strength – Page 2 – Khaos Theory Derby

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: G11 Texas Outlaws v NYSE

Rufio #66; Texas Men’s Roller Derby

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Survival – Eminem

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Right now it a tie between Houston,Tx and Austin,Tx. Both have alot of places to visit, and the skaters are some of the most down to earth people I have met.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Freight Train

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Brad and Diamond

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Tj Binkley (just the tip), constantly helping and giving me advice even after he has shut me down on the track. He keeps pushing me to be better and helps teach me ways to improve. Sutton, he has to be one of the best blockers I have seen and played against. Deadly reach with his hips and training to be able to get past him.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? the closet thing to me, I’m not extremely picky, but whatever has the most amount of steak or beef.

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Photo by Thorpe Griner of Thorpeland Photography

KyeSexual #17; New York Shock Exchange (3)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Shut me up by mindless self indulgence

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Brisbane Australia

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Miss tea maven, because she is one of the hardest working skaters out there and took time when I started skating to teach me and push me

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Depends on the tournament but either Paul funyun or Abe drinking & Malcolm sex

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? It sounds stupid but I have never played a derby game against an MRDA team and lost. Therefore I would have to say the skater who has beaten me personally would have to be my teammates Abe drinkin and Malcolm sex

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? A big plate of eggplant Parmasian

Photo by Hispanic Attack

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The Match Up

There is a lot of hunger going on in this game. NYSE wants to hold onto their medal placement, and Texas is ready to bring home some hardware.

Texas Outlaws waiting for the jammer. Photo by Mr. McWheely

NYSE’s blocking this weekend has been top notch: Malcolm Sex and Karl Le Fou have been having incredible weekends. Their jammers have been looking stronger than ever, not being easily knocked out of bounds. Texas, meanwhile, has been showing that their recycling can destroy the best jammers in the world (TJ Binkley means business), and jammers like Dr. Feelgood and Lucky Jammer have been nomming up blockers all weekend.

This match up takes place at 5p CST on WFTDA.tv

Photo by Hispanic Attack

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: G10 Southern Discomfort v Puget Sound

Scott Slamilton#100; Puget Sound (4)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Michael Jackson Beat It.

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? I prefer to play within driving distance so my family can come with me.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Lacey Ramon aka Carmen Getsome. She’s not only a strong skater but also has a strong mental game. I’ve seen her put the star on in the final jam when her team is down and pull out a win more times than I can count. She always pushes herself to be better and never gives up.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? It’s always different, I think I’ve shared a bed with all my teammates.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Cory Pain challenges me most. His dynamic style of blocking challenges me to be better. He knows my limits and pushes me past them.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Bobby Breadsticks

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Photo by Danny Ngan Photography

Spectral Aberwraytion #6283; Southern Discomfort (6)

1) What pump up songs play in your head when you take the track? Ben Folds – Draw a Crowd Skrillex – Bangarang Bieber – Baby

2) What is your favourite city to travel to play derby in? Well we’ve never lost a game in St. Louis…

3) Who is your favourite WFTDA skater and why? The WFTDA ref in me is loath to answer this, but I would have to say the great Lorna Brown.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Aside from my special man friend Matthew Sutton….different each time, but the fondest memories are probably Lucky Charms out of a plastic cup with Reaps.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Once upon a time it was Mr. F but that feels like cheating now he’s with us! Frank Notsohotra is a classic example of a talented player who is also a pleasure to play against, and pushes you to be better.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Chilli, chips’n’cheese. Ace cafe for life.

Photo by Zero G Photography

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The Match Up

Puget Sound is known for speed and agility. So Disco is known for power and lateral-backwards blocking. Both teams have velocity, and both team has bruisers, but this is a very interesting match up as far as dynamics. I think whoever can keep blockers out of the box more effectively will come out on top in this one.

At the Men’s European Championship. Photo by Zero G Photography

After a heartbreaking five point loss to Shock Exchange, the men from London do not want a return trip home with no wins on their record. If they can use their strong blockers to grind the speed of Puget down, they’ll have an advantage. Puget is not thrilled at their loss to Texas yesterday, and are looking to re-establish themselves as a tour de force of derby. If they can use their speed (and their smarts) to draw the pack penalties (like they’ve done so well this year to other teams), it will give their jammers space to run and hop around.

