Roller Derby changed my life! I know everyone says that and I know it might sound cliche but sometime that’s the best way to describe it. It’s hasn’t just changed my life for the better, it’s changed my life permanently.

Before Derby I was cautious, I did what I was told and I was the “nice” girl. I thought of everyone before myself. I didn’t take risks. (unless you count the 4 tattoos!) I was comfortable being average and ordinary. I had graduated from college and had to become an adult with a “real job” and real bills.

I found out about roller derby by watching the A&E show about TX and started Googling..I found BRRG and decided to join! My parents were not supportive, my friends thought I was crazy but it was something I WANTED to do! I decided to get my gear and show up! My parents are now very supportive and come to every game! They were just worried I would get hurt…which I have but they realize it’s what I love to do so they “get it”

I didn’t know anyone, In fact the 1st person to talk to me was Morbid and she was super sweet and welcoming (weird right!?) I hadn’t skated since middle school and back then I spent most of my time picking up guys in the snack bar and when I was skating I couldn’t stop so I would just skate into the wall!

Roller Derby made me push myself. I was a sad little skater and if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Scarrie and Stroker I might have given up. I learned that I can lose a little bit of control and fly around the corners..I learned that I could stop without running into walls! I learned how to play the game and work with a team. I pushed myself even when I felt like I was the slowest person and the worst hitter. I asked questions and was determined to try my best.

Derby gave me confidence, and the realization that I am strong..All these years of feeling average and ordinary made me blind to the fact that I could do amazing things if I put in some effort and determination.

Derby also gave me the love of my life. I can’t thank the lovely Vix Smackey enough. She introduced me to Fritz. Smackey, Dagney and I were in the car at NEO and she all of a sudden blurted out “I have a guy for you” We met, became inseparable and soon after got married! I didn’t think I would find someone as amazing as him and I never would have if I didn’t join derby!

All in all derby has made me realize that going though life without a passion is no way to live. I have something that I love doing and I am starting to get pretty decent at it! I have learned that being strong doesn’t mean just physically but mentally too. I have a team and a league that I respect so much and that supports me. Derby means the world to me. I am so lucky to be a part of this and sometimes I pinch myself and realize I am a Roller Girl! The nice girl can kick your ass…with a smile of course

xoxo
Margarita Mayhem

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The trip out to Fort Wayne was not an easy one; cars were off the road in ditches, semi’s jack-knifed, and every weather station telling us not to travel. But, in the harshest of environments, members of the BRRG braved the elements and traveled to Fort Wayne Indiana.

First up the Xanadont’s with secret new weapons known as The Killustrator and Chrissie B. Hynde; came out with a strong effort but finished just shy of a win. Punk’d Pixie, Margarita Mayhem, and Vix Smackey showed an intense preview of what the ’09 season is going to look like (look out everyone, Pin-ups are contenders for the Cup). The Xanadont’s played well, but allowed fundamental mistakes to occur, fouls to hurt them, and fatigue to play a factor. It came to the last jam, but with a large crowd pumping the S.W.A.T. Team, the Xanadont’s were unable to come out on top.

I learned a lot sitting between Magic Lee Malicious and Quarter boy (GRRG) about personal styles and where working as a team is needed. I also learned a lot about inexperienced referees, and bad calls. I thank you both for your knowledge and friendship.

Now onto the All-Star Rematch; Burning River steps onto Fort Wayne turf missing a few key elements. One- The Validator: a major factor who scored many points in our first encounter with the Bomb Squad. Two- Slaughterama Mama: an incredible blocker who seems to gain energy when most others begin to feel fatigue. And three- Pain Austen: who yes did not play but has an expertise in observation when play a dirty team like the bomb squad. And yes I said Dirty! I know accidents happen and mistakes get made, refs do not see everything, but something’s you just cannot turn a blind eye to. I also understand that there will always be biased referees, and dirty skaters; and that will never change.

It was a treat to see you girls playing like a team out there! I did not see what I have seen in previous bouts; huge talent with no communication, every girl out there trying to get hers. A saw a major group effort and every girl knowing her role on the track. We had a rough start, with our first three jams, only scoring two points. But we started playing with good strategy and started nickel and dime jams. Then in a reverse of roles we started putting up major points and shutting down there jammer. By the end of the second half it was a one point game.

Unfortunately, it was becoming extremely apparent the referees from Fort Wayne had total disregard for WFTDA rules, especially when it came to fouls committed by their own players. I could go off on an hour tangent, about dozens of instances where I saw blatant fouls (by the bomb squad) with no call, or no foul or legal move being called as fouls (by BRRG). I believe this hurt the team in a way where we lost focus of the game; having to spend time and energy showing referees the fouls, and paying back the one who fouled, this is where there Jammer was able to break through the pack quick and leave our jammer fighting to get through. But in reality this is a situation we knew we were getting into, before we walked in the arena. Even speaking with members of GRRG I heard of dirty players in the bomb squad. We needed to be able to beat this team despite these hindrances. But when I look back at this bout, the team work that I saw out of the All-Stars, the moments where we every player on the track was just playing the game with such skill, technique and grace; for that I account the victory despite the score. This bout was a heck of a learning experience for me and I am sure many times over for the skaters.

Big ups go out to Slambassador for winning best blocker during the first bout; and Halochic during the All-Star bout. I must say special thank you to both Ivanna Destroya and Professor Booty for being concerned with my well being on my trip back (I made it safe!). Mad props to Gonnolea, just cuz she freakin rules! And last but not least Magic Lee Malicious for all her wonderful company and conversation there and back!

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