Press Releases – Page 2 – Men's Roller Derby Association

2019 Champs – chat with Golden State Heat

Posted on October 6, 2019 - 6:00 pm by MRDA Public Relations

Golden State Heat, US

The Golden State Heat (MRDA rank #7) in California is a merger between Slick City Rollers, who had originally dissolved in 2016, and the Drive-By City Rollers. They are the premier men’s roller derby league in Southern California.

They have had a great season this year and were on a five-game winning streak, before losing to highly ranked Vancouver Murder (MRDA Rank #3) by a slender 25 points at the Big O in May. They have come a long way; from a team ranked high enough to ‘possibly’ get an invite to qualifiers, into a team that secured a place at MRDA Champs.

“This season has been incredible! We have so many skaters with differing levels of experience and skating style,” member Scotty Trippen told MRDA; “however thanks to our great coaching staff, we’ve come together to work our new system which has proven successful.”

Golden State comes into the tournament seeded 7th, however, their sole performance against Vancouver earlier this year puts them in a great position to challenge the higher-seeded teams. They first play the 10th seed Kamiquads (MRDA rank #11) from Montpellier, France, an agile and battle-hardened outfit who have played twice as many games this year as Golden State. A win here will see them play a tough game against the powerful Magic City Misfits (MRDA rank #2 – who recently defeated the Gatekeepers). If that goes well for them they’ll take on either Manchester NWO, or face the possibility of an exciting rematch against Vancouver. Otherwise, they’ll play consolation games against either Denver or Austin.

“We are extremely excited to be at Champs, to say the least. For being a newly merged team, we’ve surpassed any expectations we had for ourselves” says Trippen

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Christy
Position: Coach

Why did you get involved in derby?

I’ve been involved with sports most of my life, and I have roller skated almost as long. I was in my late twenties and I was starting to miss being a part of a team or something bigger than myself. A few childhood friends were playing roller derby at the time and asked me to come check it out. At the time, we had quite a few leagues in our town so I visited the practices of multiple teams. I was immediately attracted to the physicality of the sport, but hesitant because of the attire. Eventually, I picked the team that was charity-driven. They also happened to skate out of my home rink where I used to figure skate when I was a child, and where I worked as a teenager.

How is derby different from the other sports you’ve played?

I’ve played basketball, volleyball, softball, etc…Roller derby is different because offense and defense can be and is played at the same time. There isn’t always a distinction between the time to play offense and defense as a team unit.

What do you think your skaters would say about you?

I think my skaters would say I’m intense and that I have high expectations! I hope that they would say or know that no matter how intense I can be, it’s because I love them and what I do. I just want them to be the best versions of themselves that they can.

How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

The inspiration to good or well, comes from the desire not to let the team down! Realizing that the team as a collective is more important than the individual, is what helps me stay focused and on track.

What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?

To see my team take the Championship a time or two…

What is your mantra?

Work Hard, Play Hard!!!

Who is your sporting hero and why?

Wow, too many to list…I will go with Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan because both of these athletes are intense and tenacious in their training. They worked harder than anyone else in the league during their times and never forgot the fundamentals.

What is your go-to Karaoke song?

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

What is your 90s jam?

Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks

2019 Championships Officiating Crews

Posted on September 26, 2019 - 11:00 am by MRDA Public Relations

The MRDA is proud to announce the wonderful officials crews for the 2019 Championships which will take place from 11th to 13th October in Denver,CO USA.