This match-up faces off at 3p CST on wftda.tv

At BrewHaha. Photo by Mr. McWheely

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: Aftershocks vs TC Terrors

Just Mike #515; San Diego Aftershocks

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Indestructible – Disturbed

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Denver

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Lolli – Des Moines United

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? My #1 fan, my wife Tye

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? the Muse brothers

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Steak & potato

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Steve Sweat #808; Twin City Terrors

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Genesis by Justice.

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Adelaide in Australia, or in the US St Louis.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Hurtrude Stine (Trudy) for Minnesota Roller Girls.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Whoever is going to bed early.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Magnum P.I.M.P for his composer and leadership.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Turkish Chicken

Phot o by Mr. McWheely

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The Match Up

Both teams had hard losses early on day one, and both are looking to leave the tournament with a win. The Aftershocks are coming into the tournament as the 9 seed, and want to establish that they belong there. Twin City got into the tournament based on declinations and want to prove that they have learned from all of the impossibly hard bouts they’ve played this year, and they can be a top 10 team.

Aftershocks during the season. Thank you TRISTAN KING PHOTOGRAPHY for the photo

Both teams need to keep their walls tightened down to be successful. The Aftershocks try and run a fast game, and against an agile jammer (like Steve Sweat), they’ll be at a disadvantage. The Terrors tend to get split into two and two, and against a strong jammer (like B Stang), they just won’t be able to stop his momentum.

Game starts at 1p CST on WFTDA.tv

TC has been working on their “Great Wall of Minnesota”.
Photo by Ryan Siverson.

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: G8 Your Mom v Texas Outlaws

Nicholas Becker #12; Your Mom Men’s Roller Derby (1)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Til’ I Collapse by Eminem – The beat is just energizing the the Chorus of the song gives me an extra little edge mentally! There are a few others, but that is my song to put me in the zone
2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? I have been pretty blessed with the different teams I have played with over the years.. I would say Playing with Team USA in Birmingham was pretty amazing… The crowd had so much energy.. I remember being on the track when The opposing team scored the first point on us and I could barely here myself think none the less talk to my teammates.. That weekend was the most mind blowing weekend of my derby career to date!!
3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? My favorite skater in the WFTDA… Wow… I look up to and respect many of them.. I think the first name that comes to mind.. Acker’s.. She is such a driving motion with her team on the track (which i have experienced 2x now with Your Mom) and s\pushes herself to be an amazing leader. Seeing her Captain Team USA this last year when I was working the Roller Derby Elite both was pretty awesome.. Maybe its her twerking.. I dont know.. lol.. J
4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Ahh… I have stayed with pretty much about any of them.. Being a satellite skater anytime I’m with the team I need a place to stay…. The team has opened there homes for me and I couldn’t be more blessed to have them. Most often I spend my time with A muse or open my room for a teammate to stay with me…
5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? They may sound weird for those that don’t know my past, but the 3 Muse brothers. Back in 2011 when I played with the Green Bay Smackers we played Your Mom at a tournament.. The Muse Brothers and the rest of Your Mom has pushed me to the point I am at now.. I have really been super blessed with this opportunity that came to me.
6) What is your favorite post-bout food? BEER… nah, just kidding.. not a beer drinker even tho I live in Wisconsin… I rarely eat after a game.. My adrenaline levels are so high that I have a very low appetite. Its normally several hours after a game before I eat and then its pretty much whatever is close

Photo by Joel Giltner Photography

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TJ “TIP” Binkley #5; Texas Men’s Roller Derby (4)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? (My song would have to be Jammin by Black Violin. Back when I jamskated that song always got me pumped up and when I skated for MCM that was are skate out song)

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? (Besides the DFW area I would have to say St. Louis. They have awesome fans and I love the venue.)

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? (I really enjoy skating against my wife (Hannah Barbaric). She is able to adapt to my skating since we always skate together. I would also have to say Smarty Pants. She is a class act. I always enjoy sharing the track with her.)

