Latest Bout:
7/22/2023 Burning River: All Stars 209 vs Windy City: Third Coast 166
7/22/2023 Burning River: Haz-Mat Crew 99 vs South Bend 269
WFTDA International Rankings

Latest Bout:
7/22/2023 Burning River: All Stars 209 vs Windy City: Third Coast 166
7/22/2023 Burning River: Haz-Mat Crew 99 vs South Bend 269
WFTDA International Rankings

Bad Mooney Rising-Hard Knocker Rookie

Bad Mooney Rising

Q:What prompted you to get into derby?
About last year at this time I noticed some Facebook posts from an old friend about roller derby. She had recently joined the Sandusky league and she just seemed so excited about it. I had actually never even heard of roller derby before, not even from back in the ’70s. I was intrigued and looked into it on the Internet. I found BRRG and got signed up on the recruitment list. They referred me to Northern Ohio wRECk Roller Derby. I went to a couple nights of wRECk before Fresh Meat in August, and the rest is history!

Q:What is your day job?
Okay, you may want to sit down for this; I am a chemist. And before you ask, no, I can’t whip up any illegal concoctions for you. I am a technical service chemist currently working with polymer additives.

Q:The Knockers have been really sticking to the slow derby strategy this year. Is there any part of that strategy that you find difficult to play?
I have always found it easier to hit and move through the pack when playing at pack speed. The slow derby seems to bring you back to basic non-pack drills–you need really good footwork and patience. Also, being a rookie, it just adds another element to many that need to be worked on and learned.

Q:There’s a lot of controversy about the slow derby movement. Some fans love the strategy, while others want more action. What do you think?
I personally like the faster pace and action, but I appreciate the different skills that slow derby requires. Also, I love the strategy of slow derby.

Q:What’s the toughest thing about being a rookie jammer?
The pressures of letting my team and myself down. I think I thrive under pressure and in game day situations, but expectations seem to be higher for jammers, and it’s hard not to worry about that. Although, once I am out on the track, that all disappears. It’s just the anticipation that kills me.

Q:What has been your most humbling moment in derby, so far?
I would have to say seeing my friend and fellow skater Skully Smasher break her leg. It was just pure craziness to see that one split second move or decision on the track can cause so much physical damage to your body. I really felt for her and was so amazed by her strength and courage!

Hard Knockers huddle up

Q:Which opponent leaves you shaking in your skate boots?
I can’t tell you that! Well I can say that during Fresh Meat the two vets that had me shaking the most were P.F. Scarrie & Take-Out. They are now my teammates, and they still leave me shaking!

Q:What is your favorite practice drill or workout, and why?
I love LA Freeway! It’s a non-stop jam with skaters coming on and off of the track. I remember the first time we did it in practice and I had a blast. I think that is one of the reasons I still like it so much today because I associate having fun with the drill. Sometimes in practices we get caught up in necessary strategy work or line drills, but it’s always important to be reminded what brought me to this sport. Having fun.

Q:Do you have a derby mentor?
I have too many derby mentors to name! There have been so many BRRG skaters that have influenced me in so many ways and I am forever grateful. I do have a derby idol, Suzy Hotrod! You see those guns???

Q:What has been your biggest challenge in derby so far?
Letting go of guilt or stress brought on by the worries of injuring other players. As a rookie I am still learning and making mistakes. If I am involved when another skater goes down, I would feel really guilty and responsible if something were to happen. It’s hard for me to express to someone that I care and especially when there is no “I am sorry” in derby.

Q:Tell our fans one fun fact about you
My skater number is R6, because I ride a Yamaha R6 motorcylce! Well, I used too. I haven’t been riding much lately because derby has been keeping me so busy, but I plan on getting more time in this summer.

Q:What piece of advice do you have for anyone considering joining up with BRRG?
Just do it!! But, get prepared beforehand by working on endurance, strength and basic skating skills. Be prepared to work your ass off and to have an awesome time!