Next Bout
Bombers v. Ocala Cannibals August 3, 2014 Astro Skate 3611 3rd St. W. Bradenton 6 p.m. Tailgating 6:30 p.m. Doors Open 7 p.m. Game Start
Behind the Mascot: Gnomey
Photo by Ken LeBleu
Get Social With Us!
Photo by Joshua DeSario
The Red Wire
The Bradentucky Bombers Official News Magazine -July 2014 Issue-
In This Issue
Keeping Up with the Bombers: Events Skater of the Month: Octo Pushy #69 Roller Derby Supporters Next Bout: Sunday, August 3, 2014 Behind the Mascot: Gnomey
Keeping up with the Bombers Sunday 8/3 - Bombers v. Ocala Cannibals 6 p.m. Tailgating with free beer providing by Little Giant Brewery | 6:30 Doors Open | 7 p.m. Game Starts Astro Skate of Bradenton 3611 3rd St. W. Bradenton. Florida 34205 Charity: Greyhound Rescue After party location: Motorworks Brewery 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34205 -Overflow parking is across the street-
ur Mark Yors! Calenda
Red Wire: Let’s start out by having you tell us a little bit about your life before roller derby. What was your life like then? What was your professional/educational background? And were you already engaged in playing other sports? Octopushy: Life before roller derby!? Well, I had been in Florida about 6 months. I moved from Indiana almost on a whim. I came down here to visit a friend and fell in love with the area. I got a job over the phone at a small privately owned environmental/ water testing lab in Nokomis. I am a biology major and enjoy working in a lab setting so it worked out pretty well. I was never great at sports. I played basketball and ultimate frisbee when I was in college but I’ve never thought of my self as athletic.
Photo by Joshua DeSario Photo by Ken LeBleu
RW: And how’d the idea of playing roller derby come about for you? What was the sport’s appeal to you? And dare we ask where that name came from? O: I had started considering roller derby when I was in Indiana and since I was new to the area I thought it would be a great way to meet people. I loved roller skating as a kid, my preschool even gave us skating lessons every week, so being on skates was a big part of the attraction for me. The name, that was hard to figure out! I liked Octopushy because I love octopuses and it’s a pretty fun name to say. RW: Entering the derby world, were there any preconceived notions or misconceptions that you had that were shattered? What was the transition like for you? O: I thought there would be more blood! Haha. No, really though I never thought there would be so many rules and strategy involved but now that is one of my favorite aspects of the sport. RW: In the early days, what were some of your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? O: Wow, EVERYTHING is a challenge at first! My nemeses though was 25 laps in 5 minutes! It took me a year to do it. I started training a lot outside of practices and whenever I could I would try them over and over again. I was 3 seconds over for the longest time, until finally I got it!!
Skater of the Month: Octopushy #69
Photo by Ken LeBleu
Photo by Ken LeBleu
RW: So, now as you’ve reached your first season, what keeps you motivated and focused for more? Does it take more to get excited about playing now than those early days? O: This is still my first season! I learn something new almost everytime I’m out on the track. I’m more excited about playing now than I was when I started. RW: Where do you feel that you contribute the most to the team? Why? And what goals have you set for yourself for this year to improve even more? O: I put my all in every bout. I feel like my enthusiasum helps the team on and off the track. I’m also the administrative chair person and that helps keep the league organized. I have so many goals that I want to achieve but a main one is to be able to run and be more confident on my toe stops. I know it would make me a more effective blocker to be able to be quicker on my feet. RW: As a skater, what’s been your most memorable moment on the floor? O: At our last away bout against the Hunnies I got a really good hit in and almost felt bad about how hard she fell..... almost. Hahaha RW: And when you’re not rolling on the track, living in the derby bubble, what is Octopushy to be found doing? What keeps you going on those rare occasions when there’s nothing “derby” happening? O: When I’m not “derbying” or working, I’m relaxing at the beach or just laying around watching movies. I enjoy being outdoors and taking my dog on walks. RW: One thing we love to ask is if you have any advice or encouragement to give to those who are reading this now, thinking about joining up and trying derby on for size. Any words for those folks? O: Just do it!!! It will change your life. Plus you get a whole new family. It’s pretty amazing. RW: And last but not least, anything you’d like to say to the fans? O: I love our fans. They give us so much love and support not only at the bouts but at events too. I love hearing people say “you girls kick ass!”
Gnomey (proper noun):
the newest recruit, and mascot, for the Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby League
“One small step for a gnome, one giant stride for derby!” -Gnomey
Friend Gnomey on facebook. com/GnomeytheBomber to learn more about his transformation from a “solitary garden gnome, into a roller derby HERO!” Took a picture with Gnomey? Upload it to his page for a chance to be featured on the team’s page. #gnomey #bradentuckybombers
Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors