May’s spotlight touches base with captain of the River City Riot, Stephen Blawking, who recently headed down to Oregon with his fellow Riot members to play in the Big O Tournament (playing under the banner of the Red Deer Dreadnaughts).
Name: Stephen Blawking Number: 9.81 Team: River City Riot, Near Death Stars
Is there a story behind your name/number?
I was christened by the lovely and talented Pyr-Ophelia.
How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?
I used to watch “Roller Jam” on TNN. 6 years ago we went to a derby game for a friend’s birthday. I loved it.
My wife, Babe Slamenko, started playing before I did. Watching her progress and become involved in the derby community made me want to coach.
When the RIOT held their first practice, Hammer invited me down. I was hooked.
What position do you like to play the most and why?
River City Riot vs. St. Albert Arch Angels (April 2014). Photo (c) STAHR.
Blocker, voice on the track. I will wear the pivot stripe, but prefer to leave that helmet cover to the alternate jammers.
What is your best derby memory?
Our first win. We had a lot of fun.
Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?
Excited to be playing MRDA sanctioned games. Always have fun playing with new skaters. Enjoy watching them excel and challenge for their spot on the team.
Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Try everything and fail. Then, try it again. You’re going to be more successful the next time, and the next time. Eventually, you will master the skill you once found daunting.
In case you missed them earlier this month, you can still watch footage of all the games that the Dreadnaughts played in Oregon at this link: http://ecrg.com/bigo/
This month’s spotlight is on one of our trainers here at OCRD and, coincidentally, our poster girl for the game on April 10!
Name: Kay-os Number: 24 Team: Dirty Harriets, Near Death Stars, and Oil City Derby Girls (travel team) Member of OCRD since: April 2014 (almost exactly 1 year!)
Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.
My name is Kay-os. I am a blocker and the captain of the Dirty Harriets.
Is there a story behind your name/number?
My number has always been #24 in all the sports I’ve played throughout my life; volleyball, basketball, etc. It just felt natural to stick with it for derby as well. I picked the name “Kay-os” because it kind of summarizes my lifestyle. I always seem to have a thousand things on the go and usually over-commit and dive into things head first, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Having nothing on my plate is boring and relaxing doesn’t come easy to me. I thrive on a busy, jam-packed, chaotic schedule and suspect I will always keep it that way. Obviously the “Kay” portion of my name is because my name is Kayla.
Photo (c) Chris Edwards.
How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?
I have been playing roller derby since May of 2012. This is my fourth season. Strangely enough, I watched “Whip-It” and the next day went to buy some sunglasses and the optician who was helping me caught on to the fact that I was new in town. She then ran into the back room and brought back a recruitment poster and told me she was the President of the Gold City Roller Girls (Timmins, ON) and wanted me to come. I was extremely hesitant. I felt like I was not “roller derby” material. I wasn’t tough enough. I wasn’t strong enough. And I certainly couldn’t walk into a room of tough chicks without knowing anyone. But, something inside of me knew that I’d regret it if I didn’t go. So I went and have never looked back. I used to always feel like something was missing in my life. I had no real hobbies or interests that kept me busy. Now I have something that I am passionate about and dedicate pretty much all of my free-time to.
Why did you pick OCRD for your league?
My partner (Hyde) and I moved to Edmonton from Ontario and wanted to play together like we had back home. It was the natural choice to pick the only co-ed league in Edmonton. But, we soon realized that not only was OCRD the only co-ed league around, but it was the best league and we absolutely love it here! We were welcomed in immediately and have settled in quite nicely I’d say. 🙂
What position do you like to play the most and why?
I like to block. Jamming terrifies me and, until I can get over that, blocking is my happy place. I really enjoy the strategy and teamwork involved and love playing offence and defense at the same time. Jamming is awesome, but I prefer the strategy of blocking.
What is your best derby memory?
RDAC Eastern Regionals in 2013. The Northeastern Ontario travel team I played for flew 1300km to Windsor, Ontario to compete in this tournament. We ended up playing 5 of the 10 games in the tournament and 3 of them were back to back (literally, with about a 10 minute break in between). We were completely exhausted and running on adrenaline and Red Bull. We went into the tournament having no idea where we stood and ended up taking 2nd place. It truly felt like 1st though (because the 1st place team was like Gotham compared to anyone else in the tournament). If RDAC hadn’t folded the day of the tournament (yes, really), then we would have advanced to finals. The feeling was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. But more importantly, this is where I met Hyde. He was the head ref for the tournament and the second I saw him yell “No pack!,” I knew he had to be mine. I asked him out that night, although he didn’t really catch on right away, and we’ve been together ever since!
Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?
I plan to tryout again at the next round of Team Alberta recruitment. I would love to be involved in a high level competitive team with so many amazing skaters to learn from. Team Canada is a very far away dream. But I can dream…
Step 1 is to seriously improve my fitness off-skates. After three seasons of derby I’ve learned that I can’t take it to the next level without putting a great deal of focus on what I do off the track.
Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?
My advice to new/future skaters is that you CAN do this! I was the person who laughed out loud when I was handed a recruitment poster. I thought to myself “I’m not tough enough for this” and didn’t think it was my scene. You can do this.
Also, that derby will take as much as you are willing to give. So figure out how much you want to give and make that clear to everyone around you. Some people just want to get some exercise, some people want to play for Team Canada. It’s easier for everyone if we all know what eachothers goals are. If you want to be the best, we’ve got some amazing men and women here to learn from and they’ll tell you, you need to do workout outside of practice to excel. If you want to play for exercise and meeting new people, there is absolutely a place for you here too!
But my biggest piece of advice is not to compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Truly. You can’t step onto the track after one month and be disappointed in yourself because you don’t look like Wingman or Clumzy Luver yet (name drop to my peeps, haha). Some of us have been skating for 4+ years. Set baselines for yourself. Compare your progress on a monthly or quarterly basis with laps, times, technique, etc. Keep a journal of what you’re struggling with and what you rock at. Don’t be afraid to fall. It’s really not a big deal and, I assure you, nobody cares or probably even looked twice.
Oh and, of course, Oil City is the the best league ever. Obviously.
In honor of our semi-annual Recruitment Week, this month’s skater spotlight highlights a very recent graduate of our Fundamentals Program, and very recent addition to the league who is fitting in juuust fine.
Name: Luna Shovegood Number: 31 Team: Damage, Inc. Member of OCRD since: January 2015
Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are:
By day, I’m a Life Claims Administrator for Alberta Blue Cross (yeah, it’s as depressing as you’d think). I’ve got a pretty bad potty mouth, so I could never move to Taber. I’m fiercely loyal to those I love and will fight to the death for them. I’m also an opera singer! I’ve got a Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance, which, in an ideal world, I would be getting paid for. But until that day, you’ll have to catch me singing the anthem at our next bout!
Is there a story behind your name/number?
I’m a HUGE Harry Potter nerd. Like for real. When I was 11, I prayed every night all summer prior to grade 7 (when Muggle-born witches and wizards would receive their letter) that I would get my Admission Letter for Hogwarts. When I didn’t, I cried myself to sleep for weeks. And my first day of Muggle junior high was the most dreaded day of my life. My parents had to buy me a rabbit so I would stop crying. It was a legitimate problem, and I bet my parents seriously considered psychiatric help from professionals. I’ve read the first 5 books 31 times each and the last two 9 times (who has time to catch up like that, amirite?).
But back to the real question…I always loved Luna Lovegood. She doesn’t give a crap about what people think about her. She’s badass, and doesn’t get enough credit for being so. Soooo basically, Luna Shovegood just felt right. And 31 is the day of Harry Potter’s birthday. Which is in July, in case you were wondering (I’m sure you were…don’t lie).
How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?
I have NEVER been athletic (seriously, the only goal I ever scored in 10 years of soccer was on my own net), I always preferred being on stage to sports. But I needed exercise, and I wanted to make new friends. So I looked into roller derby. I hemmed and hawed for about a year, and finally, when the monotony of my life really started getting to me, I completed my Fresh Meat program with another all-women’s league in November of 2014 and started with OCRD in January! So be gentle with me, I’m still new! (Just kidding…you can hit me! I’m not afraid!)
Why did you pick OCRD for your league?
When I started my Fresh Meat I didn’t have full gear because it was held up at customs and got sent back two or three times before it came in. I was friended on Facebook by Badger Badger, who without even knowing me offered to lend me gear just to get me rolling. She seriously didn’t even shake my hand before she left a bag full of gear on her front steps for me to take…and trusted that I wouldn’t steal it!
