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MRDA endorsed tournament : Silver City Cup, Aberdeen (SCT)

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MRDA endorsed tournament : Silver City Cup, Aberdeen (SCT)

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Qualifiers are over and teams are gearing up for the 2018 MRDA Championships in Portland, Oregon.

Meanwhile in Aberdeen, Scotland…Granite City Brawlers are preparing for their first MRDA endorsed tournament; the Silver City Cup.  This tournament will see six MRDA teams take to the track on 22-23 September to take home the cup. The teams are Crash Test Brummies, Derby Club Le Crès Lattes Montpellier, Nottingham Roller Derby, South Wales Silures Roller Derby, Tampere Rollin’ Bros and of course hosts Granite City Brawlers.

We caught up with the tournament hosts and representatives from some of the participating teams to find out what their goals are and what they’re most looking forward to.

MRDA:  Tell us a little bit about the tournament

GCB: This tournament was specifically targeted at unranked teams or teams that hadn’t passed the 40th rankings (by the spring rankings!).  We really wanted to host something that would help give opportunities to teams in these positions and give them 3 sanctioned games in one weekend.  Ultimately to help provide more eligible teams for 2019 european qualifiers.

Bringing higher level derby and sanctioned games to Aberdeen is great for our local community also. Showing visiting teams our city and shire and what we can achieve up here in the north of our wee island!

MRDA:  What is your goal for the tournament?

TRB:  This tournament is really a kickstart for Rollin’ Bros.  We’ve been on hiatus and the team has changed a bit since the last time we played.  We just want to get back into it basically. We also have a few skaters making their debuts.  But we’re not coming there as tourists and we’re up for a fight, that’s for sure! Still it’s always hard to predict how we will do.

NRD:  Our experience at MEQ has helped us to really bond as a team, we’ve got a lot closer and it feels even more like we’re all pushing to get to the same place. We want to start harnessing that energy and using it to help us pick up the wins we know we can achieve. One of our goals will be to even the score with the Brummies after their win against us on September 1st.

CTB:  Our main goal is to play together as a team.  We’ve had a tough year with a lot of turnover and had to play games short against some really strong opponents.  We’ve lost some players and support team and thankfully we’ve gained some fresh faces as well as levelling up our existing ones.  Now we’re finally in a place where we can say “This is the Crash Test Brummies”.

GCB:  Our goal is to put into practice everything we’ve worked on for the last year; working as a unit, communicating and being effective.  We want everyone to experience the excitement of a tournament and hopefully inspire the team to want to do more tournament style events!

 

MRDA:  What are you most looking forward to?

CTB:  Personally, I’m looking forward to playing against Kamiquadz.  I’ve never played them before, so it will be exciting to see what they can bring.

TRB:  There is so much.  I’ve always wanted to play SWS so it’s nice to meet them finally.  Also seeing new teams (for me) like Smash Brollers and Granite City will be so cool.  We’ve played Montpellier and Brummies in the past and it’s going to be nice to catch up. Finally I’m making my debut as a blocker so it’s sure to be an exciting event on many fronts!

GCB:  We’re really looking forward to putting on a good event and hosting these teams in our city.  From a gameplay perspective though we’re really looking forward to seeing Brummies. We played Beta Test Brummies almost two years ago which had a lot of their regular players but playing in different positions.  It will be great to see them at full capacity with their new team! And although I’ve seen skaters from Kamiquadz and Tampere play at MRDWC, I’ve never seen the teams play so definitely looking forward to that too.

NRD:  I’m personally most looking forwards to stopping at a Tim Hortons in Glasgow on the way up AND the way back, because no matter how well my diet and gym routine are going, a boy needs his timbits and large dark roast double-double.

From a derby point of view I’ve not seen SWS play in ages so it’ll be good to see them and I’ve been a fan of the Tampere uniforms for ages, so hopefully they’ll have some there to pick up.

 

If you want to know who answered the questions…

Granite City Brawlers;  Pudz & MoMo (skaters)

Crash Test Brummies;  Doom (skater)

Nottingham Roller Derby;  Cupid Stunt (bench coach)

Tampere Rollin’ Bros;  Kenny Superpowers (skater)

More information on the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/616684768693015/

European Qualifiers: Barrow Infernos

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We’re just about recovered from the North American Qualifiers here at MRDA HQ, but there’s little time to relax just yet as we hurtle toward the European leg of the competition.

