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!