Great of course. Everyone on the team is awesome in their own way so to be noticed by them means a lot to me.

2. Who would you like to dedicate this award to?

Well this one goes out to Jennifer Moreland aka Kitten Vicious RIP lil mama. Your forever in our hearts and memories.

3. When did your derby addiction start? Errrr…when did you start playing derby?

May of 2009 and I have loved every miniute of it. Even the rink rash, fishnet burn, bruises and the pain our coaches put us through at practice.

4. What positions do you play? What else do you do in the league?

I’ll play where ever I’m told to. That’s just part of being a team player. Playing everywhere helps you learn and knowledge is power lol. I have even jammed a couple of times. My all time favorite position is B3. I’m also on the Hospitality Committee.

5. What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in playing derby?

Do your homework (come to bouts, watch videos and read the rules) and be prepared to work work work.

6. Do you admire or have any favorite derby players? If so, who?

Every single girl on my team. You can learn something from everyone be it a Vet or a newbie. And how could I not mention Beyonslay she is amazing. I have even managed to give a few slay-rides.

7. What has been your favorite derby experience so far?

Wow that’s like asking someone to pick their favorite kid. Getting my first MVP award in June 2010 was cool. Thank you Blackwater Rollers. For the most part we play the game and still have fun. So every time I step on the track I know something awesome/funny is gonna happen. As for off the track well this team does every thing with a good time in mind. So all I’m gonna say if you hear of one of our events be there. You will not be disappointed.

8. What do you think is the most common misconception about today’s roller derby?

That we are not athletes. We train year round on the track, work out at home and go to the gym. I challenge anyone who thinks otherwise to strap some skates on and get in a pack and just try to keep up…well when your not on the ground he he he

9. Where do you see your league in a year?

Getting our full WFTDA. And since we are growing I’m waiting to see what a second team will bring to our league.

10. In your opinion, what?s the most stressful thing about being on a derby league?

Finding a balance between home life, work and derby. Once you start derby you want more more more. There really should be a warning label. I have mad respect for the ladies on the board they give up a lot of time for the team.

When: September 5th, 2010

Time: 8A-??

Where: Turner’s Skate Palace, 17333 Virginia Ave Hagerstown MD

Come out and get your car washed, take a gander at all of our stuff for sale and buy some baked goodies! All proceeds go to our team travel fund for away bouts!

$5 for ages 12 and up

FREE for ages 11 and under!

It feels pretty rad! I truly feel appreciated by these crazy girls

2. Who would you like to dedicate this award to?

To my zebra derby widow, hellvis presley. For putting up with BOD meetings that ran 2 hours after practice when I said I would come straight home, arguing calls with him on the way home from bouts, and all the other mischief and shenanigans that goes along with being a part of an awesome derby league.

3. When did your derby addiction start? Errrr…when did you start playing derby?

I started playing with MDRV 3 some odd years ago when we first started, and have been fortunate enough to still be here, and have seen how the league has changed and grown.

4. What positions do you play? What else do you do in the league?

I have been playing pivot alot during bouts, but will play any position and love to play anywhere on the track.

I also help on the BOD working with sponsors, and handling PR/marketing.

5. What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in playing derby?

To realize that it is going to be hard, and it hurts. You will think there are things you can’t do, but you have to keep pushing yourself. It is a very big commitment as well, to your league, team and yourself. You are going to sweat, and most likely smell bad after a practice as well, so any thought of doing this to be “cute” doesn’t really work out all that well.

6. Do you admire or have any favorite derby players? If so, who?

I do have players/teams that I have been thrilled to watch, like Gotham vs Boston at ECE this year. I honestly do admire girls that push themselves and achieve goals in derby they never thought they would. I also have a soft spot for the ‘underdog’ teams during bouts that I get to watch.

7. What has been your favorite derby experience so far?

I have a few, but getting MVP at our home bout with Female Trouble was pretty awesome. “I FINALLY WON SOMETHING!”. It was also very exciting for us to become WFTDA Apprentices. There have been a lot of good times lately so it’s hard to pick just one.

8. What do you think is the most common misconception about today’s roller derby?

One of them is pretty much the same that all the other gals have mentioned so far, that basically people think we are just “girls in underwear yada yada yada”.

It also bothers me when people think that because you play derby, you are some kind of “bad” person. Yes, we do get a bit crazy sometimes, but we also have a charity to work with at each home bout, and also do events with local organizations like BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) and women’s & children’s shelters.

