Photo by Joshua DeSario
The Red Wire
The Bradentucky Bombers Official News Magazine May 2013
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Line Up
Letter from Red Wire Staff Keeping Up with the Bombers: Events Seasoned Bomber: Esther Gin N Juice 750ml Rising Bomber: T-RecksHer #31 Derby 101: Common Roller Derby Misconceptions Recap Central Home Bout: Ft. Myers Derby Girls Away Bout: Coastal Derby Empire Roller Derby Supporters Next Home Bout: June 15 Pre-Bout Party Shenanigans ticle the are you n o Summer Derby Special k Clic l tak Hint: and it wilage. e p Summer Dinner Derby Deals nam to that
From the Red Wire Staff Hey Bradentucky fans!
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! Summer!! And you know what that means? It means it’s time for some derby at our summer venue, the Bradenton Area Convention Center (1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto). Our next four games (June 15, July 13, August 17, and September 7) will be at our summer venue and our last game of the season will be back at Astro! While at the Bradenton Area Convention Center you -the fans- are going to benefit big time! There will be some delicious food and drinks catered by Milan Catering available for purchase. Check out the menu below. We will have tailgating in the lobby starting at 6 and our very own “Mistress of Fun & Shenanigans” CupSkate will be kicking off the night with some fun activities for the fans and the skaters! If you’ve ever been to our Pre-Bout Parties, you know what we’re talking about wink, wink! Speaking off Pre-Bout Parties, the next one is Friday, June 14. If you were a square last month and missed out, check out the facebook album. We also have a few big announcements coming through the pipeline, so stay tuned to our facebook and other social media pages. See you soon Bradentuckians!
-Red Wire Staff Stay Connected With Manatee County’s First & Official Women’s Roller Derby Team! Like Us Follow Us Be Informed Network with Us Get Behind the Scene Access
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Keeping Up with the Bombers Wednesday, June 5 Power Connection Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1st Street Cafe 3506 1st Street, Bradenton Friday, June 7 Art Walk 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Village of the Arts Tuesday, June 11 Business After Hours 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Drips ‘N Puddles 3904 U.S. 301 Ellenton Friday, June 14 June Pre-Bout Party 9 p.m. Lost Kangaroo Pub Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton Sunday, June 15 BOUT DAY Tailgating: 6 p | Doors open: 6:30 p | Bout start: 7 p Bradentucky Bombers v. Gold Coast Derby Girls Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto
Saturday, June 22 North & South Collide: North River Rolling Renegades & The Bradentucky Bombers 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Chatterbox Bar & Grill 1035 Hasko Rd Palmetto, FL 34221 Thursday, June 27 Coffee Club 7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. Location TBD (According to the Chamber site) Friday, July 12 June Pre-Bout Party 9 p.m. Lost Kangaroo Pub Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton Saturday, July 13 BOUT DAY Tailgating: 6 p | Doors open: 6:30 p | Bout start: 7 p Bradentucky Bombers v. Coastal Derby Empire Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto
Esther Gin ‘N Juice #750ml Seasoned Skater Profile RedWire: Let’s begin by talking a bit about who you were in your pre-derby life. Were you into different sports? What was your professional/educational background? Esther Gin ‘n Juice: I was never really into sports growing up, so I didn’t participate in anything outside of P.E. Once I graduated high school I started going skydiving on the weekends, which some may not consider a sport but I totally count it. I have definitely opened up to sports since I started skating, though! I have a BA from USF in social work and women’s studies and I work in a women’s health center. I’m exactly where I want to be right now! RW: And what was the catalyst that made you decide to try derby? How has the reality of what derby is met with what you anticipated? EGJ: Gigi (RaMoan) and Doug were friends of ours when she started the league; we were honored to make the first batches of buttons for their benefit shows. When it all began I was intrigued with the ladies but had no idea what the sport was about, then when they had their exhibition bout I was completely hooked. I used to skate at Florida Wheels all the time as a kid, and the idea of getting back on skates and beating someone’s ass just warmed my heart! Still, it took me almost 2 years to grow the grapes and show up to a practice, but once I did I knew it was for keeps. The reality of derby has surpassed my expectations by far;
