Category Archives: Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight: TerraBrie “Badger Badger” Stewart

With enough enthusiasm for derby to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool, and enough metal in her legs to be classified as the Bionic Woman, Badger is, simply put, an enigma.

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Name: Badger Badger
Number: Ti22
Team: Dirty Harriets officially, but consider all of OCRD to be my team
Member of OCRD since: June 2014

Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.

I’m quick…and I’m dirty.

Is there a story behind your name/number? 

Genus: Badger
Species: badger
Subspecies: bionicus (represented by the #Ti22)

Finding a derby name was a bit of a challenge for me. I broke my right leg on my fourth practice of fresh meat and was stuck on the couch all summer brainstorming derby names; my first choice was a name I could never say to my grandmother and the others just didn’t quite feel right.  I always kept coming back to the badger as I have always felt it was my power animal. I admire their determination, confidence, and tenacity. They are also extremely protective of their territory, and although they tend to mind their own business, they have no problem going toe-to-toe with a grizzly bear if they are feeling threatened.

I finally chose the name Badger Badger from a catchy internet cartoon of repeating images of badgers doing calesthenics in a field, an Amanita muscaria mushroom in front of a tree, and a snake in the desert (editor’s note: http://youtu.be/EIyixC9NsLI). Given that I have written two educational guides on fungi (mushrooms), and couple of seasons studying rattlesnakes, it seemed like the perfect fit. The bionic portion of my name was added after breaking my left leg longboarding and now having both my tibias made of titanium.

How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby? 

I started my fresh meat program May 1, 2013. I spent much of my childhood skating on a dugout southern Saskatchewan with a spattering of hockey and ringette experience. I also played a few years of rugby in my late teens, but I was never really very good at sports–generally because I had a hard time adhering to the rules. Later in life I bought a pair of rollerblades and fell in love with skating in a new way. I joined roller derby because I wanted to experience what it was like to be a part of a team.

Why did you pick OCRD for your league? 

I originally started skating with another women’s only league, but I transferred after my first year to OCRD because it was officially becoming a co-ed league. Skating with men gave me the challenge and intensity I sought in sport which I was not able to get by just skating with women. Shortly after transferring I came to understand that OCRD isn’t just a roller derby league– it is a roller derby family, made up of very strong and supportive individuals who work very hard to meet their personal and collective goals, while not taking themselves too seriously. There are many couples skating in our league and I can’t think of a better way to enhance a relationship than joining an extreme sport together. Whether male or female or somewhere in between, when we step onto the track at OCRD, we are all equals.

What position do you like to play the most and why?

I love jamming. I am not naturally a strong team player and really like to do my own thing, and jamming gives me that freedom. There are so many small success moments in every jam which supercharge me to the next moment– like the first moment of clearing the pack, receiving an accererating push, having an opposing blocker go down and seizing the chance to sprint through, or having one of my own blockers clear a perfect path of paved highway for me. Jamming can also be a high anxiety position, but I every jam I skate I have the power to give it my all; regardless of how many points I score, I using every ounce of energy I have leaves me with a deep feeling of satisfaction.

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Badger hovering on a single toe stop, searching for a way through the pack. Photo (c) Buffy Goodman

What is your best derby memory? 

It was my first game back healing from my left leg break. As I was still in recovery mode, I wasn’t put on a line and was set to sub in at my discretion. On my second jam, Sour Cherry (bless her soul) fell on my “broken” leg right off the whistle. The adrenaline got me through the rest of the jam but I knew things were not all right, but I did not want to admit it. My coach asked if I was good for another one and I said yes. When I got to the line I noticed two of my blockers where in the box and the opposing team had a full line up. Clumzy Luver and Motor Vader were the blockers on the track. I felt a little desperate so I started a star pass to Clumzy, and this though the opposing team off long enough for me to get through the pack. I gave it allI had but I was taken out by a big blocker right around the first turn. I felt my leg give out entirely but I had to keep going as meanwhile the opposing jammer had been given a penalty so I was on a power jam. I got up and my body swayed to the outside of the track. I was sure I was going out of bounds and then I felt someone grab me, hold me tight and start to skate with me. In the most reassuring tone a voice said, “it’s ok, I’ve got you, I’ve got you. Just keep skating.” I was escorted through the opposing blockers and given a push to get me on my way. I was so out of it that I didn’t know who my guardian blocker was. I found out later it was Motor Vader, who is one of my very favourite people. I will never, never, never forget that moment because it was that was when I knew for certain what it feels like to be a part of a team.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby? 

