December Skater of the Month: Lish D Lish

Alicia, or Lish D Lish, is a jammer for the Dire Skates. Lish has been with the team for four years-- her dedication to the team evidenced by her time with the team and her amazing performance every time she hits the track.


Lish is one of our star jammers and one of our most recognizable players not only because of her seemingly natural ability as a skater and jammer, but because of her her obvious love of the game. She is always willing to take pictures with her fans after the game, showing off the smile that rarely seems to leave her face.


If you were at our game against A-Town on November 15th, you saw all of this in action. Lish played her heart out just as she always does!


Instead of telling you about her skills, I will let others explain how valuable she is to the team.




Our coach, the Golfather, had to this to say:

Alicia, or, as everyone in the local derby community knows her as, Lish D Lish is a great skater and is improving every time that she laces up her skates. She listens well and takes what us coaches tell her to heart. For those who were at the November game, Lish probably played her best overall game. We had to control her emotions a few times, but that just shows that she has the heart for the game and wants to do her best. She has also had to overcome a few injuries. With a few added tools to her game she could be a huge threat on the jammer line for us.

Stubborn Itch, Lish's derby wife said this:

What can I say? If some of you didn't know, Lish is my derby wife and always will be no matter what. Not only my derby wife but, dancing partner, close friend, and side kick. When Lish first came to the team, I remember her try-outs were very impressive! You could tell she was a skater! During try-outs she didn't show any shyness. It was all confidence and determination. She is a people-person, dedicated, very tough, and a confident woman. Lish is always wearing a smile even on her worst days. I knew we would hit it off because she has those outbursts sometimes. That told me she is as real as real can get. No cover up on who she is really is. Her skating skills have always been extremely excellent, but if you know derby, we all know that derby is a different style from casual skating. With that being said, since on the team Lish's skating skills have gotten even better. I will let you all in on a little secret that even Lish didn't know. Lots of us know how ridiculously fast Lish is. Well, being able to skate with her on the track during practices has helped me achieve a goal that I set for myself. I set the goal that I would be as fast as her one day! Not sure that I have completely accomplished her speed yet, but I have achieved it to the point I am happy with myself and she is all the one to thank for that. So I personally want to thank her for that! Lots of people and new skaters look up to her for her skating skills, dedication, determination, toughness, confidence, and always wearing a beautiful smile on her face. Congratulations on working hard enough to get noticed to be the team's skater of the month!

I'm so very proud of you and keep up the good work! I love you!

Shelby, Lish's sister, added this:

I am proud of Alicia. She has came so far in her skating career. She is the Michael Jordan of this game. It is amazing being a twin with Alicia because together we can do anything. There have been many times when Alicia's fans have come up to me asking for an autograph. I smile and tell them "I am not Alicia, but I will tell her you said hi." The street goes both ways people come up to Alicia and able her about fixing automobiles and riding a motorcycle. She kindly apologizes and says, "No, I am not Shelby, but I will tell her you said hi." I am proud of Alicia and I believe that the rest of the family is also. Keep it up, Alicia.!

Maniac Jack, added this about her derby sister:

jam skating might be her groove, but she has fast moves on the flat track. Over the years of skating with Lish one things comes to mind: she always has a smile on her face. And she is one hell of a jammer. Okay, that was two. There is more--Lish might be little, but she is mighty. Even in practice she will take a beating and come back for more. To end this I have to say I have never been more excited than when I saw her hip check the other jammer during our last bout. Thanks for being my teammate and derby sister!

Here are a few photos from our bout against A-Town that show Lish in action, but you can check out more photos here:

Thanks for all you do, Lish!

Clinics and Tryouts

We are still riding high on our recent win against A-Town. What a great game! The score was so close throughout and we took a win only at the every end. And what a great group of ladies!

We hope you enjoyed the bout as much as we did...and maybe now you are thinking you might even like to play roller derby. We would love for you to join us on the track!

Photo credit John Wijsman

You are in luck!

We are holding skating clinics on the following Sundays 4-6pm at The Skate:

• November 30th 
• December 7th
• December 14th

We realize that you might have some hesitations and we are here to help. If you haven't skated since 10th grade, are convinced you are not the most graceful of people, or maybe have some skill, but would like to get some practice in, these clinics are for you!

Come on out to work on basic skating skills and see how we run our regular practices.

You can borrow skates and gear to start (though you will need to bring your own mouth guard, which can be purchased for a few bucks at Walmart), but you must be prepared to buy skates and gear if you want to continue. The staff at The Skate will help you order what you need because, let's face it, there are a lot of choices and things get confusing.