2019 MRDA Championships Officiating Crews
THR + ATHR				Bambi Lance + Valerito
THNSO + ATHNSO				Doc Skinner + Ricochet
GTO				Loco Motive
*Crew 1*		*Crew 2*				*Crew 3*
Kurz So Good	CHR		McNinja		CHR		Allyn Ur Grill
Knitsugi	FIPR		Ninja Sass’em		FIPR		Oh Grr
Jim Class Hero	JR		Carmen Dragon		JR		Pete in the Pool
Wife Opathic	JR		Valerito		JR		rockstar
Rollin Rat	OPR		Doesn’t Matt-er		OPR		Shuggs Bunny
Landin Flat	OPR		PK Biddy		OPR		Darth Bling
Denominator	OPR		Kylo Ref		OPR		Dilli Gaf
Candyman	ALT		Leah Davidson		ALT		Nacho

UltraViolent Blu	PLT CHNSO		Kill C Grammar		PLT CHNSO		Snarkimedes
Torquemama	PLT		Karma Suture		PLT		Chanel No. Die
TumbleTina	JT		Kuder		JT		Andy Oakley
In Da Hood	SK		Uberlicious		SK		Cheshire Stat
India Pale Al	SK		Galvatron		SK		Pushup Zebra
Coconutz Chanel	SBO		Veronica Scars		SBO		geoknitter
Zoonotic	PBM		Miss Fury		PBM		Chiro-Fracture
Xtra ChrisP	PBT		Margie Ram		PBT		WispHurtHer
Thee Ginja Ninja	PBT		Talia Up		PBT		Fatal Exception

2019 Championship Announcing Crew

Posted on September 9, 2019 - 11:00 am by MRDA Public Relations

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Meet the amazing announcers crew for the coming 2019 MRDA Championships in Denver (Colorado, USA) from October 11th to 13th. Congratulations to all of them who were selected.

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NAQ 2019: Chat with Denver Ground Control

Posted on August 17, 2019 - 5:58 pm by MRDA Public Relations

An epic weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland for the European leg of the qualifiers saw Kamiquadz and Manneken Beasts gain a spot in the Champs. Sadly, the Beasts were forced to decline their invitation, but the Kamis will form part of the top twelve teams who will face off at the MRDA Championships co-hosted by Denver Roller Derby, October 11 – 13.

We’re now a moments away from NAQ 2019 which sees Denver Ground Control, Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, Lane County Concussion, Philadelphia Hooligans, Austin Anarchy, Chicago Bruise Brothers, Race City Rebels and Toronto Roller Derby battle it out for the final few spots. The event, which is co-hosted by Mohawk Valley Roller Derby, takes place this weekend in Rome, New York.

Next up Denver Ground Control skater Troy Ferguson, AKA Pint of No Return, looks back at 2019.

What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?

I think our highlight was how well we played together against Bridgetown. They have always been a big milestone for us and being able to nearly take them down with smiles on our faces was really good for us

Have any moments stood out personally for you?

Nothing in particular other than having a far better headspace than I did last year. I really wanted to work on that for the 2019 season.

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

Being a part of NAQ means that not only have I proven that I am good enough to be there but so has my team. We are steadily moving up and it feels amazing.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

During the tournament I will be working on staying positive and trusting my team.

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?

I really want to play Anarchy. I started learning how to rollerskate when I had moved to Austin and I consider a lot of them friends.

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

The one to watch is Dom Lenzo. He has something to prove. Just kidding he just really wants to skate with his boys again.

If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

Pete Broderick, he does a lot for this team. Sometimes he asks for help and sometimes I offer but really, he is the one that does a lot for us.

Photo Credit: Benna

NAQ 2019 : Chat with Toronto Men’s Roller Derby

Posted on August 17, 2019 - 3:30 pm by MRDA Public Relations

An epic weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland for the European leg of the qualifiers saw Kamiquadz and Manneken Beasts gain a spot in the Champs. Sadly, the Beasts were forced to decline their invitation, but the Kamis will form part of the top twelve teams who will face off at the MRDA Championships co-hosted by Denver Roller Derby, October 11 – 13.

Toronto Jammer D Ray talks us through their season so far.

What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?

Battle of Bunker Hill; a tight game against Mass Maelstrom that came down to the last jam. I jammed for whatever reason. Never been so nervous in my life. Crowd was frantic and the refs had a three minute O.T.O that built huge suspense. I got a penalty right away, then My Baby Daddy got lead and called it for the win. It was kind of a low point for me but also totally amazing to even get a chance to screw up in so tight of a situation.

