Friday, October 28, 2011

Just A Reminder

Tomorrow night is our annual Halloween Fundraiser!  Come on down to Sinclair's Pub in West Babylon and enjoy great music, drinks and prizes for best costume!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Call Backs

Last night was the first official practice for our new Fresh Bloods. It was so exciting to see them all in action! Captain Morgan ran a great practice and although it was filled with a lot of basic skills, it was high-energy and left everyone feeling exhilarated and happy! I saw each and every skater out there giving it their all. Full determination - No slackers, no complainers. It was exactly what a coach likes to see.

I want to wish all of our new girls the best of luck and can’t wait to see them improve even more! Congratulations again to all of you!

See you all Thursday……

- Etta



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Oh What a Night!

Last night over twenty women tried out for The Long Island Roller Rebels.  Potential recruits, waited patiently outside the doors of United Skates, while current league members got things prepped for registration.  A huge bag of extra gear was stationed near the entrance, ready for newcomers without any.  As the women slowly made their way through the registration process, the coaching and recruitment committees gathered together to prepare for the night.

Practice started with a safety check on gear, a warm up and then the potential new skaters were tested.  As they performed a series of skills, us coaches took notes and grades to help us decide who would make the cut.  We saw a lot of good skaters out there with determination and great potential.  The girls, some in derby skates, some in rentals, all worked their way around the track showing us who could crossover, who could hit and who could listen and follow direction.  The girls also met with the recruitment committee to discuss what becoming a part of the league entails.

Once tryouts ended, the coaches and recruitment committees gathered together to discuss who made it.  We are happy to welcome a lot of new members, and to all of those who didn't make it this time, we urge you to be a part of the league by becoming a volunteer or NSO.  Keep practicing, there's always next year!

These next few months will be a test for our newcomers.  While we openly welcome our Fresh Bloods, we will continue to assess skills, attitude and commitment.  Being a part of the Long Island Roller Rebels is surely an experience you will remember forever and we look forward to the new players for our 2011 season!

Monday, October 3, 2011

25 Random Facts

I can remember when this Roller Rebel first became a part of the league 1 and a 1/2 years ago.  She started out as an NSO and then went on to become a skater.  As one of the most determined Fresh Bloods I've seen, she put in every single effort to learn each skill and learn it well. Her leadership qualities, willingness to always help, and her unconditional love for roller derby resulted in her being voted in as Captain of The Rock-A-Betty Bruisers, Assistant Manager of the All Star Team AND Recruitment Manager.  She takes on these roles with passion and commitment and does this all in addition to holding down a full-time job!  Let's learn a little bit more about this truly dedicated skater, ShadowboxHer!!

1. My middle name is Joy because my parents felt so much “joy” when I was born, or so the story goes.

2. For 3 years I taught Introduction to Feminism at the University at Albany.

3. I teach elementary school Physical Education to gifted children.

4. I have an older sister, and a younger brother who are both 4 years apart from me.



5. When I was young I used to have to try out the soap of every restaurant I entered!

6. I am a second degree black belt in the martial art of Chinese Kenpo.

7. I have a secret desire to be Xena Warrior Princess.

8. I have an extreme aversion to chewing gum.

9. I am dating a Villain.



10. I have read the book Stone Butch Blues, by Leslie Feinberg, over 30 times (no joke).

11. My favorite comic book character is Mystique from X-Men.

12. I was Missy Elliot for Halloween one year.

13. I have the best derby big sister out there!

14. I aspire to gain a PHD in Women’s Studies.

15. I dream of owning a farm with; three horses, a goat, a pond, and a weeping willow. Oh and of always wearing a cowgirl hat!

16. I have THE corniest sense of humor, and if you don’t believe me just ask my students.

17. I don’t get scared, I get startled.

18. I am extremely competitive, and always have been.

19. I would be perfectly content playing roller derby every waking hour…sometimes it feels like we do!

20. There is nothing in my life that can’t be cured with chocolate.



21. I played the saxophone my entire elementary/middle/high school career.

22. My favorite flower is a sunflower, every year I pledge to plant them.

23. I can read your aura!

24. The hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through was my black belt test. At 14 years old, I fought 12, 3 minute, full contact rounds against all men…BRUTAL.

25. Roller Derby has awarded me with the introduction to; some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met, the most thrilling, intricate, competitive sport out there, and some of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon the Long Island Roller Rebels!!! BOOM/BAM