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? (I try to room with anyone who doesn’t snore. I HATE snoring. My roomies are usually Haterade, GI Joel and HimQlez. Good group of guy’s. )

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? (The two guy’s I like skating against are my old teammates Jeremy Strecker and Chuck Best. I have grown up with both of them and they always push me to skate my hardest against them.)

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? (Mexican or Firehouse Subs are my go to’s.)

Photo by Mr. McWheely

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The Match Up

Your Mom is known for speed skating agility and edgework; they use their momentum to get through packs and around blockers. They use their momentum to put other blockers on the floor. They have some bruisers like Becker and Jack Hammer’d, and they have strategists like Seahorses Forever and Sugar Boots. They have impossible to catch jammers in Rollomite and Frank NotsoHotra.

The patented sweatpants of Seahorses Forever, working with Tony Muse against Rocky Mountain. Photo by Joel Giltner Photography

Texas is like their up-and-coming little brother. They have a lot of experience of high level play in TJ Binkley and GI Joel. All of their jammers jump apexes and out-juke opponents (you’ll rarely see The Enabler or Dr. Feelgood with all 8 on the ground). Their recycling yesterday against Puget was on point.

This is going to like the Puget/Your Mom game of Maritime Mayhem, which was called one of the best games of the year. This game gets rolling at 11a CST on WFTDA.tv

Texas Outlaws doing their thing. Photo by Mr. McWheely

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: G7 Gatekeepers v NYSE

Shane Bower #32; St Louis Gatekeepers (2)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Delirium Trigger by Coheed and Cambria
2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Denton Texas. I love that town and I’ve only had good experiences there.
3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? All of ARRG. Duh.
4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Any of them, really. We all get along really well, so it’s not set in stone. Except for Kyle Stark. He doesn’t like sleeping with other people. I think he’s ashamed of what he sleeps in.
5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Well apparently Dr. Feelgood Marshall. I mean, rivalry is a two way street, right? But also these guys: Shreddy Mecury, Cory Pain, Streak, definitely NOT Chuck Best, SeaHorses 4ever, my entire team, and other guys (if you’re wondering if that includes you, hit me up). smile emoticon
6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Uh, whiskey and ice cream are pretty regular parts of my post bout life.

Photo by Mr. McWheely

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Jonathan R #6; New York Shock Exchange (3)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Johann Bach and the Phon Coast by Hitoshi Sakimoto

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? That’s a hard choice! I love taking in the local flavor and regional cuisine specialties unique to every city around the world. Chicagoland has a special place in my heart since I grew up there (looking forward to sharing the track with some Bruise Brothers sometime) but i can’t deny the excitement of traveling to a new place.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Bluebonnet Plague of Gotham Girls Roller Derby. She’s tough, fun, talented, smart, innovative, successful, and beautiful; the total package.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Whichever ones let me hang up my tights/jeggings to air dry.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? There are so many fantastic MRDA skaters whose talent and skill pushes me to be better that I can’t even make a list without feeling like I’ve left too many off. No one has beaten me harder, physically and mentally, than my Shock Exchange teammates (in intraleague games, scrimmages, practices, barbecues, etc.) so they are the primary driving factor.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? What is your favorite post-bout food? I like steak, pickles, chocolate milk, and soda.

Photo by Hispanic Attack

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The Match Up

Yesterday, NYSE barely squeezed out a win against a very hard So Disco crew. It was nerves of steel and experience that got them back into the game and victorious in the end, by only 5 points (including a nailbiting final jam that featured a fresh power jam for the Englanders). The Gatekeepers had a (relatively) easy time handling Bridgetown Menace last night and had a comfortable victory.

NYSE taking on Tyne & Fear at Mohawk Valley cup. Photo by Hispanic Attack

Today the Gatekeepers have to contend with a hungry crew of New Yorkers who understand they have to turn up their veracity. The Gatekeepers play like So Disco, if SDRD had more high level experience. The Gatekeepers understand that to get through said New Yorkers, they need to stay out of the box, and be persistent. Watching fan favorites (and Team USA team mates) Shane Bower against Jonathan R is going to make the morning exciting for sure.