As a skater, I want to continue to work on all my skills (both jammer and blocker) until I get to the place where I feel completely confident in any position. As I don’t think this is something any skater ever really achieves, it looks like I might be playing roller derby for some time yet.

As a league member, I would like to continue to work with recruitment and retention and build a roller derby into an accessible sport for everyone– regardless of size, age, gender, or entry-level athleticism. I am passionate about building community and love having a front row centre seat to watch the committed and driven people around me conquer their own personal Mt. Everests.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

We are really lucky to have many leagues in the Edmonton area. I would recommend that anyone interested in joining derby take their time to visit the leagues to see where they feel most comfortable and find their best derby fit. Come out to games, talk to the players (even if you are shy) and ask them about their own experiences. I think knowing what you are signing up for will increase your chances for success. That being said, not all skaters advance at the same rate, but if you bring determination and commitment to the track, a challenging and supportive team environment will transform you into an athlete.

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We would be amiss if we did not share a photo of Badger’s signature facepaint. Photo (c) Gregg Ingram

Anything else you’d like to say?

I think I’d like to take this time to make a small confession: when I first heard about co-ed roller derby, I had  very little interest in even checking out the league. I was completely enamoured by the glitz and glam of roller girls and wrapped up in the idea of being a rockstar on skates. I associated men in sport to be sweaty, smelly, and like the stereotypical locker room jocks snapping towels at each other. I am actually embarrassed to think about how wrong I was. The River City Riot truly present a case for men’s roller derby to be called a “gentleman’s sport”. In co-ed derby I still get to feel like a rockstar in fishnets and mini leather kilts, but I also get to feel like I am part of something greater than that– of a team of men and women working together to be the very best athletes and human beings that they can be, and this makes me so damn proud to call this league my home.

A birdy tells me it’s also Badger’s birthday a few weeks from now, so I’ll take this time to wish her a VERY Happy Birthday from everyone at OCRD.

 

Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight: Kerri “Motor Vader” Dixon

This month the spotlight shines on three time award winner Motor Vader, a skater who lives up to her name and then some.  She is one of the league’s many cheerleaders and one of the resident geeks to boot.

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Name: Motor Vader
Number: 501st
Team: G.I. Janes, All-Stars
Member of OCDG since: 2014

Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.

I was born in London, Ontario. Many years later I was teaching English and Dramatic Arts at a high school in Mississauga when I was reading the paper in the staff room and saw an advertisement for a science fiction convention in Toronto. I had always wanted to go to one, so I did so and became a yearly volunteer at the event. Fast forward a few more years, and I meet my now husband at the event. He is military, and eventually he whisks me away to start a long, wonderful adventure across Canada as we are posted from province to province.

Is there a story behind your name/number?

Because of my love of skating as a child, I was fortunate that my time in Fresh Meat could be spent learning the more advanced skills of derby, and not having to learn to skate. But some of my Fresh Meat colleagues were learning to function on these rolling boots for the first time, and I was always willing to share tips and tricks for learning benchmarking skills, and did so with a smile and laugh along the way. “You’re so motivating!” was the generous compliment given to me by a newer skater, and the idea of being known as the motivator pleased me greatly. Trying to choose a derby name, I started played around with the word motivating…motivation…motivator. My love of science fiction kicked in on that last word, and MOTO VADER was born. “Huh? I don’t get it!” was the first reaction to the name, and it was quickly changed by my Fresh Meat mates to MOTOR VADER. The number, 501st, is a nod to the 501st Legion, a group of worldwide group of fans who promote Star Wars through costuming and charity events.

How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?

My first skates had metal wheels and a leather strap that fastened at the ankle, and a key that adjusted the clips at my toes. I wore the key around my neck and skated along the sidewalk, bumping over each crack humming, “I’ve got a brand new pair of rollerskates…” Cliché, I know, but I loved to skate.

A friend of mine didn’t have any skates, so I shared mine with her – but not in the taking turns kind of way. We thought it would be a great idea to each wear one of them, and we would try to coast down the drive way arm in arm, each on one foot. We were unsuccessful, of course, and spent most of our time tumbling onto the grass in a heap of laughter. A nasty spill and my first bout of (what I now know to affectionately call) rink rash put an end to our duo of skating, but not to my love of zipping around on 8 wheels.

Motor making the game look good. (c)Anthony Canada
Motor making the game look good. (c)Anthony Canada

Most of my preteen years were spent in a roller rink. In my hometown, Wheels was where all the cool kids went to skate – I went to Roller Palace. I made no pretense on pretending to be cool when I knew I wasn’t. Besides, Roller Palace wasn’t as busy, and I could skate around much faster there. Speed was the key.

