Bout Two! No April Foolin’!

This Saturday will feature another double-header sure to be a hard-hitter: it’s a re-match of our championship games from season 4. First up, The Cleveland Steamers will take on The HardKnockers. Last summer, The Knockers were victorious, so fans will be anxious to see what these teams have in store for the first matchup. Then, reigning champions, The Rolling Pin-ups will take on The Hellbombers. Will a Hellbomber beat-down earn them their bragging rights?  Will the Rolling Pin-ups flatten their rivals? Be at the Wolstein and see it for yourself! It’s going to be an epic event!

Tickets are $12 in advance or $17 at the door. And, as a special thanks to those that have honorably served our country, tickets are  just $10 with an active or retired military ID.

While you’re there, check out our limited edition 5th anniversary merch! We’ve got an amazing poster collage (created by Pin-up J-Poww!) featuring the remarkable people and skaters that have made BRRG what it is today. Just 50 posters ($20) available–and a limited 10 are signed by the league ($40).

Meet BRRG: MILFinator of The Hard Knockers

MILFinator: #34C

Skater: MILFinator

Q:What prompted you to get into Derby, MILF?
I played on a co-ed football team and was looking for something new to do. Then, Stinkerbell approached me in early 2006 about starting a Roller Derby league in Cleveland and asked if I wanted to be a part of it. I was ecstatic and, of course, said YES!!

Q:You’re a “five-year” vet, from the first skating class of BRRG. That’s a pretty elite group these days. What do you think has changed the most about Burning River or derby as a whole, since you signed on?
The league is definitely more organized with a Board of Directors and monthly meetings. When we started out, we had to explain what Roller Derby was to the public. Now, people have heard of BRRG. It’s much easier to gain fans and spread the word.

Q:Think back- What could “rookie MILF” not have predicted would happen in five years?
I love the fact we’re skating at Wolstein. When starting out, Wolstein was one of the first places we looked at to host our bouts but the cost was too steep for our budget at the time.

Q:When people find out that I’m in derby, it’s not uncommon for them to ask me, “Do you know MILF”? You’re quite the BRRG celebrity! How does it feel to have such a fan following?
I’m smitten. I just love skating and being part of something exciting.

Q:What has been your biggest challenge in derby so far?
Recovering after my daughter’s birth and getting back on skates again.

Q:Do you have a favorite derby moment?
The day I was drafted by Mommy’s Little Monster. Soon after, we chose our team name: The Hard Knockers.

Q: Do you have a pre-bout routines or any bout day superstitions?
I don’t have any rituals, but I do wear my favorite pair of socks.

Q:If you could pick one song to be the MILFinator theme song, what would it be, and why?
“September” by Earth, Wind and Fire. It’s a classic song that warms my heart. My baby’s name is Lilah September.

Q:Tell our fans one fun fact about you:
I’ve been to the Playboy Mansion.

BRRG would like to thank their long-time sponsor,  The Garage Bar on W.25th. Stop in and you just might get a chance to see MILF in action–not on the track, but working her magic behind the bar.

Auto-Rama Demo Bouts

The Cleveland Auto-Rama has invited BRRG to put on several demo bouts this Sunday March 20th, 2011. We’ll be putting our Black and Blue teams back together again, just to show the crowd what it’s all about. So stop by, say hello, and cheer on your favorite skaters!

Our demo schedule can be found here.  See you there!

St. Patty’s Day Shenanigans

Did you catch us skating through downtown Cleveland in the annual St. Paddy’s Day parade? In case you missed it, check out this shot by Chuck Crow of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

 

The Killustrator and Hidden Ajennda face off for our fans

This was our fourth consecutive year in the parade and it just gets bigger and better every year!

 

 

Meet BRRG: Buddhalicious of the Cleveland Steamers

 

BuddhaLicious of the Cleveland Steamers and HazMat Crew

Name: BuddhaLicious

 

What your fellow skaters call you?: Buddha

Q:When did you first join BRRG?

I joined BRRG in August of 2009 after skating at the wRECk league for almost a year.