This game kicks off the second day of River City Rumble at 9a CST on WFTDA.tv

Gatekeepers working as a team. Photo by Mr. McWheely

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: G6 Your Mom v Magic City

Steven Keedy #11; Magic City Misfits (8)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? I don’t normally listen to any music before a bout. I usually am trying to stay calm before bouts, I don’t need anything else to get me to keyed up. You’ll probably see me circling the floor before bouts, that’s to keep myself calm.

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in?
What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Jacksonville!! Really, anywhere that is in a skating rink with a nice wooden floor. That’s what I grew up skating on, so that’s where I’m the most comfortable.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why?
Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Kat Von from the New Jax City Rollers. Because she’s my girlfriend!!! Seriously though, she’s been playing for almost 9 years and is still going strong. As other girls have had to retire or had the game pass them by, she’s still out there working hard and trying to get better. She always working on becoming a better skater and a better teamwork. The entire New Jax team has taught me how to play this game. I wouldn’t be where I am without going to their practices every week.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with?
When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? Well this weekend will be only my 3rd time traveling with MCM. I’m staying with Christopher Smith and Jason Moseley.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]?
Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Anyone from St. Louis. Their teamwork is unbelievable. They have the most solid walls I’ve ever played against. Hopefully we’ll get another shot to go up against them this weekend at Champs.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? What is your favorite post-bout food? Pizza!! Really, anything. I love to eat.

I’d like to give a special thanks to Debbie Rice and Erin Jackson of Bont Quad Skates for all their support this season. My skates really are lighter, faster, and stronger than any other skates I’ve ever used. The Magic City Misfits are ready for Champs and can’t wait to show everyone we’re back!!!!!

Photo by Jammertime – Ken LeBleu

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Twinkle Toes #69; Your Mom Men’s Derby (1)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? I like to listen to a lot a Volbeat and Eminem while warming up.

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? One of my favorite places to play Derby would have be seattle, I love the fish market.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Tracy akers, she’s a tough blocker then can drop you to your knees.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I typically bunk up with either Cleveland Stever but I also like me some unicorn log jam!

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? I like watching Scott Slamilton, his foot work is phenomenal.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? I love a good steak but it’s typically more like pizza and beer.

Photo by Joel Giltner Photography

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The Match Up

This is speed against speed. Magic City has the stamina and the muscle to toe up against Your Mom, but the key will be teamwork. The guys from Des Moines know each other well enough, and have reflexes sharp enough, to work around each other fluidly and with few mistakes.

Both teams have jammers that can spin and hop around the competition. Both teams have big blockers with hard-to-beat lateral motion. This is going to be a test of nerves and penalties. Both teams are known for going through waves of penalty trouble, but Des Moines has always been able to recover with grace (and fury) in the past, thus their 3 consecutive gold medals. If Magic City can keep their head cool, they’ll be a real contender in the final game of the evening. Chef is ready to start cooking, and Becker’s ready to break some walls. This will be a game to watch.

Your Mom faces off against the men of Florida at 7p CST on wftda.tv

Photo by Joel Giltner Photography

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: G5 Gatekeepers v Bridgetown

Bled Zeppelin #612; St. Louis Gatekeepers (2)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? I like to listen to a lot of old school hip hop, and metal. I listen to a lot of Bring me the horizon, suicide silence, job for a cowboy, and then mix it with some nwa, snoop dog, or some real slow jam playa music. I’m a little bit everywhere, depends on the mood I am trying to set the game, smooth and stable, or chaotic “SoGo” (my nick name for when i get bro-ed out for Suns Out Guns Out) style. And of course, sweet melodies of Led Zeppelin.