 

Hosted by Manchester Roller Derby, the European Qualifiers will take place between 18th and 19th August at the centrally located North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax and will determine who places in October’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR.

 

The teams competing are, in no particular order, Manneken Beasts, Barrow Infernos, Tyne and Fear, Nottingham Roller Derby and Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder; we’ve taken the opportunity to catch up with each of them and pose those all important questions that you’ve all been dying to ask.

 

First up, for Barrow Infernos, skater 808 and self-confessed penalty box warmer, Defcon Jon and his jammer chum no.68, Princess Lay’her…

 

What does it mean to be a part of MEQ?

 

DJ: It’s a great chance to show the world what the small town of Barrow-in-Furness can produce!

PL: It’s amazing, I’m so happy to be representing my team at this awesome opportunity event.

 

What will you be working on during the tournament?

 

DJ: I’ll be working my charm on the NSO’s. To keep me seated in the sin bin for 30 seconds or longer if I’m knackered.

 

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track?

 

DJ: All teams, chest blocking is the future.

PL: I am really looking forward to playing Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder; after facing them a few months ago it’ll be good to play against them.

 

Who is the one to watch on your team?

 

DJ: If you can target Duke of York I’d appreciate it

PL: Our captain Jardine or Roseblade both amazing players!

 

What has been your MRDA highlight of 2018?

 

DJ: Borrowing Fish’s used kit was kind of special…

PL: Getting MVP against Birmingham’s Crash Test Brummies as it was my first ever MVP certificate.

 

Bread: Settle an argument; is it roll, cob, bap…?

 

DJ: You don’t ice a roll, cob, bap, barncake, but you do have an iced bun. End of.

PL: BARM

 

Finally, the question everyone’s asking, could you explain to our readers why Roller Polar Bear hasn’t made your roster for this tournament?

 

DJ: He’s too good……… at announcing.

PL: Clearly his parkour aren’t up to the required standard.

 

North American Qualifiers: Philadelphia Hooligans

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By: Bryan Mcwilliam aka Killman

 

During the weekend of Aug 4-5 the North American Qualifier of the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) will take place in Fitchburg, MA to help determine the competitors in the organization’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR from Oct 12-14.

The event, which is set to take place at the Wallace Civic Center on the grounds of Fitchburg State University, will be hosted by MRDA member and playoff contender, the Mass Maelstrom.

Eight teams will vie for a championship bid.

Leading into the event the MRDA will take an inside look at some of the attending teams to learn more about members from its squad.

Today, we speak with skaters Timmy Twitch and Yosemite Slam of the Philadelphia Hooligans, the No. 1 seed at the NAQ qualifier.

Twitch, a blocker with the Hooligans skates under No. 2469. He’s been playing derby for 5 years, all with Philly.

Slam, a blocker, wears No. 8 and is in his ninth year. He’s been with the Hooligans for 5 years and previously played for Man’s Ruin, a MADE team.

 

Killman: Are you excited about playoffs? Tell me what being at playoffs means to you?

Timmy Twitch: To finally get to play with my family and earn our spot at champs and be able to go. I wasn’t able to go last year due to travel restrictions.

Yosemite Slam: I’m excited to go to playoffs for the second time because we get to go toe-to-toe with some amazing teams.

 

K: What would it mean for you to come out of this event as a qualifying team for champs?

TT: It would mean that all this work we’ve been putting in for the past 5 plus years was worth it.

YS: Coming out of the NAQ in a qualifying position would be huge for me because last season after playoffs I pulled myself out of competition because of finances and health issues, so this would be my first trip to champs.

 

K: Is there anyone you look up to on your team or in the sport of roller derby?

TT: I would have to say my teammate Yosemite Slam. Since day one he pushed me to prove myself as a Hooligan.

YS: I look up to Marco Torres from Austin Anarchy. He’s a true athlete and sportsman who is always where he needs to be and probably one of the calmest players ever to take the track.

 

K: If you could be one Marvel superhero, who would it be and why?

TT: Deadpool, because have you met me?

YS: Deadpool, because I’m always joking around and no matter how hard the beating I’m always going to get up and keep coming at you until it’s over.

 

K: If you were asked to travel back in time and play in Rollerjam, would you? If yes, what would be the attraction?

TT: Hells yes! I’m still waiting for it to come back. As a kid growing up skating every weekend I used to dream of doing that when I grew up.

 

K: Do you have a favorite dad joke?

TT: I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day.

 

K: Provide me an inspirational quote that you live by.

TT: Make it weird!

YS: I have three quotes.

“Lead me, follow me or get the hell out of my way.” – George Patton

“Tell them what to do, not how to do it. Sometimes you’ll be surprised with the results.” – Vince Lombardi

“If I wanted friends I’d go play in a sand box. I’m here to win.” – Yosemite Slam

 

K: Tell me anything else that’s on your mind if you have more to say.

TT: It’s been a hard year with all the travel, but I wouldn’t trade any of it in. I’ve gotten to spend this summer with my family.

YS: When Philadelphia first started we were branded as the team that couldn’t decide what rule set we wanted to play. Not a lot of people took us seriously, but 4.5 years later we’re going into playoffs ninth overall. It just goes to show what hard work and determination can give you if you put the work in.

 

North American Qualifiers: Mohawk Valley Roller Derby

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By: Bryan Mcwilliam aka Killman

During the weekend of Aug 4-5 the North American Qualifier of the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) will take place in Fitchburg, MA to help determine the competitors in the organization’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR from Oct 12-14.

The event, which is set to take place at the Wallace Civic Center on the grounds of Fitchburg State University, will be hosted by MRDA member and playoff contender, the Mass Maelstrom.

Eight teams will vie for a championship bid.

Leading into the event the MRDA will take an inside look at some of the attending teams to learn more about members from its squad.

Today, we speak with skaters B.Scherz and Stever of Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, the No. 5 seed at the NAQ qualifier.

B.Scherz, a blocker with Mohawk Valley skates under No. 35. He’s been playing derby since 2012. He played 4 seasons with The Quadfathers before transferring to the New York Shock Exchange for the 2016 and ’17 seasons, before returning to Mohawk Valley.

B.Scherz was also a member of USA Men’s Roller Derby and was part of the gold medal team in Barcelona this year.

Stever aka Woo, also a blocker, has been with Mohawk Valley since 2009, and also went to State Wars with Team New York during one of his seasons.

 

Killman: Are you excited about playoffs? Tell me what being at playoffs means to you?

B.Scherz: I’m excited about playoffs because we get to test ourselves against excellent opponents. Personally, I’m proud of this team making it to NAQ. We worked really hard to get in this position.

Stever: I’m pretty excited. We set a goal to get to playoffs at the beginning of the year and everyone worked hard to make it happen.  Having been with this league since the beginning through all the ups and downs – 2 years ago we were down to 10 guys and went on hiatus last year.  To turn it around to get where we are at now is just crazy.  I am very proud of this team.

 

K: What would it mean for you to come out of this event as a qualifying team for champs?

BS:  It would be awesome to make it but we have to play one game at a time and not get ahead of ourselves. First up is Austin. That’s all that’s on my mind now.

S: I can’t even imagine.  We need to get by Austin first.

 

K: Is there anyone you look up to on your team or in the sport of roller derby?

BS: On my team I don’t really look up to anyone in particular, but I am inspired by everyone. We have some really talented skaters this year and it has pushed me to work even harder just to keep up. In the sport of derby I look up to Magnum from St Louis. He continues to push the sport and his skill year after year. He dedicates a lot of time to the sport while juggling being a father, which I can relate to.

S: I would have to say Carnage and Stankus.  Carnage has so much energy it motivates you to work harder just because you know how hard he’s working. His jamming skills keep us blockers on our toes every practice. Stankus has worked so hard to get where he is.  Seeing how far he has come since he started way back when, it’s night and day.  A very underrated jammer who is having a solid year and is going to turn some heads at playoffs.

 

K: If you could be one superhero, who would it be and why?

S: Gambit. He’s been my favorite character since I was a kid.

 

K: Do you have a favorite dad joke?

S: Why do cows wear bells?  Because their horns don’t work.

 

K: Provide me an inspirational quote that you live by.

S: “A lot of good could be accomplished in this world if nobody cared who got the credit.”

 

K: Tell me anything else that’s on your mind if you have more to say.