What my hair looks like after derby practice

We will hold tryouts on January 4th and 11th. I have previously written about how to prepare for tryouts, but I would like to add: "attend our clinics" to that list. Though you do not have to attend the clinics in order to attend tryouts, they will give you a head start!

Roller derby is great exercise, a fun way to meet people, and it is great to be a part of something that does so much for the community. Come be a part of the world's fastest growing sport!

We can't wait to see you at the clinics and tryouts!

--Bilbo Stabbins

Roller Derby: It Saved Her Soul and Broke Her Ankle

Hello, Dire Skates fans! It's your newest derby girl here, SeanA the Dead--you may remember just reading about me a few weeks ago. I was the one who was super excited about just passing my laps, officially making the team, and preparing for my first big game and all that good stuff. This right here is pretty much sums up how I felt after the practice when I finally got that last lap to pass my minimum skills: 

Well fast forward to now and I am awaiting an ankle surgery next week! I was going hard at practice and let's just say it didn't end well for me.

 How I felt when the doctor came in and told me that I did in fact break my ankle.

I have to say I never would have thought that I would miss my skates as much as I do considering I am new to skating, but they constantly are on my mind. I am so determined to be back in them as soon as I can. I have so much support from my family and friends. The ladies and coaches on the team have been so supportive and I honestly didn't expect anything less. I have had a couple of teammates suggest things that I could do for the team because there are always behind the scenes things to do. It's all about staying involved and being a part of the team.

So in the mean time I am finding motivational quotes through Pinterest, looking up ways to strengthen my ankle after the surgery recovery, keeping up with the team and attending practices to watch while I can.

Not to mention some great exercise!

I may have gone down before my first chance to play, but SeanA the Dead will be back and I can't wait!

Much derby love!

SeanA

November Skater of the Month: Bilbo Stabbins

 The Dire Skates blog is typically written by Jessika or “Bilbo Stabbins". She takes care of the blog, takes votes and writes “Skater of the Month” posts, updates the FB page and a plethora of other things for the team. This month, however, Bilbo has been selected as the Skater of the Month and as her Sister, I have stepped in to write it for her. 

As Jessika’s “Big Sister” it is an absolute honor to write this entry about her. In roller derby, when a new skater comes on it is customary for that skater to be assigned a veteran skater to be her (or his) “big”. My job as Jessika’s big was to build a relationship with the new skater and answer any questions she may have, to spend time making sure she felt comfortable as a new addition and encourage her as she transitioned from new recruit, to team member. That relationship has evolved from a derby “assignment” to a real friendship. 

I first met Jessika in high school and became reacquainted with her in a Zumba class where she expressed interest in the upcoming Dire tryouts. Though apprehensive in the beginning, she has proved to be a strong, positive player who is willing to go the extra mile to be the best player and teammate she can be. Besides being a wife and mother of 2 wonderfully behaved and adorable boys, Jessika is a professor, a student pursuing a doctorate, and a blocker for the Dire Skates. She writes this blog and helps in pretty much every working group the team has....Aka: Derby Unicorn.  

Fellow skater Gina “RollHer Zombie” had this to say about Bilbo:

“What can I say, [Bilbo] is amazing. Her intelligence in life certainly comes through in her approach to the game. Although physically she is not where she maybe thinks she should be, I see her improve each time she hits the track. She truly does accept constructive criticism and pointers and she acts on them.”……”Our children are the same age and I truly enjoy our time both on and off the track. I am so glad she is part of my derby family.”

Dire Skates coach, “The Golf Father” has been coaching Bilbo for over a year now. He had this to say about her:

“Bilbo is a wonderful addition the the team both on and off the track. She has shown a lot of drive and is willing to learn and grow in the sport. Off the track she does a lot with the teams Facebook page and game day activities. I am looking forward to seeing where she might take herself in the game."

Fellow skater Emily KickNSum said:

"I love how she uses her talents to highlight the team in the blog. I also love how she is working hard on her PhD and still makes time for derby. She also pushes the team to learn more about derby by inviting people over to watch derby at her house."

Dire Skater, EnTruder says:

 "Bilbo Stabbins is one of the nicest and most giving players on the team. She is always    available to help out, and works hard during practice. One of the things I most admire about Bilbo is that she balances work, family, friends and is still so committed to derby that she finds extra time to skate the trail, workout in the gym etc. Thats dedication. Bilbo has a great sense of humor, and is possibly the person I see most often in my professional life. Usually it's kinda weird to see my derby sisters at work (because you want to hug, hip check, etc) but we laugh about it and move on"

Congrats, Bilbo and thank you for all that you do!