I didn’t even know that there was more than one derby league in Edmonton, but I knew in my heart that if someone from another league was willing to help me out so much, I wanted to be a part of that league. So I made the switch, and I’m seriously the happiest girl in the world for it!
Shovey doing some A+ blocking at our recent Francey Pants guest coaching session. Photo (c) Ruby Rocket
What is your best derby memory?
My best derby memory is easy. I had bussed from work to practice, and upon arrival, I discovered that I hadn’t brought pants. I was wearing a VERY office-appropriate dress that wasn’t really derby-practice material (no pun intended). As soon as I realized I forgot pants, Motor Vader literally took her shorts off of her body and gave them to me to wear. She didn’t even hesitate. It was that moment I realized that OCRD isn’t just a league, it’s a family. And I’ll never forget that feeling.
Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?
My plans are simple. To skate until the day I can’t anymore.
My goals are simple too. I’d die if I got drafted to the GI Janes when I benchmark (the first bout I ever went to was a Janes match, and from the first jam I loved them all), but as long as I continue to learn more about derby and myself, I’ll be the happiest camper and cow bell-ringer at every bout.
Anything else you’d like to say?
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Self, I think roller derby would be fun!” you should just do it. Seriously. It may seem intimidating, but the people that are a part of Oil City Roller Derby will make you feel like family on your first practice. Then the skills will fall into place, and you’ll quickly become the bad ass you’ve always wanted to be. If you’re concerned that you’re not fit enough to join, that doesn’t matter either! You will be in NO time!
Well, you heard her! There’s still time to come on out and give it a shot. We’ll see you all on March 19!
Better late than never, introducing our February skater of the month, Bloody Fairy!
Name: Bloody Fairy Number: 131 Team: Dirty Harriets & Space Oddities Member of OCRD since: 2013
Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.
Who am I? That’s a good question. I wear many hats. I work at the University of Alberta in Newborn Screening and Biochemical Genetics as a lab assistant. I’m also a mom of two amazing kids. I’m an eternal optimist and your biggest cheerleader.
Is there a story behind your name/number?
13 is my favorite number. Friday the 13ths are my favorite days but 13 was taken. I chose 131 because my birthday is Jan 31 and it had 13 in it. Seemed to make sense.
When I chose my name I had a hard time thinking of something that represented me accurately. I’m not exactly intimidating. I chose Bloody Fairy because I worked in a lab taking blood for 12 years. Then moved over to the blood bank for a few more years. It was fitting and I still get to sparkle.
How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?
I wanted to try derby for years but was too scared to. I finally decided to take the plunge because people laughed and told me I couldn’t do it. I’d get killed. I wasn’t tough or mean enough. I’ve never played any sports. I’m not athletic but they’re not laughing anymore.
Why did you pick OCRD for your league?
I didn’t even check out other leagues. OCRD Was an immediate fit. I felt immediately encouraged and supported. I felt at home.
What position do you like to play the most and why?
I’m built like a blocker but I prefer to jam. I’d love to be an amazing jammer one day.
What is your best derby memory?
My best derby memory…yikes there’s so many. I’d say my very first bout in Ft. St. John. I actually played like I knew what was going on. Haha.
Bloody Fairy at the Battle of the Names, where Space Oddities took the win. Photo (c) Ruby Rocket
The best part was when pile driver came to me after celebrating heavily and said…loosely quoted..”Bloody when I heard you were on my line I was like. …oh f**k. Great. But you really showed up and you were there.” I laughed because when I found out I was on her line. I had the same reaction. Oh f**k. Great. Only because I had a history of constantly getting under her feet in practice. I knew I was a source of irritation a lot for her. It all worked out.
Number 2 best memory was when Trip decided to bully me on my first scrimmage when I was jamming. I didn’t know jammers could block and hit each other. It was a great learning experience even if I was clueless to what the hell was going on. So thanks for that!
Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?
Just to keep improving.
Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?
If it’s uncomfortable then it’s likely something that needs to be worked on the most. Power through. Don’t worry about how you look. You don’t get better by standing around looking pretty. Attitude is everything. You can turn anything around with the right attitude. You can’t control a lot of things but how you react you can.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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”.
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…
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.
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!
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!
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?
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!
The sorting hat hath spoken, and the first skater to be spotlighted is Keely “Low Key” Lucas. Read on to learn more.
Name: 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 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!
What is your best derby memory? 
Name: Bloody Fairy
