Derby Unicorn Spotlight: Mr. BadAZZ

Editor's note: Roller derby requires more than just the players on the track. It requires NSOs, referees, coaches, people to set up, volunteers to run the tables, food vendors, and on and on. This is why we are starting a new feature showcasing the people who work behind the scenes to help bring you Richmond's Derby Little Secret.

Mr. BadAZZ, or Tony, is the assistant coach of the Dire Skates (or as we affectionately refer to him: Ass. Coach). Tony has been with the team for two years. He helps run practices, referees scrimmages, runs drills with us as a skater, and bench coaches during our games, among countless other duties.

Tony is only one part of Dire's BadAZZ clan, which also features BadAZZ MotherCutter, Baby BadAZZ, and BadAZZ Brat.

Tony not only helps physically with drills and practices, but he also provides support as a coach and friend. Tony does a great job of providing positive support and constructive criticism, always helping us improve our game individually and as a team.

Tony is one of Dire's biggest fans, too--if you ever see him out and about it's likely that he will be sporting Dire attire.


Terahrizen, team trainer, and skater for the Dire Skates says:

Organization and knowing who works best together and who to to put against certain walls is huge, and its a lot for one person to do. Having  a bench coach has really put the Dire Skates in motion for many improvements. Tony is a particularly valuable piece because he takes the time to get to know us all personally and really has an eye for detail and a passion for derby. I trust him (and Coach) to keep an eye on me while I'm on the track and listen for their instructions.

BadAZZ MotherCutter, Mr. BadAZZ's wife, said this:

Hmmm....what to say.  Mr. BadAZZ is an athlete in every aspect of the word.  Mr. Competitive. He strives to make me a better player. Tony wants to help build Dire into a better, stronger team. I love the fact that we can make roller derby a family event.  We enjoy every activity we do together and this is just one facet of what we call Team Tenney.  He loves to cheer for our team and he applies his sports knowledge in everything we do.  He is a very positive person, very encouraging.  He wants to be supportive of all of us as a team. I appreciate everything he does.

The GolfFather, the other half of the Dire Skates' coaching staff, said this:

Man, what an addition to have Tony or Mr. Bad Azz to the coaching staff. He is instrumental on keeping the bench in order during games, so I can focus on the track. He gets in scrimmages with the ladies and brings a different dynamic because if they can hold him back or knock him out of the way can do it to most anyone. I appreciate everything he does on and off the track. Thank you for being a great coach and a great friend.

Mr. BadAZZ photo gallery:

Bench coach

Promotional photo shoot

With Smack Widow

Mr. BadAZZ and his wife BadAZZ MotherCutter

Thanks for all you do, Ass. Coach!

April Skater of the Month: Maniac Jack

Maniac Jack has been with the Dire Skates since the beginning! A blocker, and jammer, Maniac is a powerful force on the track.

I mean, have you seen her skate?

And those shoulders?!

Maniac skates hard and hits harder, not only using herself to hit our opponents, but even throwing her teammates at the other players. No one forgets the first time they get hit by Maniac Jack.

Maniac easily gets her head into the game and works to ensure her teammates are focused alongside her. Though she is also well-known for stacking up penalties--the "jack in the box" is a common sight at our games. Even then she still has a smile on her face!

Maniac is a powerful asset to our team, not only because of her abilities, but because she is an amazing derby sister. She even tried to retire after last season, but we would not let her because we just love her too much!


Coach, The GolfFather, had this to say about Maniac:

What an amazing person Maniac Jack is. She is hard working, busy mom of two very active and athletic kids. Jack is very athletic herself and a very good skater. She has played anywhere we have put her on the track. Blocker, no problem, Pivot, sure, Jammer, "are you sure?", “Yes, Jack, go jam and score some points.” She is most famous probably for Hurtz McGroin’s saying “Jack in the Box” everytime she gets a penalty. Wonder if they would sponsor our penalty box?
She almost retired after last season and I am glad we had all those fans in supporting the “one more year.” I am glad that she is back for 2015 and hopefully beyond. What do you say, Jack?
I have known jack for about 4.5 years now and I am honored to coach a great player, teammate, mom, person, but most of all a great friend!

DJ SMear-O added this:

I love Maniac's glorious powerful ass. It knocks everyone around. It clears holes for me on the track. It looks perfect and round and strong in her shorts. I catch myself in a Maniac Jack booty trance. She may not like her fabulous bottom, but that beautiful badass babe has been busting her bodacious buns for me and everyone else on this team since we became a team. She is a bounty of butt and a force to be reckoned with. I love Maniac Jack. Skating with her has and always will be a pleasure.

RollHer Zombie had this to say about her derby sister:

Maniac Jack, 765, homegrown crazy. I remember drinking wine in her kitchen many moons ago and trying to come up with her tag line. That is just one of many great times we have shared since the very start of the team. Besides my other wife, CA is probably who I have played derby with the most since the team started. I am lucky to not only call her my sister, but one of my dearest, closest friends, who has been there for me through my darkest moments. Manic and I both can say derby saved our souls; Not only for the physical outlet and chance to break down barriers that society puts females in, but the true friendship and love that comes from such an amazing dynamic of women. Some people are reluctant to get to know her, because I think they are intimidated by those big shoulders, lethal hips, and sometimes big mouth. ;) I know under that awesomely brutal persona and seemingly effortless derby ability, she is quite simply amazing. I know she has thought of retirement, but honestly I can't imagine our team without her and I am not looking forward to that day. Mad love for you Maniac.
<3 RollHer Zombie

Maniac Jack photo gallery:

Thanks for all you do, Maniac!