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Fort Wayne, always a good time at springroll. Sad that it won’t happen this year. Florida is also a good time, last time we went we played and went straight to the beach where we swam with sharks, rode alligators like surf boards, and got epic sun burns.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Kayla Seiber, soon to be Woodward. She got me into the game, shes got the moves, the determination, the passion to be one of the best wftda skaters. and man does she got some sexy thighs, huh.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I always room with Pink and Saint. Because we are besties, it is the circle of trust.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? I am constantly trying to move my body like Sugar Boots, I want to push people out like Cory Pain. I want to play to the crowd like Seahorses. I want to stop Jonathan R as the dragon. I want the derby knowledge of my buddy “The Saint”. There are a lot of talented dudes that I get to play, I learn a little from all of them.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? You have to eat the potatoes to make the potatoes. Thats the secret sauce.

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Cozmo Damage #512; Bridgetown Menace (7)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Iggy and the Stooges- Search and Destroy

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? To be honest with you, they’re all about the same to me. I generally don’t see much of the cities when I travel. I’m either at the venue, the hotel, or some bar where the after party is being held. It’s really for the people, and the sport that I’m there, not the city.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? I don’t have one specific WFTDA skater that’s my favorite. I’ve seen many skaters, at all levels, do really great things.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I guess, over the years, I’ve roomed with Munster, and Demolition Man, and Miller more than anyone else.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? There isn’t one particular MRDA skater that pushes me to be better. There’s been plenty over the years, but I’d say my team mates are the ones that push me the hardest, and make me want to be a better player.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Definitely burritos, but for me, that’s an anytime favorite.

Thank you to MR MCWHEELY for the photos!!

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The Match Up

Bridgetown looked strong this morning against the 10 seed, Twin City Terrors, but they’re going to have to ratchet down their defense against a team like the Gatekeepers. St. Louis has been described as “brutal” and “exacting”. Bridgetown defense tends to expand and contract depending on the position of the jammer, but against the Keepers they’ll have to hit their brakes and use their strength and patience if they want to keep up.

Gatekeepers took on Bridgetown earlier this year. Photo by Mr. McWheely

The Keepers are excellent at keeping blockers away from each other, if they take advantage of the Menace’s natural movement, their jammers may only need to slalom through the defense. The Keepers’ jammers are excellent at momentum control, so the strength of Bridgetown’s hits may not phase them. For the Menace, the first game used a five jammer rotation. We’ll see if they continue that trend.

The Gatekeepers face the Bridgetown Menace at 5p CST WFTDA.tv

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: Puget Sound vs Texas Outlaws

Hollywood Chuck Hendrick #247; Puget Sound Outcast Derby (5)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? The song that makes pumps me up is Empire State of mind by jay-z

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? My favorite city to play derby in besides Seattle of course is anywhere that has a crowd watching. I love playing in front of lots of people.

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? My favorite WFTDA skater is snot rocket science, she is so amazing on and off the floor and such a student of the game. Mostly it’s because she enjoys playing derby and you can see that when she skates. Lol

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I usually always am with Cory pain, ryrod never a dull moment there.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Cory Pain pushes me the most out of any skater mostly cause he knows what I can do on the track and he won’t take anything less than the best from me. We have skated together for over 20 years, he is only player in derby I’m afraid of.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Post bout food is easy for me MEAT!! Love me a steak and some shrimp after bouts. My team has come so far this year and I’m really excited to see what we have at champs!! Thanks for all you do;)

Photo provided by Danny Ngan Photography

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Dr. Feelgood #986; Texas Men’s Roller Derby (4)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Eminem “till I collapse”

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? Milwaukee “brewhaha”

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? It would Lauren Mutch. Her skating ability and style is what is what I admire and I try copy it.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I always room with Uncle Jesse Mcnasty, Rhino and Big O. It’s never a dual moment in that room.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? It would definitely be Shango Fett from gatekeepers. I’ve played against him for so many years. I’ve made a little rivalry and of it but he might not know it lol

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? It would have to be gummy snacks. I love raiding the snack table at tournaments

Photo by Mr. McWheely

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The Match-Up

These two met each other at Midwest BrewHaha, and Puget has to be itching to correct the mistakes of the last game. Texas has been destroying the competition this year, which most of us expected when the merger of Denton County and Dallas Deception was announced. Puget is as dominant as ever, and though they lost to the Outlaws before, they have all the tools to win in this very close match-up.