Q:What teams are you currently on?

Cleveland Steamers baby! I’m also on the HazMat travel team.

Q:What prompted you to get into derby?

I have been an ice skater all my life and am a professional figure skating coach. I have been going to Skaters Edges for my figure skates since I can remember, so I  have known Rich “the skate guru” for a very long time. Rich had been encouraging me to try this “roller derby thing” every time I went in the store. I was just too busy with my competitive ice dancing career and coaching. I finally retired from competition and thought I’d check it out. I went to the BRRG Black and Blue charity bout and fell in love with it. The wRECk league was having its very first practice the following week, so I went. It changed my life, and I had my first pair of derby skates the next day. The girls at wRECk were former BRRG skaters and really supported me to go and try out the following August for the league.

Q:So, you’re a figure skating coach?  How does that tie in with derby skating?

I have been a skater since I was 3. It’s been a part of my life personally and professionally for 34 year … wow that makes me sound old. Being a coach and understanding the basics of balance, body positions and alignment helps when a fellow skater in the league has questions on how to make sense of a skating move. Skating is skating, and it all has the same concepts. I caught on to roller fairly quickly due to its similarity. I’ve been known to do a few figure skating-like moves during a bout to save me from falling since in figure skating that is the last thing you ever want to do.

Q:Do you have a favorite moment from last season?

The Championship bout between the Hellbombers and the Rolling Pin-ups. Very exciting to see the Pin-Ups win. I love both teams, and they were incredible to watch. It really got the fans on their feet. There is a fun rivalry between the teams now and it makes it really fun.

Q:Tell our fans 1 fun fact about you: I took a synchronized swimming class when I was 9 and learned a routine to “Eye of the Tiger,” and I can still do it!

Q:What was it like coaching Jr. Skaters as a first year BRRG yourself? I love coaching the Cleveland Firestarters Jr. Roller Derby league. They are amazing. It has made me a better skater because I have to break things down and explain them in simple terms. The girls have made me realize what this sport is truly about … fun. I also realized how much organizing is require to put a league together and keep it going. You need a big support team! Thanks everyone!!!

Q:What message do you try to convey to your Jr. Derby Skaters? It’s important to be committed, work hard and play hard and keep it fun. Every skater is part of our roller derby family. It’s the place where you can become confident, powerful and know that you matter.

Q:Which opponent leaves you shaking in your skate boots? I’d have to say that Monster and Finny from the Knockers are some hard hitters and scare me a bit. I’ve got some strategic plans to make sure they don’t get away with knocking me this season.

Q:What is your favorite practice drill or workout and why? LA freeway is now my favorite. It’s like crazy, mad derby. Having a jam just keep going for 10-30 minutes without stopping, skaters switching on and off the track is a great way to learn to play. Lots going on and serious teamwork.

Q:What are you looking forward to most in Season 5? I can’t wait to have my first  full season with the Steamers.  The dynamics have changed and skill levels are higher than ever. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves, so watch out everyone!

Q:Do you have a derby mentor? I think many skaters have been mentors to me. Angel N. Shadows helped me gain to confidence to become a BRRG skater. Once I became part of the league, everyone helped me become the skater I am today. All my fellow Steammates encourage me every day to be the best derby skater I can be. I love them all.

2011 Season Opener

Halochic sends a Hellbomber jammer airborne as the pack looks on

I can only guess that the snow in Cleveland was melting this weekend because of the raw energy coming from the Wolstein Center as the Burning River Roller Girls opened their fifth season with the Hellbombers vs. the Cleveland Steamers and the Rolling Pin-Ups vs. the Hard Knockers.

The Cleveland Steamers started the game strong against the Hellbombers with walls that kept back their jammers, allowing the Steamers to take the lead and grab a handful of points each time.

It was a low scoring game until a full Steamer penalty box let the Bombers hold back Steamer jammer Buddhalicious while Bomber jammer Destroya racked up the points.

