
(5) Being awarded “Hardest Hitter” and “Most Feared” in 2007 the inaugural season of BRRG.
(4) Serving as Executive Director of the league for 2008 and seeing how much progress and how much all of us had accomplished together.
(3) Being picked to serve as Assistant Captain for the Hard Knockers 2009
(2) Playing for the BRRG All-Stars!!!!
(1) Becoming my own hero.
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Excitement is in the air as Cleveland is primed to host some of the best Roller Derby Skaters and Coaches We have some impressive Coaches and Skaters that are coming down to share their knowledge and love of the game, to the great City of Cleveland! I hope to see all of you who visit this site at the camp; yeah that’s right, Turn 2 will be stopping in to check on you girls. We need to make sure you have your game faces on and are prepared for the brutality. Actually, I am excited to see the whole thing in action; see some new strategies, see some intense training, and just learn the game a little better.
There are some impressive people showing up that I have read about, and will be excited to see them in action, not to mention that Quarterboy will be there and WC has a score to settle with her!  This schedule looks Jam Packed with much to learn and observe. WC and I have early obligations in each day have plans to stop out afterwards. So hopefully I will see you there, if not you will receive extra Turn 2 heckling for the rest of the year!
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By Bettie Shocker
What a question to ask! Roller Derby means something different to each person involved. For me, it meant proving to myself that I could do something that looked scary and fun and hard all at the same time.
I was finished with graduate school, my two daughters were finishing school and heading to college, and my husband was no longer racing [bicycles]. So, the focus was on something for me to do—for me. Brian brought home a flier for the BRRG, we watched a bout, and I was hooked. I talked to Stir-Fry, signed on as a referee, and from there it is history.
I instantly became involved in every way that I could. I found the women fascinating and friendly and wonderful. I joined the best fresh meat class ever. I made some really great friends; there was thumb wrestling over who was going to be my derby wife—Sin-A-Bomb beat Check Republic so now I am a widow. I was named “President of the Fresh Meat” and this meant a great deal to me. The draft party was scary and nerve wrecking because I wondered and hoped for weeks that I would be wearing polka dots…. I do.
Notice how I have not yet mentioned skating, because roller derby is so much more than a pair of skates! Sure, you have to practice…and practice…and practice, but it is often the times away from the rink that make derby special. That is, until you have your first victory over the Steamers after the most fun you have ever had on the rink. Skating and hitting and blocking some of your new friends is the most fun I could ever have. Afterwards, you drink a beer and laugh with each other about the hits and the falls.
Then you move on to the next season, say goodbye to old friends and make new ones. You learn to work with new people, take on new roles, and grow as a person and a skater. The game becomes more important; the rules, the nuances, the strategies, the competitiveness all become more of your life. You dream of beating the Hellbombers, knowing you can do it but is slips from your grasp. You keep striving towards the goals you have set for yourself and your team. Life gets in the way, you get sick, you lose some of your focus, but you keep on keeping on, hoping that your team can continue being the great team that it has evolved into over the past three years…with the best fans ever!
Roller Derby has meant that I could do something for myself that looked scary and fun and hard all at the same time and guess what? It is and I am doing it!
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