BS: I’m just really excited to get to skate with my team at playoffs. We worked really hard this season and it would be great to finish strong. Our coaching staff (including my wife) have been great all year and I just want to say thank you guys for everything.

S: I would like to thank our coaching staff: Gutshot, Slay West, Kitten and Queen for helping us achieve our goals.  I would like to thank my teammates for working so hard to get to this point.

 

North American Qualifiers: Denver Ground Control

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By: Bryan Mcwilliam aka Killman

During the weekend of Aug 4-5 the North American Qualifier of the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) will take place in Fitchburg, MA to help determine the competitors in the organization’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR from Oct 12-14.

The event, which is set to take place at the Wallace Civic Center on the grounds of Fitchburg State University, will be hosted by MRDA member and playoff contender, the Mass Maelstrom.

Eight teams will vie for a championship bid.

Leading into the event the MRDA will take an inside look at some of the attending teams to learn more about members from its squad.

Today, we speak with skaters Esquivel, Ferguson and Reno Schneider of Denver Ground Control, the No. 2 seed at the NAQ qualifier.

Esquivel, a jammer with Denver skates under No. 5. He’s been playing derby for 1.5 years, all with the Ground Control.

Ferguson, also a jammer, has been with Denver since Feb of 2018 and has spent his entire derby skating career with them aside from one game with Oklahoma Men’s Roller Derby.

Reno Schneider, who plays everywhere but mainly pivots, wears No. 257 and has played 5 years. After aging out as a junior with Foco Junior Roller Derby Schneider joined the Ground Control.

 

Killman: Are you excited about playoffs? Tell me what being at playoffs means to you?

Esquivel: To showcase Denver Roller Derby and being able to play with some of the nations’ best.

Ferguson: I can’t wait to play teams where I can’t predict who will win or what the score might be. My team and I have worked hard to jump in the rankings, playoffs and hopefully champs will be the direct result of us leaving everything out on the track and at practice every single time.

Reno Schneider: It means a lot to be able to work with my teammates that have worked hard all season to get to this point.  I am excited to take the track with the best bunch of teammates a guy could ask for.

 

K: What would it mean for you to come out of this event as a qualifying team for champs?

E: The world.

F: Honestly I might cry, I get very emotional when playing and if we qualify for champs it means that my team has gotten better, I’ve gotten better and the only direction we can go from there is up.

RS: It would be a great feeling to know we had come together as a team, and the work put in has paid off.

 

K: Is there anyone you look up to on your team or in the sport of roller derby?

E: Our coaches, Raebies and Disco.

F: I really look up to my coach Tracy Akers and Rachel Blackman, not only are they beasts on the track but without them giving me the confidence I need to play I know I wouldn’t be able to perform up to and beyond my potential. Every time I’ve been down on myself because I don’t think I did well enough they have been there to make me realize who I am and how I fit in this amazing team that I have the good fortune to skate with.

RS: Tracy “Disco” Akers.  She’s one of the best skaters and is so derby smart. Her skills on the track, and her off-the-track coaching is unbeatable. To have her as a coach of Ground Control allows my team to learn from one of the best. She also has dedicated herself to promoting and bettering derby for all skaters, from juniors to WFTDA and MRDA.

 

K: If you could be one superhero, who would it be and why?

E: The day walker, Blade. Because he never loses a fight or his sunglasses.

F: Green Lantern. I love green and the only limit of your power is your imagination. Plus, I get to be Ryan Reynolds.

 

K: If you were asked to travel back in time and play in Rollerjam, would you? If yes, what would be the attraction?

E: 100%. Make cable television great again! Something fun for the whole family to watch during dinner. My family did!

F: I would, and I would be Gumby, but like a mean one.

 

K: Do you have a favorite dad joke?

F: Mom: Why is there a strange baby in the crib?

Dad: Because you told me to change the baby.

 

K: Provide me an inspirational quote that you live by.

E: “I’ve got one hand in my pocket, and the other one is giving a high five.” – Alanis Morissette

F: I honestly do live by these two words, “Why not?”

RS: “If you are going to do something half assed don’t bother doing it at all.”

 

K: Tell me anything else that’s on your mind if you have more to say.

E: Big shoutout to everyone who has supported Ground Control, especially DDay. Love you all and many thanks.