I never expected a second family out of the deal, and watching everyone grow as a skater and a person never gets old. RW: What do you recall of those “betty” days? Any fun stories you can share with us? What were your biggest challenges early on? What helped you to overcome them? EGJ: Ah, the betty days. I remember being scared shitless whenever anyone came near me to hit me! I remember skating behind Omeiga and Mofo one time; Mofo had about a month experience over me and Omeiga had been there for a while, and I watched in horror as Omeiga’s lil’ 90-pound person swooped in and sent Mofo flying, and from there I had to take a moment to ask
myself if I would survive the day. Then there was the time I was expecting to take a hit from Julia Seize Her and she came up and asked if I was ready and I said, “No,” and skated out of the track and back to the bench! Kimical Warfare was the first one to take me out, and after my life flashed before my eyes I realized it wasn’t so bad and was able to start overcoming my “run away” approach to accepting hits! After that my main problem was my elbows, which I was able to overcome after Nikki Stric9 told me to imagine my elbows being velcroed to my ribs. Hopefully this advice will help anyone reading this who may be struggling in that area! RW: Now how long have you been playing? Are the things that initially pulled you to derby the same things that keep you coming back now? Why or why not? EGJ: This is my fifth season skating, including the half season I took off for a knee injury. I didn’t think I would come back after said injury; it really took a toll on my confidence but once I got back on the track everything came back in terms of my love for the sport and my bond with the ladies. It was a struggle getting back into it because it was such a long time off, but everyone was so great about pumping me up and keeping me from kicking my puppy; it really helped motivate me to keep going and I’m so grateful for that. RW: How do you feel that you’ve progressed as a skater? What do you feel most successful at right now? What areas are you still seeking to improve? EGJ: When I first started I focused mainly on being a jammer. Throughout the last couple seasons I have been able to work on blocking, which I am really enjoying. I have been focusing on blocking while skating backwards, which I haven’t necessarily succeeded at just yet, but I feel I have improved a lot in that area. I have always sought out the ability to really lay someone out with a hit. I’m better at positional blocking, but just once I wanna send someone flying Omeiga style! RW: This year has also seen you begin skating some coed derby with the Double Agents of Manatee County? How do the two games differ, in your opinion? EGJ: Skating with the dudes is a lot of fun in its own aspect for a few reasons; it’s definitely more physical, which helps build my strength and endurance, the camaraderie is still there just as it is with the ladies, it’s always fun to watch a couple working together or going against each other, and there are also different strategies and viewpoints that can be taken from coed practice and used with the ladies, and vice versa. It’s definitely a bonus! RW: Playing with the Double Agents also means that you get to spend some extra time with your husband, Punchline, better known to Bomber’s fans as Side of Bacon. How has his stepped up involvement in the sport had an impact on you and your playing? Is it an encouragement? A hindrance?
Photo by Ken LeBleu
Photo by Joshua DeSario
EGJ: Jeez, Bacon! Get outta my face already, gahhhd! Just kidding; I love getting to share this sport Photo by Steve Jurkovic with my homie on a whole new level. He has always been super supportive, but now we get to encourage each other. I get so pumped up watching him improve every day, he doesn’t give up and I admire that so much about him. Plus I get some eye candy; rawr rawr! RW: Now, on the track, you generally get the opportunity to do double duty, playing as a jammer and as a blocker; which do you prefer? Why? EGJ: I like the opportunity to block as much as I can because I am trying to improve in that area. Jamming is always fun, too. Actually, blocking whilst jamming is probably my favorite; keeps it spicy. RW: When you’re not doing derby, what’s your life like outside of the bubble? What might fans find Esther Gin ‘n Juice up to if they run into her on the street? EGJ: Hmmm. Picking my nose? Bacon and I enjoy long walks on the beach, laughter, baskets of puppies. Actually you would probably catch me listening to records, chilling with the pup watching stupid comedies, going to see a band somewhere, or wreaking havoc on the neighborhood in some way or another.