Dylan Botts & Thunderstruck deny the Gatekeepers their points. Photo by Mr. McWheely

Texas and Puget have very similar styles of play: they utilize a looser pack positioning when in motion, and ‘fish’ for jammers ng capability of individual blockers to give the pack a moment to congeal around jammers. Meanwhile, both teams have jammer pools mixed with agility, airtime, and the strength that have had a lot of practice pushing a grinding hypercube this season. Both teams play fast, both teams are hoppy. Both teams are also chasing the dream of ending up on the dais with hardware around their neck.

This is the last first round match-up of River City Rumble. It will happen at 3pm CST, and you can stream it live on WFTDA.tv on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

The Enable isn’t a fan of apexes. So he just skips them. Picture by Mr. McWheely

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: Shock Exchange v Southern Discomfort

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Malcolm Sex #125; New York Shock Exchange (3)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? It’s different every year. NYSE has a song we warm up to every practice. It’s a great mental exercise to get the team in a mind frame. This year we’ve been playing Panama by Van Halen.
2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? I’ve liked a lot of cities we’ve traveled to. I think the nicest was Tacoma, WA for Champs last season. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful. I’ve always wanted to live there, but never ended up living there, for no particular reason.
3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? I’m a big fan of all of the NYSE managers: Swede Hurt, Vicious Van Go Go, Miss Tea Maven and Sexy Slaydie. I think I like the way Slaydie plays most. She’s helped me get a lot quicker and I just like the style she uses. If I had to describe it, it’s a style in which you use all of your physical strengths to as much of an advantage as possible.
4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? It depends who needs a room. I’ve roomed a lot with Abe Drinkin over the past 2 years.
5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? I think it’s probably Tony Muse. Your Mom is at the top of the sport, and everyone wants that for themselves. I think his leadership of that team has pushed me to work harder. I want for NYSE what he has achieved with Your Mom. That makes me work harder, always.
6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Anything, really. I don’t have a post-bout ritual other than stretching, and drinking a bunch of water. If it’s a food I like, I’ll eat it post-bout.

Photo by Hispanic Attack

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Shrooms #1UP; Southern Discomfort (6)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? Song wise it’s either Adagio in D Minor or Heroes (Branchez remix) by Alesso
2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? I really loved playing in Des Moines, it was so peaceful and calm and the surrounding area was picturesque, even though it was very flat I really enjoyed the peace and open space.
3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? My favourite WFTDA skater is Lexi Lightspeed, her footwork and track awareness is absolutely incredible!
4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? When the team travels I spend a lot of time with Reaper, we shoot videos on long drives of us singing and we call it Shreaper FM. When it comes to rooming with teammates it all depends on who’s willing to share with me!
5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Sully from Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder springs to mind, he’s just a super talented skater who popped up on the UK scene as another young talent. We get on pretty well so it’s always good to play against him.

Apart from that I’ve gotta say my teammates, we always push each other to be better and our team mentality has been on point. And then finally, although they’re not skaters, I have to mention our bench staff in Rob BG and Betty Swollox, the focus and commitment they have to the team is second to none and they’re constantly giving us the advice and guidance we need to strive and push to get better.
6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Post bout food is probably a really crispy apple, at least that tides me over until I can find as much cooked meat and pasta as I can possibly find.

Photo by Zero G Photography

The Match-Up

NYSE is a continual powerhouse, and SoDisco are a dominant force in the UK. Shock has added some talented skaters since Mohawk Valley Cup, including Stankus (Quadfathers) and I Don’t Care Bear (Jersey Boys). SoDisco got some heavy hitters back, including Mr. Furieux and Ballistic Whistle. Both teams have a jammer rotation far deeper than its typical 3-man line-up would indicate.

NYSE v Tyne n Fear at Mohawk Valley Cup 2015. Photo by Hispanic Attack.

NYSE has, in the past, had better grinding wall work then SDRD, but the UK boys have been closing the gap of experience the past few years. Both teams have big hitters (Geoffrey vs Sutton, and Abe vs Spectral should keep us all entertained). This is sure to be a highly physical bout, NYSE doesn’t want to lose their place on the podium, and So Disco is hungry to be the first international team to medal.

