Archive for July, 2009
Derby Name: Ivanna Destroya
Number: 47
Team(s): Hellbombers, BRRG All-Stars, Midwest MEGA Team
Position(s): Pivot, Jammer, Blocker
You are a sensational jammer, yet you prefer pivot, why? HA! I don’t think I would use the word sensational to describe my jamming. During our first All-Star season I was used solely as pivot and I became a lot more comfortable at the front of the pack blocking. I’ve been working to get my jamming sparkle back though!
How did you learn of the league? I had heard Columbus started up a league and thought it sounded like a lot of fun. I googled to see if Cleveland had a league but there was nothing. I was considering making the commute to Columbus to play, but before that happened I found a group of women trying to start a league here and joined as soon as I could.
What can you do to further challenge yourself in the league? I always have a list of goals I want to achieve, both long term and short term stuff. I use that to keep myself motivated to push my boundaries and to not quit when I hit the wall.
What are your thoughts/feelings on the state of Roller Derby today? It’s great! I think it’d be great if we could get paid to do this some day.
Fill in the Blanks:
Roller Derby is to Ivanna Destroya as leggings are to Lohan
Your skill set is amazing, do you cross-train in anything? I practice out running lions, tigers and bears….oh my! I also lift cars a couple times a week.
What skates are you currently using? 965s and with reactors. Wheels are usually Zodiacs (lt blue). Big thanks to Rich and Skater’s Edge for hooking me up!
What do you do when you are not skating? hang out with my bffs, eat burritos, ride around with the all-girl bike gang, gchat/fbook/twitter, talk in abrevs, paint my nails, think of spiteful things to do, dramatic re-enacting, wear rompers, jump on beds with Slaughter, CoCo and Booty, think about how I’m not skating.
Which travel team game was your most challenging? I don’t think I could pick just one. I’m bad at the ‘what is your favorite’ questions. Each bout has some aspect that’s challenging for me, whether is skating, my mental game, or captaining. Cincinnati was one of my first bouts as captain so I really felt a lot of pressure. They were controlling the pace of the game early on and we really had to focus and re-group. We came so close to upsetting them, and it was one of the first times I think we all truly played as a team. The Brewcity bout we knew had a lot riding on it with regards to making regionals. We dug ourselves into a hole early on and let them get a big lead. But we made a huge comeback to close the gap to 5 points. I’m 100% confident that if we had one more jam we could have won. Hopefully we’ll get a chance for a rematch soon. Detroit was a big eye opener for me that we had a lot of work to do if we wanted to be competitive at the national level.
What are your thoughts on the differences from ‘08 All-Stars to ‘09 All-Stars? Well, we have a lot more experience playing interleague now compared to ‘08. I think we’ve really upped how we’re training and we’re pushing ourselves a lot harder. We’re also taking the game a lot more serious now. We know if we want to be contenders we need to step it up. We’ve really been focusing on playing as a team this year as well. I think in the past we were relying on individual skaters to get the job done. Eva and myself have been trying really hard to emphasize ‘team’ and that we’re only as strong as our weakest player. We’ve grown so much as a team, and it’s really exciting to see how well we’re starting to play.
How has roller derby changed your life? I have met so many rad people from all over the country because of derby. I don’t do all that sappy shit so that’s all you’re getting outta me!
Is your family supportive of you in the league? Absolutely! They are extremely supportive and really into derby. They come to bouts whenever they can, and sometimes come on the road to see the All-Stars play.
Have you ever thought to go free agent, in attempts to balance the league? Sure, I’ve thought about it. You’ll just have to wait and see….
Have you had to make any sacrifices for derby? Summer time is really tough since we have home bouts and the All-Stars travel a lot. I try to keep a balance between skating and my other derby responsibilities with my ‘real’ life. It doesn’t always work out though.
What do you think is necessary to propel the sport of roller derby further? I think we’re headed down the right path. Continued exposure on a national level, finding new ways to train and push the limits.
7 Comments »
I must say walking into the Garage Bar for the Last Season 3 After-party put me in quite the somber mood. Also knowing that Primp and Danny are leaving in a few days did not help matters any, I will miss you girls!
On to the recap….