Photo by Ken LeBleu
Photo by Ken LeBleu
RW: We always like to ask, because we know there are several out there considering it, what words of wisdom, advice, or encouragement would you offer to those contemplating trying out for derby? EGJ: Derby can definitely be intimidating; there are so many things to learn all at once, but don’t give up! It’s great exercise, you gain a whole group of new friends from all walks of life which is great for the soul, and seriously, where else can you hit someone and they compliment you for it?! Photo by Joshua DeSario
RW: Last but not least, do you have any words for your fans? EGJ: I love you, man!!!
Photo by Joshua DeSario
T-RecksHer #31
RedWire: Let me first ask you, what was your life like before roller derby? Had you played other sports before? And what’s your professional/educational background?
moved from Illinois to Florida two years ago and found out there was a team here in Bradenton. Black Jaq happened to come through my drive thru one day and I asked a bunch a questions and she shot down any T-Recks Her: Life before derby was… excuse I had and, low and behold, I kinda boring. I have two small kids; we became a betty! mainly did work, school, home, and work. The only competitive sport I did RW: Can you tell us a little bit about was swimming when I was little. I have your experience as a “betty?” Have you a bachelor’s degree In Law Enforcefound it to be a difficult climb for you ment but I currently am a shift manor…? Were there ever times when you ager at Starbucks. I have been with questioned whether or not to keep them for 6 years. going with it? And with that process being so difficult, what’s kept you RW: And so then what brought you into coming back? roller derby? What was the sport’s biggest draw versus more “convention- TRH: My first few weeks were exciting al” sports? and boring. I was excited to be there but I already knew basic skating. So I TRH: I started watching Derby on TV just tried as much as I could to help my back in 2004 when they had TXRD on fellow betties with basic foot work so the Discovery Channel. I was a rink rat we could move on to hitting . The only when I was growing up and have obstacle I have come across is trying to always loved to skate. I fell in love with find babysitters for my kids. I had a few derby but it wasn’t very big at that time personal issues that conflicted with the and there weren’t any teams close by. I derby schedule but nothing about derby
[Rising Bomber]
has made me want to stop. I wish I could skate everyday! RW: Now how long have you been playing? Can you tell us a little bit about how you felt going into your first bout? Were you nervous, excited,…? TRH: I have been doing derby for a little over a year now. I was very nervous at my first bout. I just really didn’t want to let my team down. Now I get nervous and excited. I of course want to win but I’m happy just being able to skate and score points. I do love trying to put on a show for everyone too. RW: What’s been your biggest challenge thus far? Your greatest success? What are the areas of your game that you feel you need to work on improving the most? TRH: My biggest challenge is having enough time for derby. It could really be a full-time job. My greatest success is being able to understand the game and where I need to be on the track or when
Photo by Joshua DeSario
to call off a jam. On the same token I need to focus on blocking strategies, footwork, and knowing all of the game rules. RW: So do you have a derby idol? Is there any one player that you sort of single out in your mind and say to yourself, “One day, I want to be able to skate just like her?” TRH: I have many! It’s so hard but I do love Bonnie D. Stroir, Blaque Jac, and Malice in Rollerland. Some of the men are making their way up my list too like PimpSqueak and Punisher. RW: Now, with this season being what it is, you’ve had the opportunity to both jam and block in bouts; which of those do you prefer? Why? TRH:I love to jam because I get to score and I love to surprise the blockers when I take their hits or hit back. But I enjoy blocking because it teaches me how to protect myself and where holes might open up when I’m jamming. It’s very beneficial to do both. RW: So what are you up when you’re not playing derby? What’s your life like outside the derby world? And how do you balance derby life with your “other” life? TRH: Finding balance is very, very hard. I’m a single mom so my life is all about work and my two kids. We do typical stuff like cleaning house, yard work, playing at the beach, and T-ball. Since I don’t have a sitter I try to have bonfires on the weekends. Come join me! RW: What would you say to someone who’s considering trying out but is on the fence? TRH: At least come to a bout. If it gets you excited, come to a practice. If you like what you see there, come to betty training. If the skating part is not for you but you still enjoy derby there are always ways to help our team! RW: In a nutshell, what has roller derby meant to you? TRH: It’s been my savior. It’s something I can do for myself or share with my family and friends. I have lost weight and gotten my body, my heart, and my soul healthy. I have also met so many amazing people! RW: As the 2013 season progresses, any predictions? Any words for the fans? TRH: Everyone has to come to at least one bout! Watch out for our new girls, including me! We have some very amazing new talent and so many great hearts! Come out and see! Photo by Ken LeBleu
Photographer: Joshua DeSario
Photographer: Joshua DeSario
Bout Recap:
Coastal Derby Empire Bradentucky Bombers
Recap by Fall Risk
Apr. 6, 2013
The peach state was welcoming as the Bradentucky Bombers rolled into Savannah, primed and ready for their bout with the Coastal Derby Empire. A well-orchestrated traveling plan allowed the Bombers the chance to take in a good bit of the southern charm of the historic city, grabbing a bite to eat as well as the occasional much needed nap, before the opening whistle was set to blow. That opportunity to stop and distress would prove invaluable as the day wore on. Because once the time had come, Bradentucky rolled into the Coastal arena with their game faces on, silently repeating the mantra they’d gone over in the locker room, “Keep it slow, keep a wall, and kill their jammer.” Not letting the excitement of the new Coastal squad or their excited home crowd in, the Bombers were set on their mission. One factor, however, did threaten to trip them up a bit: the floor. Speaking of that, Guinness the Menace shared, “The biggest challenge was the floor. For any away bout where no one has first hand experience with the floor surface, it’s always a concern. This floor was a basketball court that had recently been waxed. It was the slickest surface I’ve ever skated on. Some girls didn’t have stickier wheels to switch out. However, we still had a great advantage from our time skating on the Convention Center’s slick floor.” The other dilemma that faced the team was the lack of a bench coach for this bout. Yet, as Nikita Dy-No-Mite offered, “The Bombers were one mind, one heart and at that bout we synced a lot and managed ourselves well despite not having a bench coach. Thanks to the beforehand planning of our awesome Training Committee there were very few hiccups on the bench.”
Photo by Bold City Photography
Bradentucky leaving their mark in Savannah!
And with those hurdles leapt, the Bombers took to the floor and took care of business. Jumping to the lead early and holding it strong throughout, the squad saw their hard work come to fruition; all those hard hours of practice and the hours of travel come together to see the team working like clockwork, even as a few skaters went down with injuries. The squad rallied around one another and sealed the holes, keeping the ship afloat to the point that they eventually managed to let just about every player jam, to the delight of the Bomber bench before closing out the bout with a score of 282-102. “This bout allowed us to demonstrate what we’ve been working on in practice,” Nikita said. “And I think it’s gratifying for all the women who skated that night to see it, work it out, and have it be successful. It’s like putting a feather in your hat. I think as the season continues and we have more bouts under our belt, we will become even more coordinated with each other, which I think is key to winning games.” Guinness adds, “Also, we are always respectful of the sport and the derby community. We feel honored to participate in such an amazing activity. This team is excited in general and passionate about being a hardworking, fun-loving team.”
Enjoying a cold one after their win!
Bout Recap:
Recap by Fall Risk
Bradentucky Bombers Ft. Myers Derby Girls
Apr. 28, 2013
Fresh and rested after their victory against Coastal Derby Empire, a few welcome weeks of no travel behind them, and Bradentucky was at it again, hosting the Fort Myers Derby Girls’ Misdemeanors. The crowd was packed in tight, young and old hungry for some great derby action as MC’s Side of Bacon and Vince Hannity fired up the crowd before the first whistle blew. And when that whistle blew, it was on. The Misdemeanors struck first and struck hard, a theme that would run throughout the evening, as Peaches ‘n Carnage leapt to lead jammer right followed by Rogue Rage who would benefit from a substantial Ft. Myers blocking squad. Esther Gin ‘n Juice would finally break the tempo, scoring three, while T-Recks Her would head to the box for a track cut while Gigi RaMoan, Skate Invader, and Marilyn Mon-Roll worked hard to hold the wall together.