Steamers CupQuake and The Killustrator wall up against Bomber jammer Marion Razorwound

The Bombers continued to get lead, making the Steamers fight for the front of the pack to stem the tide of points until Buddhalicious was able get back at jammer Destroya with some positional blocking, allowing The Killustrator to score some grand slams bringing them back in the game.  CupQuake at the end of the first half brought the Steamers back in the lead at 36-35.

The second half started with Killustrator getting lead and causing Bomber jammer Sparkles to be trapped back into the pack, which I’m told is called “eating the baby.”  But the Bombers continued to own the pack so Marion Razorwound could grand slam Buddha tying it up at 53-53.

In a game that never had more than a 15-point spread, things were looking promising for the Steamers when jammer The Eduskator started in the box letting Buddha lap the pack, but the Buddha-Destroya feud in this game came to a head when Buddha had a back block major on Destroya, sending Buddha to the box and Eddie back on the track to bring the Bombers back up to 77 against the Steamers’ 80.

It was then that the Hellbombers rallied and brought the thunder to take the lead and hold it, despite CupQuake skating so hard the entire back truck of her skate flew off, making the Hellbombers the victors in this close battle at 87-84.

MILFinator gives a booty block to Pin-Up Mad Chatter

The second match up of the night with the Rolling Pin-Ups vs. the Hard Knockers kept the action going with hard hitting right off the line.  But it was the Pin-Ups that dominated that pack to get a 30-0 lead that the Knockers were not able to recover from.

It was survival of the fittest in the Knocker pack, but the fish on skates Eva Lucien adapted with some amazing footwork to juke around the ladies in pink.

The Pin-Ups lead only seemed to make the Knockers more determined, as was seen from the hits rookie jammer Premo Donna was delivering as she sliced through the pack to rack up several grand slams.  The Knockers played hard until the end, but the Rolling Pin-Ups had a solid win with 138-63.

Pivots Eva Lucien and Take-Out prepare for the first whistle

With an excellent home opener, fans are sure to be back in droves for our next bout in less than three weeks. These four teams have just a few more practices to get their skills honed for bout two, when the Hardknockers take on the Cleveland Steamers, and the Hellbombers face off against rivals the Rolling Pin-Ups.  Will the Bombers get their revenge against the girls in green for the stolen hazard cup?  If you saw the championship game last year, you know it’s sure to be an amazing, action-filled event!

Special thanks to our League Photographer, Dave Brown, for getting these amazing action shots turned around so quickly!  Visit him online at Dave Brown Images.

Meet BRRG: Take-Out

Take-Out vs. a Naptown Roller Girl

Skater Name: Take-Out
What do your fellow skaters call you: T.O.

Q: What prompted you to get into derby? Dita got some of my softball teammates to come watch a bout, and I was hooked. I bought my skates the next weekend.

Q: So, you’re skating with the Knockers this year?  What new challenges will this bring you, after skating with the Steamers and Pin-Ups in Season 4? I don’t think there are any new challenges. BRRG allows us to skate with everyone at league practice, Pyromaniac practice, and All-Stars practice.

Q:There are quite a few games lined up for the All-Stars this year.  Which bout are you looking forward to the most? I look forward to every game because I really enjoy playing with my team.

Q: Is there another all-tar team you’ve always wanted to play? Any team at the top.

Q:Do you have a derby mentor? I consider everyone in BRRG a mentor. I appreciate it when another skater gives me advice. It doesn’t matter how long you have been skating.

Q:What would you tell an aspiring All-Star to focus on, before a tryout? Ask for advice on anything. All the All-Stars are willing to help you get better.

Q:What is your day job? Marketing

Q:Tell our fans one fun fact about you: I have a twin brother, and, of course, I am cuter than he is. =)

Q:What are you looking forward to most in Season 5? Meeting new fans and getting to know all of the skaters in our new class better.

Cleveland Scene Magazine calls BRRG “Heroes”

HazMatties Molotov Hot-Tail, Rainbow Fright, and X-Rayted line up against Naptown

Check out the raving quote from the Cleveland Scene Magazine:

“We aren’t holding our breath for the day our big-name sports teams deliver a championship. Still, we just might get those heroes we’re craving with tonight’s launch of the Burning River Roller Girls’ fifth season.”