Although roller rinks fell out of fashion with fickle teens, I held on as long as I could before the roller rinks in my area closed their doors. Inline skating became popular through my teens and early 20’s, and I owned a few variations of inline skates, but it was never quite the same.

So when much to my surprise roller derby emerged as a sport in my adult life, I just knew I had to play. I married a military man and we were stationed in Cold Lake when I first saw the advertisement for the local team. I was so excited at the opportunity to be back on 8 wheels! I enrolled in the Lakeland Ladykiller’s Fresh Meat program in 2011, and have been skating ever since. My biggest fear when my husband and I received notice that he was going to be posted to another city, was that I needed to be somewhere that had Roller Derby! Fortunately it was Edmonton, and OCDG became my new derby home.

Why did you pick OCDG for your league?

While any of the area teams would have been a welcome home, OCDG just seemed to fit for me. They embraced my crazy.

What position do you like to play the most and why?

I love being a blocker, particularly on the inside line. I enjoy being in a jammer’s way!

What is your best derby memory?

My favourite personal derby moment was OCDG’s 2014 Prom. The derby family love in that room was like a warm blanket over all our shoulders. I am fortunate to be a member of this league.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

When I started this sport, because of my age, I thought I only had a few years to play before I needed to retire. Then I found the Facebook group Derby Over 40 and discovered that women in their 50’s and 60’s continue to play and even learn the sport for the first time. I plan on skating as long as I am able.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

Never be embarrassed or afraid to ask for assistance in learning a specific skill.

My favourite part of Fresh Meat was time with veteran skaters, asking zillions of questions about skating techniques and the game itself. Find someone you are comfortable with and pick their brains! Come ask me! If I don’t know the answer, I will find someone who does.

Thanks Motor.  It was a pleasure to have you as our master of ceremonies for the Xmas party festivities, and might I just add – “WOW”.

Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight: Gary “Mad Piper” Ferguson

This month we have our first spotlight on a member of the Riot, none other than our resident Scotsman, Mad Piper.  Piper hits like a tank and has been known to give bruises to people trying to hit him, simply by standing still.  Rumor is he also plays a musical instrument of some kind…

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Name: Mad Piper
Number: 73
Team: River City Riot
Member of OCDG since: February 2013

Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.

I have been involved in sports my whole life. I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old, so for 36 years. I have a lovely wife who is also in derby (Clumzy Luver) and a beautiful daughter, Emily. I manage an autobody store that keeps me busy, as well as playing the bagpipes in a Celtic band.

Is there a story behind your name/number?

It took a while to pick my derby name, but playing bagpipes for 28 years helped me pick my name. I just picked my birth year for my number.

How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?

I never really wanted to play derby, but got bugged by some Riot members for a while as my wife was playing, so I tried it out in February of 2013 and got hooked.

Why did you pick OCDG for your league?

To support the league my wife was part of – and it’s home to the only men’s team in Edmonton.

What position do you like to play the most and why?

I like to play blocker mostly as I like to hit, but I also really enjoy jamming as I still get to knock people around.

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Piper jamming against the Dreadnaughts at Flat Track Fever – and showing ’em how it’s done.

What is your best derby memory?

My very first Riot game in Red Deer when the team won their very first game. I was so proud to be part of that special win.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

To help the Riot get to the MRDA (Men’s Roller Derby Association) level.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

Don’t ever quit; get back up and keep trying, and always remember to have fun.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I have met the most amazing people through derby.

Piper and Clumzy are the quintessential derby family, both heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the league and supporting its members.  Now we just have to get them to convince Emily that GEJRDA (Greater Edmonton Junior Roller Derby Association) is where it’s at!

Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight: Bonnie “PileDriver” Somerville

We’re back again, and this month we get to learn more about Bonnie “PileDriver” Somerville.  PileDriver plays for both the GI Janes and the travel team All Stars, and she also happens to be one of the hardest hitters on the track (as I can very much attest to – ouch, my poor shoulders).  Read on!


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Name: PileDriver
Number: 29
Team: GI Janes
Member of OCDG since: May 2013

Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.

22 year old farm kid living life in the city. I work, I skate, I go on adventures with the people I love. Total dork to the core. Total pansy. I’m tough on the track and won’t give a second thought when it comes to knocking anyone to the ground. But off the track I’m more likely to hug you than deck you.

Is there a story behind your name/number?

I spent my entire life around bagpipes, and when I was a good enough piper I started playing shows and competing with my band. One our show sets was Suo Gan and The Piledriver. I loved that set. It was that set that pushed me to be a better piper.

Also 29 has been my number for over a decade and through the many many many sports I used to play.

How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?

My parents gave me Whip It for my 18th birthday, which started it all. But things didn’t work out; I may or may not have ran away from a freshmeat night in Red Deer.

A good friend forced me into buying a full set of gear a year and a half ago, two months later I joined OCDG, and I haven’t looked back since.

Why did you pick OCDG for your league?

The aforementioned friend who forced me to buy gear was originally trying to get me to play with her in Red Deer but I couldn’t do the commute. She later told me that if I was going to skate in Edmonton it should be with OCDG since they were nice.

What position do you like to play the most and why?

Blocker all the way. More specifically mamma hen since for some reason in a pack I’m more comfortable skating backwards. Plus having jammers fear me is kind of satisfying.

What is your best derby memory?

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PileDriver (center) executing a flawless hit. Not pictured – the subsequent tears of her fallen enemies.

I’d like to say my first game but I don’t remember much of it. Getting my laps was pretty fantastic though. Pretty sure I did them nearly every practice for quite some time until I got my 25-in-5.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

Skate for as long as my body will let me. Seems like a good plan/goal to me.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

Don’t be afraid to take or throw a hit. And strive to beat the senior skaters. It will make you better and make us want to get better.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Derby saved me in more ways than one. It’s my second love. Sorry guys but my wee laddie wins first place.

Fun fact about Pile: she has signature ‘crazy eyes/ that she likes to flash at opponents shortly before slamming into them.  They would fill you with sheer horror, if not for the fact that she’s always grinning at the same time.  Thanks for the chat, Pile!

Skater Spotlight

Skater Spotlight: Keely “Low Key” Lucas

The sorting hat hath spoken, and the first skater to be spotlighted is Keely “Low Key” Lucas.  Read on to learn more.

lowkeyName: Low Key
Number: 314
Team: GI Janes
Member of OCDG since: Approx. September 2010

Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.

I’m 26, a technical writer, and someone who reads wherever I am able to – you can pry my book away from my cold dead hands. And I enjoy feeling like a badass and hitting people in my spare time. When outside people are told I am a Roller Derby player they look at me in surprise, and then when they get to know me they are no longer surprised. I am a proud Roller Derby blocker. And I cherish being sneaky on the track and a harder hitter then I appear.

Is there a story behind your name/number?

Took the name from Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” – I now like how it seems to compliment my current derby style (I don’t seem like much but I’ll always somehow be in my opponent’s way). Chose 3.14 because it reminded of my friends who enjoy celebrating silly little things like Pie Day. And who doesn’t like pie?

How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?

I saw a few games and it seemed like such an interesting and cool sport full of tough woman so I signed up. As well, I needed to find a way to motivate myself to get into shape and holy cow is derby a way to do that.

Why did you pick OCDG for your league?

They were the team I watched for those first few games and the ladies seemed so nice and enthusiastic.

What position do you like to play the most and why?

I really enjoy being a blocker. It makes me feel useful without the anxiety of (literally) having a target on you as a jammer.

Low Key (front) at Flat Track Fever 2014, proving how much she loves blocking - by holding back the entire pack. Photo by Chris Edwards.
Low Key at Flat Track Fever 2014, proving how much she loves blocking – by holding back the entire pack.

What is your best derby memory?

It’s hard to pick. I’d have to say my first game ever. Before the game I was vibrating so hard with adrenaline and terror. I was worried I would mess up the game for my teammates and embarrass myself in front of my parents and the crowd. It was amazing the difference I felt sitting back down at the bench after my first jam. I had been so focused on playing that I forgot most of my anxiety. I also like the periodical moments of realization of ways I have improved as an athlete – though sometimes I have trouble seeing for myself.

Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?

I wish to play derby or as long as it remains fun and fulfilling. To improve my game steadily. To be there for my teammates. And to support the league that took me in.

Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?

Try. And keep trying. Ask for help. Eventually things will come easier to you. As well, laugh off the mistakes and blunders you will make (this can help keep you from crying).

Anything else you’d like to say?

I am so happy I took a chance and signed up. To step out of my shell and try so many new things I hadn’t had the courage before. I am surrounded by amazing people, who are kind and enthusiastic and encouraging and playfully ferocious and so very caring to those they love (and to those who try). Thank you guys.

Thanks for taking the time to share with us, Low Key!  We’ll be cheering for you at the GI Janes game on September 19!