Spotlight: SeanA the Dead

Name: SeanA the Dead

Number: 168   

Position: Blocker 

Tell us about your non-derby self:  

Well I am a wife and mother of three. I work with children/teens/adults on the Autism Spectrum, which is where my # comes from--1 in 68 are diagnosed on the spectrum. Awareness and acceptance is very near and dear. In my small bits of free time I enjoy being crafty. 

Were you a fan of the Dire Skates before joining?  

Not as much as I should have been! I had heard about the team and thought how awesome the whole sport seemed to be.

Why did you join roller derby? 

So many different reasons. First off I wanted to be a part of something. I also wanted to do something for me. As a mom I didn't get out and have my own time and this seemed like the perfect outlet for that. 

What is your favorite part of roller derby?

 I love the ladies on the team. They have all been supportive and are great at including us "fresh meat" in various things going on with the team. I also love the new found confidence I have in myself. I feel fit and healthier. I feel more comfortable in my own skin. I enjoy knowing that I have pushed myself a lot over the last few months, not only physically, but mentally. When I accomplish something new I feel so proud of myself. All in all it has been nothing but positive. 

What are your roller derby goals? 

Since I just accomplished my biggest goal (27/5) I have a whole new derby chapter opening up. I have to learn the game! I hope to not be so hard on myself as I learn.  

What do you hope Dire Skates can do for Richmond? 

I hope that the team can continue to being something positive about our town. In all of the hard times our community has recently come into I hope that people continue to see what all we really have to offer! 

What are you skating on right now? 

Riedell R3 with Radar Villain wheels. Soon to be upgraded to a harder wheel, still searching the internet for what I want. 

If you could skate anytime, anywhere. Where would it be and why? 

I would have to say in this cool weather being out on the trail in all of the beautiful fall colors would be quite pleasant. 

If you could have famous person dead or alive join the team, who would it be and why? 

Ummm. I think too much on questions like this. I really don't know who I would choose... 

Tell us one thing you want us to know about you: 

I work hard and try to be the best I can be in all that I do. I take on a lot and do my best to be successful with it. Which can be bad, too, because when it takes me awhile I am my own worst critic. I try to think of the positive side of it though, it means I push myself to be better and I can't be upset with that.  

Tell us one thing about another skater: 

Just one? I can't choose just one. They have all been awesome and helped me along the start of my derby journey.

Reid BRAvo!

Our next home bout is fast-approaching and we could not be more excited--not only because we get to play derby, but because we are playing for such a wonderful organization, Reid BRAvo!.

BRAvo! holds a bra-decorating contest each year in order to raise awareness about this serious issue. As noted on their Facebook page:

"Each bra decorated by a community member tells a story – strength, survival, memory, or humor – but all will catch an eye and remind women to be proactive when it comes to breast cancer.

We hope you will join our cause. Proceeds will provide free digital mammograms for uninsured women and financial assistance for patients in need. "

And the need is real. As noted on the BRAvo! website, the American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 get a screening mammogram once a year as long as they are in good health.

Their website provides further context for the need for screenings:

So please join us on November 15th at 6pm at the Kuhlman Center as we play to raise money for this great organization. We have so much fun stuff planned:

• Impressions Photography will have a photo booth full of pink accessories set up at our bout. You can take photos with your friends or your favorite roller girl! The photos will be posted to the photographer's Facebook page.
• Big Dawg Brewhaus will be serving our Dire Skates-exclusive beer, helles on wheels.
• The Test Middle School drum ensemble will be performing at half time.
• And ROLLER DERBY!

 More info about the bout can be found here--let us know you'll be there and be sure to spread the word!

Silliness

American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 get a screening mammogram once a year as long as they are in good health. - See more at: http://reidbravo.org/no-excuses/#sthash.eYYNZbPm.dpuf

Get the Facts

• 567 women are diagnosed in the U.S. – per day
• 109 breast cancer patients die in the U.S. – per day
• 37% of women over the age of 40 in our area have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months
• In Indiana alone, 4,350 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
• Approximately 53 women in Reid’s service area die each year of breast cancer.
• The American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 get a screening mammogram once a year as long as they are in good health. Schedule yours today by calling (765) 983-3358.
• If you cannot afford a mammogram, BRAvo! can help. Call 983-3358 and ask about the Community Benefit mammogram.

- See more at: http://reidbravo.org/no-excuses/#sthash.eYYNZbPm.dpuf

Get the Facts

• 567 women are diagnosed in the U.S. – per day
• 109 breast cancer patients die in the U.S. – per day
• 37% of women over the age of 40 in our area have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months
• In Indiana alone, 4,350 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
• Approximately 53 women in Reid’s service area die each year of breast cancer.
• The American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 get a screening mammogram once a year as long as they are in good health. Schedule yours today by calling (765) 983-3358.
• If you cannot afford a mammogram, BRAvo! can help. Call 983-3358 and ask about the Community Benefit mammogram.