The fans are the “heroes” in our book! We can’t wait to see you track-side on Saturday!

BRRG: Celebrating BRRG’s 5th Season: Historic Timeline

BRRG 2006 Team Photo

In preparation for our 5th Season kick-off (in two days!) we posted a timeline of our league’s history:

In 2006, forty daring women (and a few brave dudes) with a DIY attitude rolled up their sleeves and began a journey of a lifetime. They formed the Burning River Roller Girls (BRRG) and were forever changed just by lacing up a pair of roller skates. Ask any member what it means to be a part of the league and you’ll hear a different story each time. It doesn’t matter if you’re a skater, a referee, a statistician, a manager or an announcer – it is a daunting and remarkable experience rolled into one.

Read the rest and check out the photos and archive videos.

Meet BRRG: domiKNITrix of The Pyromaniacs

domiKNITrix

Skater Name: domiKNITrix
What do your fellow skaters call you?: Knitty, it’s easier to yell.

 

Q:What first attracted you to BRRG?
I first heard about derby being played in Euclid a couple years ago.  I didn’t actually make it to a game until the first one at Wolstein. I loved it! Around the same time, I learned about the wRECk league and went to practice the next week. After my first practice, I was hooked.

Q:What did you think, watching your first derby practice as a recruitee?
I thought, “I hope I can be half as good at that!” Watching derby and all the skills involved is great. Actually attempting to perform them is definitely humbling.

The First Pyromaniacs Class!

Q:How cool is it that you’re on the first ever roster for the all new Pyromaniacs
It’s very cool! When we came in as such a large group of new recruits, or Fresh Meat, everyone was worried what the league would do with all of us. Worried that if we weren’t drafted at first, we would have lost our chance to play. After all those months of training and investing your time and heart into it, that would have been overwhelmingly disappointing. I’m really happy that the league has been so receptive to the all the new people, the changes, the new farm team, and established our own practices. It gives us a chance to continue to skate, practice, and learn on a higher level than just as Fresh Meat. And it keeps the chance to be drafted alive, instead of having to wait until another open recruitment, and skating on our own.

Q:What are you looking forward to most in season 5?
I think being involved for a season, versus being a spectator. Black and Blue was so exciting and so much fun, I can’t wait for an entire season.

Q:What has been your most humbling moment in derby, so far?
I had been practicing with wRECk league, where they teach us to hit at 50% intensity, so no new people get hurt. When I took my first, real, full-on hit from a vet, I knew I had some work to do.

Q:What message do you try to convey to your daughter, and the other Jr. Derby Skaters?
With Bean Machine, it’s been all about working hard and perseverance. She sometimes comes to watch league practice, and sees how hard everyone is working. She knows the time commitment involved. She has learned for herself that sometimes you can fall, and it really hurts. But you take a minute or the time you need, and get back into the next play or game. Perseverance especially. Of course, the first draft was disappointing, and we weren’t sure what would happen yet. (Pyros!! ) She was able to witness all the Pyromaniacs get excited, get disappointed, and then get over it and back to work and practice. I think that’s a pretty good lesson.

Q:What does your daughter think about you being a derby skater?
I asked and she said, “it’s sooooo cool.”

BRRG at Race for the Cure

 

Q:Which opponent leaves you shaking in your skate boots?
I think I might finally be over actually shaking when its scrimmage time. Maybe. But I’ve learned there are several people who are going to hit me very hard, like Take Out. And so far, I have never, ever been able to get past Halo once she is in my way.

Q:What has been your biggest challenge in derby so far?
My biggest challenge is time management. Trying to fit in practices, meetings, volunteering, being a single mom and working full-time is hard. Plus a daughter who play derby herself!

Q:Tell our fans: 1 fun fact about you.
You can’t normally see my tattoos, but for one of the tattoos that I have, I am a “word” in Shelley Jackson’s “Skin” project, which is a story published on the skin of over 2000 volunteers.