Have any other moments stood out personally for you?

Playing Manneken at Mohawk Valley Cup. They were basically an unknown (to us) and an underanked team. We weren’t sure what to make of them from videos but they got here and just brought it so hard I wasn’t even mad they beat us. They were so technically skilled and derby smart it was an honour to play them. I saw them at Brew Haha a few weeks later and was cheering them on.

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

It means a hell of a lot. I’ve been playing for about six years but couldn’t go to the US until this year. Last year I didn’t play one MRDA game, including our playoff run so it’s an honour to be a part of it. I’m also getting on (33) but derby is the first thing, let alone sport, that I was ever good at so I’m pumped to be a part of the postseason. Also, I help coach the Toronto Women’s team and the Montreal New Skids on the block. Toronto Men making it post season means every team I worked with this year made it, and that’s nice.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

Personally I just want to show up. I dont think I’m the best or anything, but I work hard and I want to see how my skills and effort stacks against good teams. As a team I just want us to work together and have fun. Toronto isn’t a big league and we aren’t really able to have consistent bigger practices. People live all over the area, some a few hours or even a plane ride away. So it’s nice to be together on game weekends and hang out.

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?

I’m stoked to play Denver. So many good players. I skated with a few at Rollercon but it’ll be way different to see them with their team. We probably couldn’t play them in the regular season. But also I’m interested in any team that we wouldn’t normally play due to distance, like Austin.

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

Senor Wiener is an obvious choice. He’s a gem of a guy and a joy to watch. Sleep has got the size, skill and smarts to be among the best blockers out there. Boxcar is smart a.f. and as skilled as they get. Pottymouth is somehow always on his toe stops and awesome to watch get through a pack.

If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

Armand Hammer. He’s newish but does a lot already. He should also get the ‘Outstanding Beard’ award.

NAQ 2019 : Chat with Lane County Concussion

Posted on August 16, 2019 - 5:30 pm by MRDA Public Relations

Here Lane County Concussion skaters Dr B and Grimes and Punishment give us a heads up on their season so far.

What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?

DB: A highlight for our team this year was moving up in rankings from 28-16 and earning an invite to the NAQ. We have been working super hard the last two seasons to earn a spot here. We can’t wait to show the world who LCC is 🙂

GP: Co-hosting and going 3-0 at The Big O tournament. The Big O is always a highlight in our season, and we always put in a lot of volunteer hours to help put on what we consider to be one of the biggest and best roller derby tournaments in the world. This year, we stepped up and took on the role of co-hosts with our sister league Emerald City, all while playing and winning our full slate of three games, something we’ve never done before.

Have any moments stood out personally for you?

DB: Probably our game against Bridgetown this season. We destroyed the Flat Track Stats prediction for the game. We were supposed to lose with an 11.25 to 1 ratio and ended out with a 2:1 ratio and we earned every point of the game. It was rough, but definitely a highlight for me lol.

GP: Close games tend to stay with you, especially when you’re wearing the star for the last jam, so our game at The Big O against Puget Sound sticks out. It was a hard fought game and they had a strong comeback in the second half, cutting our lead to single-digits before the last jam. I got lead and looked to my coach to call it off after the period clock expired, but she was telling me to keep racking up points, so I did. The trust my coaches and team had in me to score points and say clean was pretty incredible.

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

DB: It’s a huge honor! LCC has been around for almost ten years and this is the first time that we’ve been invited to the NAQ. We are excited to display our skills out on the track.

GP: It’s hard to overstate how excited we are to be a part of NAQ. For years, we set a lofty goal at the beginning of a season, whether it’s to beat a specific team, to reach a specific ranking, or since the introduction of the qualifier, to get invited to the postseason. Many of us have been skating with LCC for five years or more and have seen a lot of ups and downs. Some years our goals were modest and we still didn’t achieve them, but for the last few years, we’ve been working hard and accomplishing increasing aspirations. NAQ is the culmination of all that hard work and effort and we’re ready to show the world who we are.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

DB: As a team, we are going to do what we do best, and that’s playing together, super strong and controlled. Personally I’m going to be working on harnessing my skills and playing both a mental and physical game making sure to capitalize on all the things presented to me.

