We love all of our fans here at the Burning River Roller Girls. But some will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Some have been in the stands bout after bout, year after year since before many of us were even part of this league.
We get to know their faces and their names, and over time, they feel like they are just as much a part of the roller derby family as any one of us.
One such fan has left a very noticeable empty seat in the stands this year.
Many of our skaters recall Mark Schneider and his wife, Sharon, from our early years as a league. Even though the couple didn’t personally know any of our skaters outside of derby, they would travel far and wide to see our All-Stars compete. It was always a joy for us to see smiling faces in the stands wearing our team colors while our skaters were far from home.
Which is why we were so sad to learn that Mark passed away earlier this year.
We’ll always remember Mark’s truck, decorated with BRRG stickers and a vanity license plate that touted his love of roller derby.
He and Sharon were known to give thoughtful gifts to the skaters, once locating special derby fabric which they had made into purses. Another time Mark compiled a CD of roller derby themed music for a skater.
While Mark’s health was a struggle over the years, he and Sharon always did their best to make it to as many bouts as possible and followed along online whenever he couldn’t make it.
Such love and dedication to our league will not soon be forgotten. Mark, we’ll miss seeing your face in the stands. And Sharon, we send all of our love to you and your family.
xoxo
The Burning River Roller Girls
Such sad news! They were the only fans to follow the Allstars no matter how far we traveled! My heart goes out to Sharon and her family! I’ll never forget our superfans!
I am so sad to hear of his passing. I hope the league is planning something special to honor him.
Mark has been greatly missed track side. I hope he knew how much we all appreciated his support.–Gonnolea
Mark and Sharon will always hold a special place in my heart, so sad to hear of his passing.