Stream the 3/6 bout live on WFTDA.tv at 1pm CST on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

With an injury occurring the week before Champs, Southern Discomfort has changed their motto from #WakeUpLikeNanaki to #DoItForNanaki

After the Jam

After the Jam, Man Champs Edition: Bridgetown Menace v Twin City

Munster #82; Bridgetown Menace (7)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? I always listen to 96 Quite Bitter Beings by CKY. I used to listen to it before football games in high school and so it still do it to pump me up.

2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? My favorite city to travel to for derby is Vegas. That means I’m at Rollercon!

3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? All of my fav skaters are on the Wheels of Justice. But if I had to choose another one S.H Long from Denver. She runs nasty defense, and throws a damn good party too.

4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I usually room with Shreddy and Demolition Man. They don’t mind seeing me naked.

5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? Magnum PIMP [of St Louis]. He’s the smartest jammer in the MRDA. It’s a chess game with him. So if you outsmart him, you still have to try and block him.

6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Poutine and coconut water.

Photo used with permission by Masonite Burn

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Egon Strangler #42; Twin City Terrors (10)

1) What pump up song plays in your head when you take the track? I’m always rocking out to Anamanaguchi. It’s a couple guitars, drums, and a pair of Nintendo’s. Get’s me in the right mindset and gives me bonus XP after the game.
2) What is your favorite city to travel to play derby in? I love Saint Louis and Saint Louis as far as I can tell loves me too. It’s derby scene is right up my ally, I’ve got a ton of close derby friends there, and they always treat me right. I’m pretty hyped that champs is there this year. I feel at home and know I’m going to have a blast.
3) Who is your favorite WFTDA skater and why? Awwwww man. That’s so tough! I gotta rep my MNRG girls though. Hurtrude Stein from MNRG has had an incredible season. She’s always been a good player but this year she’s really stood out as someone to watch on that team. Every time I see her out there she’s doing exactly what she should be and executing the fuck out of it. She’s one of those skaters I’m hyped to skate against when we scrimmage MNRG. It seems like no matter what the situation she offers me a new challenge.
4) When the team travels, which team mate(s) do you room with? I think the appropriate question would be which team do I room with 😉 I’m kind of a derby gypsy by nature. That approach has had me on couches and floors of more teams than I can remember. Although the number of beers had prior to aforementioned unconsciousness might have something to do with the fuzzy nature of those memories.
5) Which MRDA skater pushes you to be better [because they’ve beaten you in the past]? There are a lot of names on that list. At home Freight Trainand Derbie Monster always play their size against me which is crucial for my progress as a small fry in my sport. Skaters like Magnum and Gnat always seem to be one mental step ahead which I need exposure to keep moving forward.
Of course you’re got your untamed beasts like Feelgood, Steve Sweat, or Shane Bower too. It’s always good to have someone on the other team who just might do something really nuts. It makes me have to throw caution to the wind as you don’t stand a chance if you can’t meet them at their level.
6) What is your favorite post-bout food? Beer. I know it’s not technically food and I’m probably supposed to say candy but after an hour of giving my all I just want a drink. Perhaps a few too many if I can help it.

The Match-Up

Twin City is coming into champs the #14 ranked team, in the slot of the 10 seed; they are excited to learn, grow as a team, and make a case for them to be ranked #10 next time around. Last year at Champs, Bridgetown narrowly lost to SoDisco in the Saturday evening game, thus a chance to play for 5^th place. This year, with extra teams shaping the brackets differently, the winner of this first match up will have to beat the St. Louis Gatekeepers, or have Sunday off. Bridgetown does not want to have Sunday off again.

Photo by Ryan Siverson.

Both TC and the Menace have a solid core jammer rotation, with subs they can throw in based on performance. Both teams play with positional walls, and tornado-type recycling. Bridgetown has the upper hand in the area of experience, but this should be a fun first match up of the weekend.

Tune in on WFTDA.tv at 9a CST, Saturday October 17, 2015.

Bridgetown between jams. Photo by Mr. McWheely