- See more at: http://reidbravo.org/no-excuses/#sthash.eYYNZbPm.dpuf

October Skater of the Month: RollHer Zombie

Gina, or as she is known to us, RollHer Zombie, is both a blocker and jammer for the Dire Skates.  Gina is one of the founding members of the team and her dedication has held strong over the years. Her dedication is most evident in her ability to motivate her teammates to push themselves to do their very best.

On the track Zombie is a powerful and valuable player, a crowd favorite. Off the track, Gina is in charge of our finances, which means she keeps track of money spent for bouts, our skater dues, taxes, merchandise, and our donations to local charities and organizations. In addition to this, she is a trainer, which means she works hard to whip us into shape, leading workout sessions outside of practice, off-skates practices, and often leading or joining in on trail skates.

Additionally, Gina can always be counted on to listen and support her derby sisters. Gina is a considerate friend and teammate who often puts others and her team before herself.



Assistant Coach, Mr. BadAZZ had this to say:

Zombie is a big part of Dire Skates. She is a trainer, handles financing, and is a lot of help with the team merchandise. She also gives me a helping hand when Coach can't make to practice. She helps me by running drills and conditioning for the team. She hits hard and skates fast. Thanks for all you do, Gina.

Goregon says of RollHer Zombie:

Gina is a natural leader who gets results when leading the team in drills, exercise, and on the track. She's also a tireless worker, balancing the books and monitoring our team accounts. It doesn't hurt that she's got an amazing personality.

DJ Smear-O had this to say:

Gina has been totally dedicated to this team since its inception. I look up to her in mad ways. She's awesome on wheels and a rocking chick with a tender heart. She's a sister and friend to me as well as a tough as nails trainer who whips my saggy, floppy ass into shape

Emily KickNsuM added this mushy bit about her derby wife:

Gina has always been one of my biggest rivals on the track, even though we are on the same team. The Dire Skates used to host scrimmages against each other and we were always on opposite teams and it felt like jammed against each other over and over. Even though pinned against each other some how we fell in love, or I did anyway. That’s how I found what we call a derby wife. She is that person on the team that pushes me harder at practice; we see eye to eye on most team decisions, but most importantly she has became someone I can call for anything. It's something I love about derby because I found a great friend that I believe will be a friend beyond derby careers and crazy life changes, someone that I don’t think I would have ever became friends with if not for roller derby. "Roller Derby saved my soul," is a quote used often… but its not just roller derby the sport that saved my soul its skaters on the team like RollHer Zombie that saved my soul.

 Thank you for all you do, Gina!

September Skater of the Month: Terahrizen

Sasquatch

Terah, or as she is known on the track, Terahrizen, is both a blocker and a jammer for the Dire Skates. Terah is small, but mighty in both physical and mental stamina. She works hard to get what she wants, even attending extra training and hitting the gym with teammates whenever possible.

Terah is in charge of marketing, which involves making and disseminating flyers and working on social media, among other things. She coordinates and delegates to her marketing minions who gladly do her bidding.

Terah is also mom to junior skater Korah the Destroyer.

In addition to being a great player and doing great work for the team, Terah serves as a mentor to her current teammates and, more specifically, to the newbies as they get acclimated to roller derby and their new team. Terah does so much for the team, though, as noted below, her strengths lie in what she makes those around her feel they are capable of accomplishing.



BadAZZ Mothercutter had this to say:

Terah has come so far since she joined the team. She always has a positive attitude and wants to motivate others to better themselves. She is a great example for the newbs to look up to, a perfect example of what hard work and dedication can do.

Our coach The Golffather said this:

Terah maybe small but she can pack a punch. She has been one of the most dedicated players on the team. She puts in more time on and off the track that I know. Getting better is something she strives to do and she by far is doing it. Not only is she so dedicated on the track she does so much behind the scenes that no one sees plus juggles her job, 2 kids, and her photography business. If you need something done she will bend over backwards to get it done. I am proud of her for what she has done and is doing. I am looking forward to seeing what's next for her. I am proud to be her coach.

And Terah's big sister, Emily KickNsum said this:

When Terah joined the team I was named her big sister. She has made me proud ever since. Terah seeks out opportunities to improve her derby knowledge and skill constantly. She is a great teacher and is always reaching out to show others what helped her when she was learning specific moves. Even though she is small, she has a huge heart and I am proud to have her on my team.

Thanks for all you do, Terah!

Catching up with your DIre Skates!

Sometimes keeping up with a derby girl can be tough.

I am here to help!

Your Dire Skates have been so busy out in the community, volunteering and talking about fitness and health (and, of course, how derby contributes to that). We worked with Habitat for Humanity, visited the Y Camp, sweat it out at CityFit, and hung out at CityLife.

Seen here: future members of our junior team, The Skate Aways!

We just had tryouts and have brought on a good bunch of new girls who are currently being whipped into shape (that process is top secret, but look for updates very soon). And we just played a game against a crazy good team, Midwest Corn Stars. We lost, but we had a blast.

Don't let the mustaches fool you

Our next bout (or game as it is now officially called) is an away one, as is the following one, but we will be back home on November 15th when we will be playing to support BRAvo!. Stay tuned for more info on that--we have some fun things in store for you derby fans!

We have been and will be all over the place, but there is one sure way to find us: the smell.

--Bilbo Stabbins

Body Image, Roller Derby, and the F Word

Editor's note: Please welcome The GOREgon in her first guest blog. This is part one of a two part exploration of body image and the power of roller derby.

You may have noticed that most roller derby teams are populated by women (and as an aside, there are plenty of men's roller derby teams) and that these women train hard and slam into each other a lot.

What you may not notice at first is the incredible confidence and drive that roller derby has helped these women to achieve. Keep watching, though, because you will eventually see it. It only gets stronger in each player as the season goes on, no matter how many points they win or lose by.

Roller derby is also a very welcoming sport and offers a place for women and men (and junior players!) to become part of a team. No matter your age, race, body type, athleticism, sexuality, gender identity, religion, or class--roller derby is for you. In fact, if you never felt like you fit into team sports in school or always felt like you couldn't do it, you should try roller derby! As Bonnie Thunders, super-star derby player for the Gotham Girls Roller Derby, stated in an interview with the Huffington Post :

Bonnie Thunders of Gotham and Team USA

"[Roller derby is] kind of secondary to the more popular sports, which allows it to attract the people who didn't fit in in the primary sports.”

As a fat woman, roller derby has been the only thing in my life that has inspired me to become more physically fit and to increase my skill set to improve my team. For the first time, I feel like I am a part of something and not an outsider looking in. I have gotten teased and harassed for being big in weight and physique as well as for not being as fast or fit as others. Fear kept me from the gym and from team sports until the ripe old age of 31.

This is nothing new for derby 'girls' as any one of them can tell you. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of us wear clothing that is quite normal for a team sport! We need to move around so we wear tight shorts and leggings or tights and tank tops because boy, it gets hot when you work as hard as we do. We sweat, get disgusting, stink to high heaven...and love it. We build sisterhood with our team-mates (and often, the opposing team, too!) while we work on team strategy and toward building up each others’ strengths and weaknesses.

A lot of us, no matter our shape, size, height, race, etc., hate our bodies. We struggle to either accept ourselves or to fit into an idea of what we should look like. It doesn't help that everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with images and messages telling us how inadequate we really are. I have always had a hard time, still have a hard time, loving my self and my body. I thought roller derby would be a sport for fit, athletic women and that I would have a hard time keeping up. I thought that big girls wouldn't be welcome in any sport save power lifting and shot put.

Demanda Riot of B.A.D.

I was so wrong. Roller derby takes ALL kinds. Look at the stars of our sport like Demanda Riot, Jackie Daniels, Bonnie Thunders, Scald Eagle, Bork Bork Bork, Beyonslay, and on and on and on. My point is, women of every age range, weight, height, build, fitness level, ethnicity, religion, and race play roller derby. Will roller derby help you love yourself more? It did for me. Will roller derby help you lose weight? Maybe. I haven't lost a pound yet but I replaced a lot of fat with muscle. Some do and some don't. You can't join just to lose weight, though. Roller derby requires you to WANT it.

Bork Bork Bork of Windy City

 I see it as my job to lift up all of my derby sisters with me, letting them know when I notice them for any reason and trying to be as tactful as possible with criticism. When we have bad days, it helps to have a team full of inspiring women to look up to. No one has told me my ankles are too fat, as my childhood ballet instructor once told me, and no one has told me that I need to remain a certain size or shape to keep playing derby. I get positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, both things I have learned to crave from my coaches and teammates alike. The only thing roller derby requires of you is the dedication and fitness you are willing to put into it to get better.

May Skater of the Month: Dragon Ballzy

Dragon Ballzy, or as she is also known, Katey, is a blocker and, as of late, a jammer for the Dire Skates. Though she just joined in 2013, she has clearly has a natural talent for derby as she has shown great improvement in the short time she has been on the track with the team.