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Fort Myers wasn’t about to go away though and continued to push the score ahead to 53-15 when Gigi RaMoan burst through the pack with lead jammer status and T-Recks Her, Sookie Smackmouth, and Coupon Clip-Her held strong against Rogue Rage, standing strong. Esther and T-Recks added a few more points on the subsequent jams while Gigi delivered some big blocks trying to help CupSkate score. Peaches added a few for the Misdemeanors, pushing the score to 70-38, before Gigi would be soon sent to the box for trying to thread the needle between two blockers with her head. Again, however, the Bradentucky wall rose to the occasion, Sarbanes Foxie, Dita von Cheats, and Skate Invader doing their best to ward off the jamming of Rogue Rage. Peaches took the jammer panty once again for the Misdemeanors and, taking advantage of a great blocking display by Fort Myers, helmed by Diana Hitcha, put on a clinic, racking up 34 points and pushing the Misdemeanors lead to 117-43 when the Bombers were again foiled as Esther came out of the penalty box, only to head back in on a track cut, letting Klymaxxx take full advantage, scoring big. Gigi tried to right the ship but the damage had been done heading into halftime with the Misdemeanors leading 200-56, after exploiting a power jam for all it was worth. And while many teams may have hung their heads and simply chalked this one up to a learning experience, citing frustration and any number of excuses, the Bombers had a different strategy in mind. Pulling wisdom and encouragement from their bench coaches, Pimpsqueak and Morgan Hanson, who challenged the squad to focus on one jam at a time, Bradentucky refocused and regained their composure.
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Photo by Joshua DeSario Photo by Joshua DeSario
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Calmed by those words of wisdom, Bradentucky kept their heads up and took to the second half with a new resolve that kicked in right away as Crash Test Barbie and Gigi RaMoan took lead jams before Phelony PhatBottom struck back for Fort Meyers. Both squads would trade out lead jams for a bit, calling them before either could score, before Peaches ‘n Carnage finally snagged a few but on the next jam out, T-Recks Her took it right back at her, bolstered by some great blocks from CupSkate and Guinness the Menace, among others. With the score at 248-84, Rogue Rage tried a panty pass to her pivot but Crash Test Barbie wasn’t fooled whatsoever, jumping out to lead as she pushed the Bombers score higher. Both squads fought hard for a bit, walls holding strong for both teams for a solid minute before Gigi RaMoan, en route to an MVP jammer award, finally broke through to score a few yet the Misdemeanors would come right back as Serenity Storm got the best of Barbie. And, taking advantage of some Bomber penalties, Fort Myers rode out the rest of the bout, closing things out with the score at 313-119 in the Misdemeanors favor.
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Photo by Joshua DeSario
Derby 101: What Roller Derby Isn’t Common Misconceptions About the Sport By Fall Risk
Admit it. Whether or not you’re a die-hard roller derby aficionado and have been around since the early days or are a total newbie, are or have been a player or just thought it’d be really cool to watch hot girls skate around in a circle, the first time you heard about the sport of roller derby, some definitive images came to mind. “Isn’t derby really just staged? Kind of like wrestling? I mean, it’s not a real sport, is it?” “Those are some hardcore girls. Aren’t they all tatted up and one misdemeanor short of jail time?” “It’s just like hockey; all anyone wants to see is a fight! And they don’t do anything about the fights anyway…” “The first rule of roller derby: There are no rules.” “They’ve gotta be making a killing on this; otherwise, why would somewhat sane people continue to put their bodies in harm’s way like this?” These thoughts and more have plagued the sport of roller derby for the longest time, especially since the sport’s most recent revival in the early 2000’s in Austin, Texas. Yet, as any player or fan will tell you, there’s much more to derby than meets the eye. So, for the next few minutes, please allow us the opportunity to tackle these few basic misconceptions and set the record straight. Misconception #1: Roller derby is a staged game with a predetermined winner. While the history of roller derby has made some mistakes in this area, seeing the competitive leagues of the 50’s and 60’s segue into entertainment television in the 70’s, even stemming to the failed television debacle, RollerGames, in the late 80’s and on Spike TV’s failed, RollerJam. Add in the fact that roller derby is comprised of a colorful crowd of people ranging from all walks of life who additionally take on new names and alter egos like “Dita von Cheats,” “Sookie Smackmouth,” and “Guinness the Menace,” and it’s easy to see why some may come away scratching their heads in wonder at the legitimacy of this sport. Yet, one look into the life of a roller derby athlete, let alone one visit to a bout, will set your mind at ease. Committed roller derby players spend two to three nights away a week at practices, working on their fitness, their skating, and their strategies. And these don’t tend to be lightweight practices, either. Full-on hitting drills, painful scrimmages, and brutal fitness challenges lie around every turn. Add in the bonus fun of bouting and it’s easy to see that there’s nothing pre-planned here. These women are fierce and hate to lose and they’re sure not going to let some egghead writer script that win away from them for ratings. Misconception #2: Roller derby girls are all bad girls. This is another area where the history and aesthetic of derby has lead to some less than accurate assessments of its participants. Yes, roller derby does allow for a certain image, oftentimes typified by tattooed women in hot pants, sometimes with garishly painted faces, and power affirming names, but, even within those women, there is a lot more to be found.