GP: Personally, I’ll be working on playing patient, smart and with intensity. This means trusting my team both defensively and offensively, knowing they will hold their jammer to give me time to do my thing and get lead, knowing the offense will be there when I need it, but not needing either by playing with the intensity to create opportunities on my own.

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?

DB: I’m excited for Chicago! We played them last year at BrewHaHa and it was a fun game with lots of hard-hitting action. I’m also excited to play Mohawk as we’ve never played them before and we love stranger derby haha.

GP: I’m looking forward to playing the Chicago Bruise Brothers again; We had a great game with them at BrewHaHa in 2018. They’re our opening matchup at NAQ, so they’re the only team we’re really guaranteed to play, but they’ve been climbing in the ranks too so I’m excited for the rematch.

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

DB: I’d watch out for Psychotic Angel #321. She’s one of our recent matriculated juniors and is a beast on the track. She is a 2016 JRDA Olympic and 2018 World Cup gold medal skater. She definitely owns the track and has given new life to our blocking walls.

GP: I would keep an eye out for PhotoBomb. He’s one of our best blockers, but for whatever reason I feel like he gets overlooked. I have a harder time getting past him at practice than almost anyone, so I think he’ll do the same to our opponents.

If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

DB: I would have to say our coaches. We have an amazing coaching staff that kick our ass every week and push us to be the best that we can be. We couldn’t be more blessed for the dedication and teaching they provide on and off track. They do a lot to wrangle us goofballs together and they do a pretty good job of it lol.

GP: Two of our coaches Psychotic Rage and Fat Louie. Psych has been coaching us for more years than I can remember and has been an incredibly dedicated member of our league, running practices, coming up with drills and training plans, and keeping us up on the latest strategy. Louie was a last-second fill in as bench coach at The Big O 2017 and did an incredible job and has been with us ever since. Choosing lineups and who gets track time when trying to play competitively in sanctioned games is never an easy job and we’ve always had a hard time finding folks up to the task, but Louie does it with poise and to great result. Having consistent coaching staff has been a huge part of our leagues growth and success, and we cannot thank them enough, including our other coach HARMonic who started with us this season.

NAQ 2019 : Chat with Austin Anarchy

Posted on August 16, 2019 - 4:30 pm by MRDA Public Relations

New skater Duke Jukem, of Austin Anarchy looks back over his first MRDA season.

What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?

When we won our bout against OKMRD in April in the last jam with so many people missing and my mid-game injury. And then when it came time to do the victory lap celebration and I couldn’t because of my sprained ankle, Spank picked me up and put me on her back and ran me around with the team. It Felt v.great that the team was so clutch and that everyone was so happy to help me enjoy the game even though I had that ankle injury.

Have any other moments stood out personally for you?

Honestly, I cherish every practice we have. I haven’t met a nicer and more hilarious group of people probably ever. Every moment = Best moment

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

I’m excited to be a part of NAQ because I will get to see and experience the skills and caliber of other teams and players. I’m quite new to roller derby so seeing how people approach different roller derby situations has really helped me grow as a skater and being at NAQ may be the best way for me to improve.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

Being so new to derby/skating I’m not really sure? Probably everything? I really just want to try my hardest in every jam and learn what works for me and what doesn’t.

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?

Smol blockers. Because… I am a smol jammer

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

Honestly, everyone. Ill Nino is a boulder and will plow through any wall. Wombo Combo is dextrous and if a seam opens up in a wall you can bet your bottom dollar he’s getting through it. Sharknado is the ultimate DBZ fusion of the two and will try and bust through a wall and if it doesn’t work he’ll just juke around it. Naked Alien because you’ll think you have cleared the pack of blockers and out of nowhere you’ll get your world rocked and as you fly out of bounds you’ll be wondering how in the world this happened. Doc, because he gets lower than a limbo world champion. Trexx because one hit from him will leave you reeling in pain. Joliet Jane because she invented plows. So yeah… Should look out for everyone.