Ballzy is always smiling and willing to geek out with her fellow sisters at practice, making her a wonderful, positive energy on the team, but she is also a force on the track. She hits hard, falls hard, and plays hard for her team. To illustrate, Ballzy scored more points for us in the last away bout than any other jammer. She works hard to improve her skating and it shows!

Off the track is an artist who just so happens to also make pizza to support her derby habit.


Here is what our coach, The Golffather, had to say about Ballzy:

 "Dragon Ballzy is up and comer for the Dire Skates. She is coming into her own and coming out of her shell. She has been known to make the big hit and recently she has been starting to jam. Most of the time you see a jammer that is small and agile, well "Ballzy" isn't the smallest skater or the most agile but she can make her own hole. It will be fun to see where she can go from here as long as she puts the time and effort into it."


RollHer Zombie had this to say: 

"I dig Katey's skate or die attitude. She has improved tremendously and I love to watch her skate. She is easygoing, always a total sweetheart, and always a total badass. I <3 her so hard"


BadAZZ MotherCutter added this:

"Ballzy is an amazing person and a great player. She's a sweet person, but don't let her smile fool you. Her skills have improved tremendously since she started with the team. I very much enjoy having her both on the track and as a friend"

Thanks for all you do, Ballzy!

Derby love

Vet Profile: Emily KickNsuM

Name: Emily KickNsuM 

Number: 31 

Position: Jammer/ Blocker 

Signature move: Backwards blocking/ penalty box sitting 

Tell us about your non-derby self: I’m a surgical nurse, wife, mom to a weimaraner named Jack, Zumba fanatic, fisherwoman, bargain hunter, cancer survivor, and a bad cook. 

Why did you join roller derby?: I will do anything as long as I can wear my roller skates.


What is your favorite part of roller derby?: Feeling that I belong 

What are your roller derby goals?: To have fun while doing good things for my community. I would really like to see us become a recognized not-for-profit organization in this community. 

What do you hope Dire Skates can do for Richmond?: I would like for the Dire Skates to be a fun, entertaining group that people can be fans of, knowing that we do more than just skate, and knowing we work to help others and organizations in the community. Most importantly, I want the Dire Skates to make a difference in Richmond. 

What are you skating on right now?: Vertigos with custom-mounted pink crazy plate thanks to Malice B Stopless.

 If you could skate anywhere, anytime, where and when would it be and why?: Wouldn’t matter as long as I had good friends, good music, and skates, I’d be a happy girl. 

If you could have any famous person alive or dead join Dire Skates, who would it be and why?: I don’t know….. Shaq, he could take up a lot of room on the track and I just see him knocking some girls down and them not getting back up. 

Tell us one thing you want us to know about yourself: Growing up I really wanted to be a mailman. 

Tell us one thing about another skater: Korah the Destroy actually thought about having her derby name be Korah KickNsuM, which I think is really cool.

So you wanna derby...

Have you thought about joining derby?

(If you've ever been to a bout, then answer is very likely a resounding "YES!").

Well, we are holding tryouts on June 22nd and 29th and we would love to have you join us!

Here are a few things you should know about our tryouts and joining derby in general. 

1. It's okay if you can barely skate (or cannot skate at all). We will train you. Even if you cannot roll around the track without falling a billion times, you can join if you want it bad enough. You will have a tougher time in the beginning, but derby is all about working hard to get what you want.

2. You should be exercising. Now. I should be exercising instead of writing this blog. We make a lot of what we do on the track look pretty easy, but unless you are getting some cardio in or going to Zumba or lifting weights (or all of the above!), you are probably not going to be fully prepared for the level of physical activity required for derby. It's nice out. Go for a walk, do some squats (they are your friend), and strengthen that core! You need a strong butt to hit people with so get to work! Additionally, The Skate has summer hours so if you'd like to get time in on wheels, do it!

3. You will have fun. We are hilarious and stinky and hilarious. We will make sure you feel comfortable during tryouts and afterward, but please come with a good attitude, come ready to learn, and come ready to make friends!

4. Wear comfy clothes. It is hot in The Skate (the word "Mordor" is spoken at least thirty times during each summer practice), but you also need to be able to move around and fall in your clothes.

5. We will provide skates and gear for your tryouts ONLY. Bring your own mouth guard (I will gladly share my stinky knee pads with you for tryouts, but I barely know you so sharing a mouth guard is really pushing it. $2 at Walmart will do for now. Skaters and The Skate staff can help you order gear and skates that will work well for you and within your budget.

6. You will smell awful because you will be sweaty and because you will be borrowing a stinky vet's gear. Derby stank is real.

7. You will fall. And you will get up. And you will fall again. We will teach you to fall correctly before we teach you to do much else. Safety first. 

8. You should be watching roller derby. Come to our bout on May 10th if you can! But there are so many bouts streamed online through DNN, there is a wealth of derby (women's and men's!) within about an hour of here. One blog provides .gifs of cool plays, interesting footwork, or to illustrate specific rules. It helps! And it's fun!

8. Did I mention that it will be fun?! I am serious. Everyone is so nice and we genuinely want you to join us on the track and in this whole crazy thing we call derby. 

There are other things you can do like start thinking of your derby name or stock up on cool socks and tights, but ultimately, come prepared and make sure you feel comfortable.

If you want more info, message us on Facebook, email us at thedireskates@gmail.com, or talk to your favorite roller girl.
We can't wait to see you!

--Bilbo Stabbins

Vet Profile: Broad of War

Editor's note: As you may have seen on our Facebook page, Broad has returned to the Dire Skates and we couldn't be more excited to have her back on the track!

Name: Broad of War or you can call me Broad 

Number: 510 

Position: Blocker 

Signature move: Wrecking Ball! 

Tell us about your non-derby self: I have a non-derby self? Pfft, I eat dream and… well let’s just say I’m all about the derby life. 

Why did you join roller derby?: I want to develop a stronger sense of self, make friends, and earn a few well-deserved bruises. 

What is your favorite part of roller derby?: I get to rough up people and not get in trouble. 

What are your roller derby goals?: Building endurance is really important and strengthening my hits so they are destructive! 

What do you hope Dire Skates can do for Richmond?: I hope it can give woman (and men) a place to step out of the norm and be comfortable in their skin knowing they are strong beautiful and a force to be reckoned with. 

What are you skating on right now?: Well my feet--they usually do pretty well, but I like to stick those pups in my Crazy Skates. 

If you could skate anywhere, anytime, where and when would it be and why?: Whenever I’m out rolling around I imagine myself in Cali next to the beach. Maybe during the sunset. Sounds nice don’t ya think? 

If you could have any famous person alive or dead join Dire Skates, who would it be and why? Uhh, I’m not sure it would make a difference as long as they can take a hit. 

Tell us one thing you want us to know about yourself: I’m scared I’m going to get injured and not be able to be a part of derby any more. 

Tell us one thing about another skater: I couldn’t pick just one skater because everyone has a skill that I envy--that’s what makes us a great team. We all come together to create a whole that is stronger together than apart. You have the skaters who their strength is speed; we need them to get our points. We have women whose strength is well, strength- they knock down all the bullies from the other teams and protect us. We all need each other to reach a common goal.

You used skate with the team before; what made you want to come back?: I have always enjoyed competitive sports, but there is something extremely personal about derby that really has pulled me in. It is coming to practice and being tired from the day and still pulling on your gear, lacing up your skates and giving a 110% for your team and yourself. It's watching the improvement you make after dedicating yourself to the hard work it takes to prevail in derby. It's challenging and frustrating at times, but it's totally worth it. That moment you connect with an opposing skater and you knock her down! It's the feeling of personal strength; overcoming your physical fatigue and the pain of the hits and the falls to reach a win--even if the score board doesn't agree, everyone walks away a winner if they have given it everything they have.

April Skater of the Month: DJ Smear-O

DJ Smear-O, or Jessica Leigh as she is also known, is a jammer and blocker for the Dire Skates who has been with the team for three years. Since her first bout in October 2011, Smear-O has been a strong player, but she also has a strong, outgoing personality. Her tiny frame packs a punch and if she hits you, you'll feel (and see) the results for quite some time afterward. Smear-O communicates with us constantly while on the track, helping us become better players and boosting morale with her antics. She also helps with marketing and makes super-rad radio spots for the team while also helping get us bout-ready in many other ways. In addition to her skill as a player, Smear-O's sense of humor and personality are a big part of what makes her a unique and valuable member of our team. At any given practice (in addition to bruises) we get poop jokes, Star Wars references, and I am pretty sure she never stops talking about food.

Smear-O also has an adorable family. Look at that face--and she isn't even the cutest one of the bunch! But really beyond derby, Smear-O is dedicated to her family. This dedication spills over into her derby family as seen in her passion for the game and for her derby sisters.