First bout Pinups vs. Knockers. Upon walking in to the venue, I am alerted that Bettie Shocker is injured and the Pinups are skating 8 today! I am pretty sure that the only time Booty got a break, was when she was in the penalty box. I have to note the intro of the Hard Knockers, only because I really do not know what else to say! Right from the beginning of this bout, I knew that the Pinups were in trouble. Both Taghurt and Mayhem were extremely slow to get up off the floor, any time the got blasted. You could see the pain on their faces, as the mustered enough strength to pick themselves up off the floor. The Knockers came out of the gate guns blazing scoring 30 points to the Pinups 3, this was insanity! However, luck swayed back to the green, as the Pinups got began a streak of their own! By halftime with the Pinups down 5, Pixie managed to score 10 and tie the game up 42-42! After halftime the fight only got worse, Finnish-Her was finding it easy to score on the Pinups who were starting to get fatigued. So we did what turn two does best…. we booed her! The pinups kept fighting for their points, and actually managed to get themselves into the lead for the first time all game. The crowd roared… everyone loves the underdogs! But as soon as the Pinups got their lead, the wheels began to fall off; and with the last minute of the bout, three in the box and one ejected (which was not Margarita Mayhem). It was easy work for the Knockers to pull the rug out from under the Pinups. What an amazing game! Big congrats to both teams, you all looked great out there!
Championship Bout!
The Steamers vs The Hellbombers; the Steamers were the best candidate for taking the title away for the Hellbombers. The were focused, eager, determined, and ready to fight! The Hellbombers look unfazed, to them they made it seem like it would be another walk in the park. The Steamers came out to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” their entrance, most fitting! The Killustrator was skating in the most electrifying attire I have ever seen. And Take-Out delivered a beautiful Turn Two present: A Chinese take out box the same color her lipstick, filled to the brim with Fortune Cookies! I love the Steamers, how can anyone not love these girls! Though the spread was major, the action was great! This was not a yawner, I was amazed watching Ida Bitter send Dita Von B. to the floor hard multiple times! Don’t worry Dita got her back with a heavy hit of her own! Speaking of heavy hits; what happened to Morbid, maybe X-Rated knows?
With Stroker, CoCo, Bitter, and Destroya jamming it is a tough feat for a combination of the best blockers from each team in our league to stop, let alone the Steamers themselves.
In the end, the Three-Peat was inevitable, not from lack of effort by the Steamers, but due to overwhelming talent the Hellbombers have preserved year after year.
11 Comments »
This is it! The training, the conditioning, the practices, the blood, sweat, and tears all add up to this moment. Its finals time, and I know there are some hungry teams out there!
So lets talk about the first match-up: The Hard Knockers VS. The Rolling Pin-Ups. The Knockers are hurting for a win, these girls will stop at nothing to bring home a “W”. I’ve heard rumors of a Tonya Harding in planning on the All-Round Power-House Professor Booty! Booty, please make sure you have an escort with you at all times up till the Singing of The National Anthem. The Hard Knockers are a super tough team, if they get in the zone, they are hard to stop!
On the other hand The Rolling Pin-Ups have been touting the motto: Good Things come in small packages! The 2009 Rolling Pin-Ups are what derby is all about: fierce, creative, gutsy, bold, and collaboratively talented! I remember the last bout between the Pinups and Knockers resulting in ejections of both Pretty Scarrie and Margarita Mayhem! This match is sure to be edge of the seat explosive action the whole time!
And now onto The Hazard Cup Finals!
Introducing First, fighting out of the Blue Corner: The one, the only…. The Cleveland Steamers! A team who has laughed in the face of adversity to go from last years last place team, to this years rightfully so challengers for The Hazard Cup! Look to see these ladies fighting tooth, with every last breath for victory. This team is the most focused I have ever seen! Primp has been working these girls extra hard to prep them for the toughest fight of their life!
And now in the Black Corner, the team that needs no introduction: Two Time back to back Hazard Cup Champions….. THE HELLBOMBERS! These skaters are primed up and already claiming Three-Peat; when a team as strong as the Hellbombers takes aim, there is just nothing you can do. There strategy is on the track is so cut throat, there is no room for mistakes in any jam! Any team wishing to challenge them must be equally as cunning, as be prepared for a battle. I expect this to be a very exciting bout, I look forward to seeing what becomes the deciding factor in victory.
Good luck to all of you………… You’re going to need it!
1 Comment »
I am excited for this bout; after missing the past two derby events, I am hurting for some derby action! I love all-star bouts; the level of game play is fantastic: cut-throat, full of action, and a lot of brutality! Again I feel this team is not on our level; though they have played some tough teams, which may have helped them tighten their skills. Also we have a 4 hour drive ahead of us, which should not have effect, but you never know. I know that drives always tire me out, but that is because I drive like a mad-man! So make sure you relax, drive easy, don’t yell at people who drive like crap, or freak out on people who throw cigarette butts out their windows (my biggest pet peeve)!
It is most likely that Turn Two will be slightly late, (save us a seat). I have my class which runs till four, but I am going to shoot for leaving at three and having my friend finish the class. So keep your eyes out for us! Actually you will not need to, you will know when my loud ass arrives! 