For much of this posturing is just that, posturing. The beauty of derby is that it allows women, many of whom may not be inclined to step out of their usual comfort zones in life, a safe and fun space to explore an alter ego of sorts. And while their alter ego may be vicious, the reality is that these women are amazing not only on the track but also in their day to days lives. Just speaking of the Bomber’s squad, the team is made up of mothers and sisters, wives, teachers, human resource directors, students, nurses, and more. These are simply good people who’ve found a rather eclectic way to let their hair down. Misconception #3: Roller derby is all about the fights. Well, if by “the fights” you mean each team’s battle for points on the floor, we’d agree. But again, here we’re plagued by both old and new images of this great sport, coloring the impression so many newcomers have. Of course, back in the televised (and scripted) days of the 70’s, it was expected to see at catfight or three break out during a bout. Much like professional wrestling and its hyper expressive hulks, roller derby was about rivalries and grudge matches and getting back at the skater who’d just clotheslined you. Or at the very least, that’s what the producers wanted you to believe. Recent publicity for the sport hasn’t helped in this regard for, while the film, Whip It, did a great service to the sport, it also played up many of these stereotypes along the way, most notably those elements of all-out fights taking place via the character played by director and actress, Drew Barrymore. However, one visit to a bout and one will understand that modern roller derby is not about fighting. These competitors are fired up and passionate and tempers do flare from time to time but the officiating crew, as well as the teams themselves, are quick to eject any players involved in fighting or in over the top insubordination. Sorry hockey fans; that’s just not what it’s all about. Misconception #4: Roller derby is essentially a free-for-all with virtually no rules. It’s easy to see how this idea could have come to bear if you’ve ever viewed a bout without doing some research at first or without the benefit of a Derby 101 lesson. Roller derby is definitely not the easiest sport to track without some prior knowledge and can often look like a Sunday afternoon skate after the fall of Armageddon. But appearances can be deceiving. The sport is actually riddled with a number of rules, some more obvious than not, and the players and officials are consistently drilled in their understanding of such. Governing boards, such as the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) and the MRDA (Men’s Roller Derby Association) work hard at crafting a rulebook that sets clear guidelines for gameplay, player interaction, and more. And those zebras aren’t out there skating around just to look good. Misconception #5: Roller derby leagues must be rolling in money. This particular misconception is actually something of a compliment to the leagues around the country and, in fact, the world. For roller derby, with few exceptions, is a sport that is wholly player run and managed. Your Bradentucky Bombers are not working off of some killer contract from a sports organization; rather, these hard working women with their day jobs and responsibilities step out and do incredible things to bring this league together to put on the amazing showcases you see each and every bout. No player is paid for their involvement and, in fact, players pay to play via a system of dues and duty requirements that help to bring everything together from training programs, community involvement, and organization. They organize a system of by-laws, manage a board of directors, and work tirelessly to promote this great sport and their squad. And all of that before they’ve even strapped on their skates.