Why I Volunteer: Luke Slytalker

Mon Oct 20, 2008

Why I Volunteer – Luke Slytalker

Why not? I do it for many reasons…the rush, the fun, the people, the sport. When I first came to this league, I tried to figure out what I could do that would really make me a part of the team. Announcing just seemed to click really well. I’m not saying it was an overnight success for me but it definitely came pretty easy.

I needed to learn the sport and how to announce it. To do that, I did a lot of hands on work with the microphone at practice. I also studied the rule book as well as what my team did at practice. You see, an Announcer is calling the bout from start to finish and is pretty much the voice that is telling you what you are seeing. That is two periods and a halftime that you need to know what you’re talking about and sound good while you’re doing it. To fill this time, you need to be able to call what is going on (play by play) during the bout, have the personality to add a little color and fun, and know your skaters. If don’t know your skaters, you can’t talk about them. So getting to know the sport and the skaters who do it is pivotal in calling the sport. Let’s face it, nobody comes to watch roller derby to hear you talk about the weather or what’s going on with the stock market. After some experience and lessons learned, I finally came into my own and established my announcing style. However, it is a constant learning process and I am always finding out new things.

Becoming involved in Roller Derby is like joining a nationwide extended family. You are not only close with your team; you get to be close to other teams all over the country. You will make friendships with a huge network of people that share one huge common interest. Whether I was announcing at home or on the road with the DDG, I have made some great friends along the way that I talk to on a regular basis. We trade ideas, styles, opinions, etc. Plus, you always have a couch to crash on when you are in a different city. I would have to say that my favorite event so far has been the East Coast Derby Extravaganza. It is hosted every year by the Philly Roller Girls. Instead of having a bout and seeing one team, this event hosts continuous bouts throughout the day with teams from all over the country. Plus, you get to check out all kinds of great products from the vendors that are setup at the event.

Since joining the DDG, I have traveled to some cool places, I have called a lot of exciting bouts, made a lot of friends, and had a great time along the way. I would encourage anyone to become involved in Roller Derby whether you want to skate, ref, or volunteer. It will change your life for the better.

-Tenacious Steve