Here is what our coach, The Golffather, had to say about Smear-O:

"Jess, or Smear-O as we all know her, has become a versatile player on the team. She  was mostly a jammer when I started but has become a double threat with her blocking abilities. She is a fun player to coach and is always wanting to learn; sometimes she might not like what I have to say, but she takes it in stride and grows with it. She is amazing with what she does behind the scenes as well that no one sees except us with the team. Being a radio DJ she is a great communicator and every team needs a few of those. She is a great family person and I for one am glad the she is part of this derby family."

GOREgon also had this to say:

The first time I met DJ Smear-O was when I, as a fresh meat skater, went to the team photoshoot. She had on these crazy awesome custom made Chuck Taylors that had her derby name embroidered on them and were in the team colors. She was also really, really funny and warm. Since then, I have really loved being around her and learning things from her as well as building camaraderie with her."

Dave Snow, aka Dire Skates team announcer Hurtz McGroin, added this:

Jessica A.K.A. DJ Smear-O is a lot of fight in a small package. There is an old saying that applies very well to her. It says: "Never measure your opponent by their size, their strength, or their speed. Only measure your opponent by the opposition it takes to discourage them." She will never back down or give up. Actually, she somehow takes a big challenge, and turns it into motivation. Her best weapon is that smile. If you fall for that, you're already dead (you just don't know it yet.)

Thank you for all you do, Smear-O!

Derby love!

Vet Profile: Stubborn Itch

Name: Stubborn Itch

Number: 1019 

Position: Jammer and Blocker, but mostly a Jammer.

Signature Move: I guess power pushing my opponents forward or skating really fast.

Tell us about your non derby self: I work at Whirlpool in the paint department and paint the blenders or mixers that might sit on your counter. I have one child who is my world and I live in Piqua, Ohio with my very supporting boyfriend and two German Shepherds. If I'm not doing roller derby I'm working and coming home to spend the rest of my day with our two girls (dogs) and Bryan. When it's nice out I like to cook on the grill.

Why did you join roller derby?: I was playing softball with a girl who was once on the team and she convinced me to come and try out. When I was younger I used to go to the skate all the time and always got in the races, but just casually skating and derby skating are way two different things. But yeah, when I use to skate at my younger ages I was a pretty good skater then.

What is your favorite part of roller derby?: The exercise, muscle, and endurance that I have gained from this sport. I also have gained a lot of friends during the 4 years I have been doing this and that's really important. Most of all my dad passed away in December of 2012 and he was so proud of the fact he had a daughter in roller derby. So now when I skate I always have him on my mind and tell myself I have so skate for him as if he is watching from above, rooting me on. I skate the way I do because I was always taught by him to always do my best and never give up. That's why I push myself to be a better skater each time I skate. 

What is your roller derby goal: I have several goals. I don't pick out all the good I have done after each match. I try to pick out all the things I did wrong so I can set those as my goals and try to conquer those goals just to make more to conquer. I have tried to make my name and number known to the crowd and to other teams that we may play. Anyhow, I feel I'm constantly setting goals to better myself as a team player and an individual skater. 

What do you hope The Dire Skates can do for Richmond?: I hope we can show people what all Richmond really does have to offer and that there are still good things that do happen for those whom are not so fortunate. I hope we can also as a team give back to the community and help in any way that we can.

What are you skating on right now?: The flooring that we skate on is two totally different floors. One has me using the hardest wheels I have in my derby bag which I think are 93's which means it's a very nice sticky floor. The other floor has me skating with my Poison 88's, which means it's a very slick floor and I need stickier wheels to get some grip. My skates that I have are Vanilla's.

If you could skate anywhere, where would it be and why?: On a regular basis outside of practices and matches I would like to skate outside and around town. I have a dog that learns trick and is easily to train that my goal is to eventually to train her to pull or walk with me while I skate around town. Skating outside gives you great practice as far as being able to stay on your skates and balance. Those rocks can be very tricky sometimes! As far as some famous place I really don't have a particular place because I love to skate and I don't care where it is.

If you could have a famous person skate for Dire who would it be and why?: I would want it to be PINK the singer! she just looks as if she would be one tough skater and she seems as if she isn't afraid to go out of her comfort zone. I think she would be a fun person to hang with and skate with. Plus she could sing to us while we skate! lol! 

Tell us one thing you want us to know about you: I am a hard shell on the outside, but I have a heart of gold on the inside. I will always go out of my way to do anything for animals and children. I use to work with Autistic, Downs, and Multiple Disability children for 3 years. And I spoil my dogs like they are my children. Oh, and I'm really dedicated to my team because I drive and hour to go to practices and an hour back so that is a two hour round trip. I do what I need to do for my team! 

Tell us one thing about another skater: Lish D Lish is the true meaning of a strong woman and not to mention I'm glad to call her my derby wife!