Members of the Month – October 2009

Bear Lee Human (left) and Dr. Psycho Cub (right)

What the league had to say about Bear Lee Human and Dr. Psycho Cub: I nominate Chris and Derrick; I can’t just choose one of them because they have both helped us out so much. They were right by our side at regionals coaching us and cheering us on. Since they met us they have been our number one fans, supporters, fellow league members, and friends.

Member of the Month – September 2009

Big Daddy (Photo courtesy of Justin Hankins)

What the Dominion Derby Girls had to say about Big Daddy:

“Not only has he stepped up as a bench coach (and now league coach), but he has dedicated God only knows how many hours to trying to develop this league. He researches everything from drills for practice, to potential sponsors and events, to future venues. I’m pretty sure that man wakes up thinking about derby, goes to bed thinking about derby, and probably even dreams in derby. He pushes us so hard in practice and puts up with a lot of moaning and groaning for one reason and one reason only- he wants us to succeed. The team has grown in leaps and bounds since ECE and much of that can be attributed to Big Daddy’s contributions. We don’t say “thank you” enough at practice… mainly because he makes us sprint until we can barely breathe. So I nominate Big Daddy to say thank you for all his hard work and dedication and perseverance. We are a better, stronger, closer team because of him.”

“Big Daddy has done so much research for us and has put in the time and effort to help us succeed.”

Congratulations Big Daddy on being September’s Member of the Month!!

Member of the Month – August 2009

The Ruffian

What her team mates had to say:

She is such a dedicated skater and a vital member of this league. If you have a question, she can answer it. If you have a problem, she can solve it. If you want to take a scenic tour of Trenton, NJ on your way to Philly for ECE … well she’s your girl. She puts the league first. Her passion for this sport motivates everyone around her.

A lot of people don’t know what it takes to really run the league, it’s something not one of us can do single handedly but some members take one more than their fair share and do it willingly because they love Roller Derby. Ruffian is one of those people. She spearheads booking our schedule every year, she coordinates with other leagues to get them here to play us. She serves on the BOD, as VP for WFTDA and keeps that committee in the loop, she is always active and present and attentive. To keep us afloat it takes all sorts of personalities and worker types. Ruff is a work horse for this league on and off the track. I appreciate what it took to stand this league up, what it takes to grow and what it takes to maintain…she has been an avid part of all of that!

Derby Tripping: ECE – Pippy Longstalker

After a cancelled flight, sitting standby for the next one and then fitting 6 people into a 5 person rental car, I made it to the East Coast Derby Extravaganza! The excitement was all around me. My teammates, my opponents, my fellow fans–everywhere you looked, people were enjoying being surrounded by roller derby! Watching the Dominion Derby Girls skate against Connecticut was hard. I wanted to be out there skating with them! But, they gave it their all, that’s for sure. My voice was hoarse for the rest of the day after cheering on my team.

After the bout, a few of us went to grab lunch before heading back to watch some more derby action. While deciding on which delicious menu item I would choose, America the Bootyful proposed! We looked into each others’ eyes and knew that it was meant to be! *blech* Just kidding. It just seems like a great pairing. I’m learning the ropes about derby and she’s willing to teach me. And, we’re having TONS of fun together in the meantime!

So, after a restful night, I wake up on Sunday morning and begin to prepare for my very first bout appearance. It’s been four and a half months in the making and I’ve finally made it to my first bout. After donning my uniform and my pig-tail braids, I grabbed my gear and headed off not knowing what was in store for me. Warming up, I felt the nerves begin to grow. The other team, Grand Raggidy, wasn’t intimidating–it was the unnerving doubt in my abilities and the fear of letting me teammates down. But, before I know it, introductions have started and the announcers are calling my name. “Number 36 AA, PIPPPPPYYYY LOOOOOONGSTALKER!” Oh no! What do I do? I quickly raised my arms and blew a kiss to the crowd with the biggest grin on my face. This is it! My first bout! My debut as a Dominion Derby Girl!
And then, the whistles blew and the skating started. The first half went by quickly. Too quick actually. What happened in that first period is all a blur. Half time came and went and now the second period was starting. A sense of determination came over me. I was not going to let my teammates down. I was not going to use my inexperience as an excuse. This was a new period and a chance of redemption.

My name was called in the lineup and out I went. Lining up on the inside behind The Ruffian, I looked around me and realized that the opposing team wasn’t any different from me. They weren’t any better than me. We all had 8 wheels strapped to our feet and I wasn’t going to let a little bit of nerves get in my way. And, then the whistles blew. Off we went. All I could think was, “Stay together. Hold the line. Hit them HARD!”. Then, it happened. Their jammer was coming through the pack! I pushed off and skated straight into the path I knew she would take and WHACK! my shoulder went straight into her chest. Take that! That’s right! You just got knocked down by a newbie!