F: My goal for my team is to take us to champs and eventually become the No. 1 team in the MRDA. My personal goal is to make it on to Team USA with my best friend Lenzo, No. 36. That would be the highlight of my skating career.

 

 

North American Qualifiers: San Diego Aftershocks

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By: Bryan Mcwilliam aka Killman

During the weekend of Aug 4-5 the North American Qualifier of the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) will take place in Fitchburg, MA to help determine the competitors in the organization’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR from Oct 12-14.

The event, which is set to take place at the Wallace Civic Center on the grounds of Fitchburg State University, will be hosted by MRDA member and playoff contender, the Mass Maelstrom.

Eight teams will vie for a championship bid.

Leading into the event the MRDA will take an inside look at some of the attending teams to learn more about members from its squad.

Today, we speak with skaters Chris Mayes and Trueblocka of the San Diego Aftershocks, the No. 3 seed at the NAQ qualifier.

Mayes, a jammer with the Aftershocks skates under No. 33. He’s been playing derby for 1.5 years, all with San Diego.

Trueblocka, a blocker, has been with San Diego since 2016 and has also spent his entire derby career with the Aftershocks.

 

Killman: Are you excited about playoffs? Tell me what being at playoffs means to you?

Trueblocka: It’s exciting and fun to get to play with all the teams and skaters at such a high level that we don’t get to play with regularly. I have also never been to Massachusetts either so that will be a new experience.

 

K: What would it mean for you to come out of this event as a qualifying team for champs?

Chris Mayes: It would be amazing as we have been in a rebuilding phase this year. It would solidify all of our hard work and show most people in the MRDA that we earned our spot.

T: It would mean we proved ourselves and earned our spot to at champs. I have never skated at champs where I had to earn a spot via playoffs before.

 

K: Is there anyone you look up to on your team or in the sport of roller derby?

CM: Our retired jammer B. Stang.

T: Optimus Grime, my mate from Scotland and teammate from champs a couple years back, is a great guy and one heck of a skater.

 

K: If you could be one Marvel superhero, who would it be and why?

CM: I think I’d want to be Thor. The guy is a beast and one of the strongest Marvel characters.

T: The older I get the more I would like to have quick regeneration powers. At 38, it’s kind of hard to get out of bed sometimes.

 

K: Do you have a favorite dad joke?

CM: What’s the best time to go to the dentist? Tooth hurty.

T: Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom? Because the P is silent.

 

K: Provide me an inspirational quote that you live by.

CM: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

T: “Do or do not, there is no try.” – Master Yoda

MRDA Announces 2018 NAQ Officials

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The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the officials for the 2018 North American Qualifier. The action begins August 4th-5th in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, hosted by Mass Maelstrom. Thanks to everyone who applied to support this event and to all officials who donate their time to help this sport be what it is.

For tickets and more information about the event, check out the event page below.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2105455163045551/

Crew Heads:

Chiro-fracture
geoknitter
Jeff
Pol E Dangerous
Sugar Daddy
Robin U Blind

Officials:

Allyn Ur Grill
Babelfishy
Big Panda
Blackheart
Brattysoreass Wrecks
capt cupcake
Commie
Decrypt Keeper
Doesn’t Matt-er
Down N Jersey
Fatal Exception
FloBlock
Frau Blücher
Goldie Gloves
Harleyquinn Davidson
Headless Horsman
India Pale Al
Jak
Kinky Linky
Leith Fremlin
Lobo-Cop
Lord Lexalt
mAlice
mcninja
Molotov Latte
Pamda Bear
Peeka
Pete in the Pool
PK Biddy
Pushup Zebra
Ref Sin Style
Ria Culpa
Scooby Drew
Slamorous
Sprawkett
Stabby McNeedles
The Administrator
Thistle B. Painful
Tim the Ref
TumbleTina
Verbal Assault
Veronica Scars
Walker Hamilton
W.E.B. Du Stroys
WifeOpathic Signals
Wreckordian
Xtra ChrisP
Zoonotic

Spring 2018 Rankings

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The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the Spring Rankings for the 2018 season. The MRDA rankings committee calculated these rankings based on games played between 3/5/2017 through 3/4/2018.The rankings were voted on by the member leagues.