If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

Easily Spank, Ill Nino, and Naked Alien. Spank and Ill Nino are always helping with practices, logistics, administration things, etc. They were also the two people who always checked in on me and looked out for me at practices when I was getting my skates under me. If it wasn’t for their constant encouragement and advice I probably would be a much less developed skater and derby player. Also, Naked Alien because of his cool head, amazing skating abilities, and his constant willingness to train more, train better, and train harder. His work and practice ethic I think is something we all strive to have.

NAQ 2019 : Chat with Chicago Bruise Brothers

Posted on August 16, 2019 - 4:00 pm by MRDA Public Relations

Here Chicago Bruise Brothers skater Trivy Al Pursuit talks about what NAQ means to the team.

What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?

While we didn’t win as much as 2018, we stood our ground against tougher opponents. But scoring our first wins against Minnesota and Toronto after falling short in the past stood out for me.

What other moments have stood out personally for you?

The level of intensity at practices. Leaving practice at the end of the night and just being so sore, but satisfied with the work you’ve done.

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work by the league over the past several years. We made the commitment to be a competitive team and our first appearance at NAQ is a significant payoff, but we’re not done yet.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

As a team, adapting to opponents on the fly. You can watch tape on people, but you have to be ready to change course based on what you actually encounter.

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?

I’m looking forward to our first game against Lane County Concussion. We faced them at BrewHaha 2018 and we want another crack at them.

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

Watch our blocking lines, we had some new people to mix in at the beginning of the year and they’ve really become to gel as a group.

If there was an award for ‘outstanding contribution’ behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

Hard to choose one person, but I’ll go with Markimedes. He’s the first person to engage with new members and visitors to our league. His positive attitude has an effect on everyone.

NAQ 2019 : Chat with Philadelphia Hooligans

Posted on August 16, 2019 - 3:30 pm by MRDA Public Relations

Here we catch up with Philadelphia Hooligan’s Silas Lilly AKA Smash Ketch’em, and talk about their season highlights.

What has been your MRDA highlight for 2019?

Watching eight of our teammates give everything they had during The Big O. You can’t challenge the heart within a Hooligan.

Have any moments stood out personally for you?

I think that April Angst was a big test to what we had to offer this year and we walked away with a good sense of what we could accomplish while also appreciating the growth of a team like the Golden State Heat.

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

It’s a chance to show the world that the Hooligans are ever fluid. We grow, adapt, and change year to year but we never lose the magic; that makes this team who we are.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

As a team, I think our focus is really on dynamic teamwork. Personally, this will be my first time playing at NAQ and I’m really focusing on making an impact however I can.

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track and why?

I love Austin. They’re a fantastic bunch of humans and I could play them thirty times a year and still enjoy every moment. They play a tough game, but they still manage to be a class act and fun to be around.

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

Grasso is honestly one of the most technically sound skaters I’ve ever met, but still has some of the most outrageous footwork around. He jams, he blocks, he sets the bar for us all. Personally, he’s the standard to which I set my growth each practice.

If there was an award for outstanding contribution behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

Schuler is the unspoken hero of the Hooligans. He does a great job of being knowledgeable about MRDA while also being a solid, reasonable voice throughout our league as a whole. Personally, he’s not afraid to challenge your point of view respectfully, but he’s quite open to outside perspectives too. I remember specifically saying that he had the potential to be the future of our team when he came aboard and he’s certainly fulfilled that notion.

NAQ 2019 : Chat with Mohawk Valley Roller Derby

Posted on August 16, 2019 - 3:00 pm by MRDA Public Relations

Here MRDA chats to Mohawk Valley’s head coach Gutshot and Captain Brandon Scherz.