As always, whoop some ass, but be careful; we got finals in next week!
2 Comments »
On July 11th, I want nothing less than total annihilation! On the surface this appears to be an easy bout for us; that doesn’t mean we take it lightly. Remember there is always something to learn, the only real competition is yourself! I have hopes that our new all-stars will get some shine in, our All-Star team is looking mighty mean. Killamazoo has had some decent games, and I’m sure they have some talented skaters.
Unfortunately, the Turn Two Boys will not be at this bout; personally I have taken an additional work load on Saturdays, which hinders my ability to make it to many away bouts. i will be awaiting to hear how this bout went, how everyone played, mistakes that were made, and skills that were gained. I always hate missing these games, the away games are my favorites. I am actually sad that there is not a home All-Star game; then again, I wouldn’t want to play us on our home turf either, we are just too vicious! Good luck to all the skaters, be safe , kick some ass, and have fun!
2 Comments »
Derby Name: Professor Booty
Number: 00
Team(s): The Rolling Pin-Ups & The Burning River All-Stars
Position(s): Lately for the Pin-Ups: Pivot & Jammer (gag) & for The All-Stars: Outside blocker
How did you learn of the league? I think I just typed in Cleveland roller derby & BRRG popped up. I sent an email & had to wait all damn summer to start!
What made you want to become a derby girl? Well it was becoming quite evident that I was too small for those brutes I was encountering in various rugby city leagues & I needed something fun to do. I considered lacrosse and even soccer but I wasn’t very excited about either & I didn’t think they would be aggressive enough for me. A friend of mine had tried derby in Minneapolis and it seemed like a good fit. I checked out a couple of practices, watched an OHRG bout & the rest is history!
Were you a good skater before you joined the league? I hadn’t skated since I was a kid before joining the league so I’m going to say probably not.
Who do you miss the most that has left the league? Hands down Kill Basa. Followed by Skellawhore and definitely not Pain!
Are you happy you switched to the Pin-Ups, was it hard to leave the Steamers? I am EXTREMELY happy that I switched to the Pin-Ups - as far as life decisions go, it has definitely been one of my best! As far as leaving the Steamers goes - of course it was tough. It wasn’t decided overnight but it came to the point where I either had to leave the team or quit derby. And that’s all I’m going to say about that…
How did you decide on the name Professor Booty? I thought of a couple of names (like the dirty scientist & lab dancer) but Professor Booty seemed to get the most laughs & since I enjoy hamming it up from time to time, that one was the winner.
What are your thoughts about the difference from ‘07 BRRG to ‘09 BRRG? Oh man where do I even begin? The level of play is so much more intense and skilled, bouts are way more challenging and fun and the league (as a whole) has so much more skating knowledge and ability.
Who is your favorite person to knock down? I don’t think I have just 1 favorite. Okay well maybe I do but its a secret! Or is it?
Last year you were MVP blocker, how does that feel? I had the double finger cross going at the banquet while I was waiting to hear who would win that award. I was up against some pretty tough competition but when I heard my name I was so f-ing happy and honored and then I think my face got all red. I worked really hard trying to become a better blocker and I definitely upped my off skates training so it was nice to know that my hard work paid off. Even if it wouldn’t have been me, I still would have been satisfied getting some sort of recognition. That award has given me even more motivation to keep up that extra work this season both on and off the track.
What is your fondest derby memory? My dad made a sign last season that said “Professor Booty is my daughter” and I can remember how happy that made me feel when I saw it for the first time.
How do you feel about the turn 2 boys? Absolute adoration - even though you always make me blush!
What do you feel is essential to propel roller derby as a sport? Continual on skates improvement, increased fitness and competitiveness, player retention & recruitment and increasing our fan base.
How do you like being on the team with the least amount of skaters again? Well considering the fact that I pretty much love my new team (especially after this last bout), I can honestly say that it doesn’t bother me one bit and I actually don’t even think about it. Being down players has only made us grow and play together as a team (plus we have incredible endurance!). Coming in as a new team member, I can honestly say that I was/am pleasantly surprised with the Pin-ups’ super positive attitudes and am impressed by the support available both on and off the track.
What were your thoughts when seeing yourself jamming on the sk8intheface header? I was flattered & embarrassed too!
How has your life changed since roller derby? I definitely crave meat way more than before! Briefly - derby helped me to get my guts back, has made me more serious about my fitness & has introduced me to some wonderful people. I can’t imagine not skating.
6 Comments »
Have a safe, fun, and exciting Fourth of July!
No Comments »
|
Entries (RSS)