1 St. Louis Gatekeepers
2 Bridgetown Roller Derby
3 San Diego Aftershocks
4 Southern Discomfort
5 Roller Derby Toulouse
6 Manchester Roller Derby
7 New York Shock Exchange
8 Puget Sound Outcast Derby
9 Vancouver Murder (+1)
10 Magic City Misfits (-1)
11 Philadelphia Hooligans
12 Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder
13 Tyne and Fear Roller Derby
14 Austin Anarchy
15 Oklahoma Men’s Roller Derby
16 Mass Maelstrom
17 Race City Rebels
18 Denver Ground Control (+1)
19 Victoria Men’s Roller Derby (+2)
20 Thunderquads Roller Derby Masculino (-2)
21 Toronto Men’s Roller Derby (-1)
22 Montreal Men’s Roller Derby (+1)
23 Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby (+1)
24 Wisconsin Men’s Roller Derby (+11)
25 Dakota Men’s Roller Derby (+10)
26 Brisbane City Rollers (+2)
27 Cincinnati Battering Rams (+7)
28 Drive-By City Rollers (-1)
29 Sydney City Smash (+1)
30 Varsity Derby League (-1)
31 Wheels of Mayhem (-9)
32 Panam Squad (-6)
33 Carolina Wreckingballs (-2)
34 Lane County Concussion (-2)
35 Glenmore Reservoir Dogs (NPR)
36 The Skaters Grim (-3)
37 Atlanta Men’s Roller Derby (NPR)
38 Chicago Bruise Brothers (+3
39 Collision Men’s Derby (-2)
40 Nottingham Roller Derby (NPR)
41 Casco Bay Gentlemen’s Derby (-2)
42 Harm City Men’s Derby (-6)
43 Detroit Men’s Roller Derby
44 Flour City Fear Men’s Roller Derby (-4)
45 Capital City Hooligans (-3)
46 Pittsburgh Blue Streaks (-2)
47 Cleveland Men’s Roller Derby (-1)

Unranked Teams:

Barrow Infernos
Crash Test Brummies
Derby Club le Crès Lattes
East Anglo Smacksons
Granite City Brawlers
Houston Men’s Roller Derby
Lille Moustaches
Manneken Beasts
Men’s Roller Derby Japan
New Orleans Brass Roller Derby
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby
Mohawk Valley Roller Derby
Red Deer Dreadnaughts
Sioux City Korn Stalkers
South Wales Silures
Star City Offense
Tampa Bay Men’s Roller Derby
Texas Men’s Roller Derby
The Inhuman League
West Swedish Roller Derby Society
Wirral Roller Derby

 

MRDA Announces March’s Skater of the Month: Streetfight Manifesto

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Each month, the Men’s Roller Derby Association selects a skater that we believe to be the embodiment of the values we represent and the achievements that we wish to see all of our skaters attain. This skater showcases teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship both on and off the track. We believe that these values are the building blocks for any successful league, team, skater, and person. This month, the MRDA is pleased to announce our choice for Skater of the Month to be: Streetfight Manifesto of Toronto Men’s Roller Derby

We were able to ask Streetfight some questions about his role in the derby-verse and the interview is posted below.

Skater Name: Streetfight Manifesto
Number: 1234
League Affiliation: Toronto Men’s Roller Derby
Position: Blocker
Years in derby: 4
What got you into roller derby?  Really, just learning that men’s roller derby was a thing.  As soon as I’d digested that information, I went out and bought skates.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?  Helping Toronto crack the top 20 at the end of last season.

How do you push yourself to be a better athlete?  Hard hits from bigger guys at practice are pretty good incentive to up my strength.  I’m an average sized guy on a relatively diminutive team!

What are your goals for the upcoming season?  I want us to make playoffs in Massachusetts, and raise hell there.

Who inspires you the most?   I just like watching high-level teams play in general.  If that doesn’t make you want to put your skates on and practice to get better, not much will.

What do you do outside of derby (work, fun, etc)?  I’m a senior manager for a large telecom in Canada.  When I’m not doing that, playing some records and/or reading a book is my idea of a good time.

What song do you listen to get pumped before a bout?  9mm and a Three Piece Suit – Streetlight Manifesto

What advice would you give to new skaters?  The sport, while difficult, isn’t as daunting as it nearly looks.  Everyone has quite a learning curve when they start off. Get some gear, borrow from a friend, or your friendly nearby league and give it a try!  

 

 

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