A wave of confidence and pride came over me. I did it! It doesn’t matter how good another skater is as long as I remember what my coaches have been teaching me and I put it to use. I can succeed at this sport! I can help my team! The rest of the period played out and it was over too soon, but I will never forget that first hit. Now, I am a stronger skater. I’m a stronger teammate. I’m Pippy Longstalker, a Dominion Derby Girl.

Pippy is pictured here on the left.

Member of the Month – July 2009

T. Rex Ya Face

Coach T. Rex & her 2 slices

What her teammates had to say:

As Head of the Merch Committee, T has been a key player with ordering, inventorying, storing, and researching all of the Merch. She’s always ready to fill an order and haul the suitcases wherever they’re needed.
As Director of Training, she is instrumental in the organization of keeping the DDG knowledgeable in the new 4.0 rule set, she’s the attendance nazi and is always ready to inform a skater/ref as to what they’re status is, she is an key player in bouts by making sure that the skaters are where they’re supposed to be on the track, and as a Coach, she’s always willing to demonstrate a play or an idea to benefit both an individual skater or the whole League.
The DDG would be lost without her and thus she should be recognized for all of her hard work.

I think I speak for most of us when I say that T Rex’s involvement in the DDG continues to amaze me! We all consider the DDG an extension of our own family but it’s easy to let life get in the way and when it does, derby takes a back seat. Its so easy to lose motivation when you cannot be on skates for whatever reason! She happens to have THE BEST reason – being pregnant with her first baby!! Through it all – she has never faltered. She has been at every meeting, coached many practices solo and still managed to ‘teach’! She has travelled with the team and she has been an active bench coach – one that we would be lost without. I don’t know where she has found the energy, especially as she gets close to the end! Its nothing but impressive. Now hurry up and have that baby….we’re tired of seeing you on the sidelines and ready to have you back on the track!!

League Member & Fresh Meat of the Month – June 2009

Member of the Month – Freck L. Face

What her team mates had to say:

I think the worst job to have in the ddg is to be the money handler. and sara does it without falter or complaint. more than i could ever do! here’s to her!! 

Fresh Meat Laura (L) with Freck L. Face (R)

Fresh Meat of the Month – Laura

What her team mates had to say:

wow! that girl has came out of nowhere! she’s busted her butt to get through her SQR and by far deserves fm of the month!

League Member & Fresh Meat of the Month – May 2009

Member of the Month – The Deuce

I nominate The Deuce as May’s Member of the Month. When I first met him, he wouldn’t have anything to do with Derby. The past few months, however, he’s stepped up with Announcing duties, became one of the key members of the Sponsorship Committee, has been to almost every practice helping out either with spinning some tunes for us to skate to or being a human punching bag, and by just being there to support. He’s also hooked us up with the members of the band he’s in, Star 33, to help them play at some of our events (Lazy Horse fundraiser) and the DDG to come help some of theirs (Twilight DVD release); all of them very successful. He’s always around to lend a helping hand and I’m confident that his venture to the Dark Side as a Referee will be successful. Plus, his Field Days rock!!!

Joey has a lot to offer the Dominion Derby Girls whether it be behind the mic, behind the whistle, or behind the scenes roping in some sponsors!

Fresh Meat of the Month – Amber

Amber is pictured on the far left.

What her teammates had to say:

I nominate Fresh Meat Amber for FMOM. That girl skates until she is about to die. I have seen alot of improvement since she joined a few months ago. She comes out to every single event we have and is not afraid to spread the word of the DDG.

League Member & Fresh Meat of the Month – April 2009

Member of the Month – Duchess America

What her teammates had to say:

I nominate Duchess America for stepping up to captain this very green team and having a stellar work ethic on the track. I am looking forward to seeing good things come from this team due to the captain’s hard work.

She is so devoted to this league, on skates and off. She is a definite inspiration to me as a new member.

I nominate Duchess for her drive, tenacity and dedication. She has come a long way from the Fresh Meat she was just a year and a half or so ago. Her dedication to learning skating technique and form along with strategy and understanding of the game go unmatched. She has really stepped up as a leader with in the league this year by sitting on the Board of Directors and recently being elected Captain with Thunder Lips. I am certain we will see good things and the DDG will go further with her in those roles!

Fresh Meat of the Month – Rhiannon

What her teammates had to say:

Rhiannon has shown amazing dedication to the league and she hasn’t even begun to skate officially yet. She has been a real asset to the sponsorship and online development committees already and it’s only been a few weeks. I see good things from Rhiannon and that’s why I wanted to nominate her as fresh meat of the month.

League Member & Fresh Meat of the Month – March 2009

League Member of the Month – Thunder Lips

photo: Glen McClure

League Member & Fresh Meat of the Month – February 2009

League Member of the Month – Frankendoll