What has been Mowhawk’s MRDA highlight for 2019?

G: Our team highlight was definitely winning the Mohawk Valley Cup for the first time in our leagues’ history! We have been the proud host of the tournament since 2012, but have never finished above 4th place.

BS: Definitely winning our own tournament. This was our 6th year hosting and 1st time winning. It felt so good to get that win.

Have any moments stood out to you personally?

G: Our first jam in our final game vs Manneken Beasts at the MVC – two minute jam with no lead, some of the beast blocking I have witnessed in my eleven years of roller derby. That was the best the Quadfathers have ever played and I’m still beaming with pride from that team win.

BS: MVP blocker at MVC has been a personal goal of mine and this year I was finally able to get it. I’ve received lots of MVPs and honors over the years but this one has eluded me and felt very satisfying to get finally.

What does it mean to be a part of NAQ?

G: Everything. Last year our main goal was to make it to NAQ. We made it in at the 6th seed, pulled off a couple of upsets and made it to the finals against a strong Denver team. This year we are going in as the number two seed at a NAQ that we are proud to be hosting. We are no longer the eternal underdogs, we have a target on our backs and we have to work hard to obtain our goal of qualifying for Champs.

BS: It means a lot to me for our team to be at NAQ. Our skaters and coaches have worked very hard to put us in a good position to succeed the last two seasons.

What will you be working on during the tournament?

G: Personally I will be working on keeping everyone hydrated, rested and focused. Tournament weekends take a lot out of you mentally and physically, even more so when you are hosting.

On the track, the team will be working on taking control from jam one, as well as staying focused throughout every part of each game.

BS: During the tournament I’ll definitely be working on being the best communicator I can be and of course staying out of the box, haha (I’m sure that’s the goal of all skaters).

Who are you personally looking forward to facing on the track and why?

G: I could say everyone! Seriously all of these teams are great and have put in work to get here. We will be facing Race City first, that should be an exciting game and I am sure they are out to avenge their loss to us from NAQ last year. I’m also looking forward to the possibility of facing Austin again. We had a very slim victory over them last year, so that match up should be one to watch. Plus Austin is just one of the teams I love to watch and are all stand up human beings.

BS: I haven’t really thought of any personal matchups. I have just been focusing on taking it one game at a time and hopefully being able to skate Sunday night for a chance at going to champs.

Who’s the one to watch on your team?

G: Another tough one, all of our players are standouts for different reasons. I’m going to say #1013 El Majestic though. He is a coach’s dream pivot; super-fast, has some of the best switches from offense to defense I have ever seen and is a power house. Besides all that he is one of the most kind-hearted, humble players I have ever had the honor to know. His greatness can’t fly under the radar any longer, whenever El Majestic is on the track people take notice. Get ready to have a new favorite blocker (if he isn’t yours already) MRDA!

BS: One person to watch on our team is definitely Funk, Anthony Acosta. Dude is a beast on the track!!!!

If there was an award for outstanding contribution behind the scenes in your league, who would get it and why?

G: Again I feel like there are a number of people who could get this. I’m going to cheat and name a few because I think they should be recognized. Stever (#96) our president has worked tirelessly for years for MVRD. The Mohawk Valley Cup is his brainchild and baby (now adolescent?) and I don’t know where we would be without him. Chapin (#43) our Vice President has done a ton of work this season making sure MVRD has its ducks in a row to meet MRDA standards to allow us to continue to play and meet our goals. He is someone who truly cares about the league and the MRDA in general. Some of the best inter-team sportsmanship I have seen has come from Chapin and I’m always proud to have him represent MVRD. I also want to shout out Fuerza Brutal (#1213) who is in charge of our PR and marketing. Thank you for making us all look awesome and wrangling our often distracted selves. Brutal is someone every member of the league can rely on, on and off the track!

BS: Our coaching staff (including my wife:) ) definitely gets the award for outstanding contribution to the team. They volunteer to help at almost all practices and put up with my nonsense of always putting my two cents in.

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