9. Where do you see your league in a year?

I would love to see us being full WFTDA members, and playing on a more competitive level of play. Also getting to travel to other places together that we haven’t been yet to play away bouts.

10. In your opinion, what?s the most stressful thing about being on a derby league?

Sometimes it can be the time it takes from your “real life”. Derby can be a huge commitment, with travel to practices, away bouts, scrimmages, events, etc, but I absolutely love it, and will do it as long as I can!

Pretty awesome. We all dedicate a lot of our time and energy to keep this derby train rolling. Even though we’re a team it’s nice to be recognized as an individual every now and again!

2. Who would you like to dedicate this award to?

To Seanbee Delicious: announcer of all things derby, my derby widow, leg wrastler’ extraordinaire, and the bearer of the brunt of my stress. Thanks for putting up with my McEvil-ness!

3. When did your derby addiction start? Errrr…when did you start playing derby?

I’ve been playing for 3 years and have successfully survived the many incarnations of MDRV. We have really come into our own this year and we keep making progress on and off of the track.

4. What positions do you play? What else do you do in the league?

I play pivot, blocker, and occasionally jammer. My recent ankle injury prevented me from playing for a few months but as soon as I had my full medical release I dove back in head first to make up for lost time. Off of the track I am the league’s Finance Director and assist with coaching and co-captain duties. Having been with MDRV for so long though… I’ve done just about everything!

5. What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in playing derby?

Practice, patience, and condition! Derby will only take you as far as your body will allow. Knee injuries are unfortunately very common due to the nature of our sport. As much as fresh meat want to come in and start kicking butt on their first night they have to learn the Derby 101 of falling and general skating skills before they can jump into contact. Putting the cart before the horse can land you in ER really quickly and healing time can discourage injured skaters to the point of not coming back. Go to open skate sessions, get advice from your derby sisters, and make sure you drop the extra money on some good protective gear – especially kneepads. I guarantee it will be cheaper than surgery!

6. Do you admire or have any favorite derby players? If so, who?

I love Mibbs Breakin’ Ribs (of Charm City Roller Girls fame). She is such a well-rounded skater. She plays smart, strong, hard, and she’s intimidating as hell. After going to 2009′s WFTDA Nationals and 2010 East Coast Derby Extravaganza I’d also like to include the ENTIRE freakin’ team of Montreal’s New Skids on the Block. Holy crap! Now THAT is a team.

7. What has been your favorite derby experience so far?

I think “favorite” implies “best” or “most exciting” but my most recent favorite experience was not necessarily exciting or fun; it was more memorable than anything. In June 2010 MDRV experienced the sudden loss of one of our refs – Benny Zanneti. Ben was friends with many different people on the league and his death shook all of us to our core. It was very difficult to come to terms with Ben’s death and I think many of us are still working on the reality of it all. MDRV pulled together immediately and began offering support not only to one another but also to Ben’s family (whom we had yet to meet). We canceled our Sunday practice and went to Hard Times Cafe to celebrate Ben’s life instead. Ben’s family showed up and offered us so much love and appreciation – it was unbelievable. Throughout his memorial services that following week we were included in all of their family functions. Their acceptance of these previously unknown roller girls clutching their tissues and holding onto one another warmed my heart; I’d like to think we warmed theirs as well. I don’t know what we all would have done without one another during that time but it’s moments like that which make me proud to be a Vixen.

8. What do you think is the most common misconception about today’s roller derby?

Stop saying “It’s girls in their underwear beating each other up… and there’s beer!”. I think there are some people that feel that way because that is how roller derby is presented to them. That mindset negates the validity of what we do as being a sport. It prevents people from seeing us as athletes. We are a group of athletes who pay to not only play roller derby but we also function in other capacities to run the league business so that we can continue to play and put on bouts for the public. MDRV is also active in giving back (what little we have!) to the community. We have worked with and have sponsored several human service agencies from Hagerstown and Frederick, MD to provide them with much needed resources so that they can continue to provide services to their clients. And we didn’t do it in our underwear. So there!

9. Where do you see your league in a year?

I see MDRV becoming a more competitive league with a tighter core of skaters. We have been fortunate to see an influx of motivated new skaters in 2010. We are working very hard to provide them with all of the tools to become Vixens and are considering establishing a B-Team so that everyone has ample opportunity for bouting experiences. This past year we also became a WFTDA Apprentice league so by the end of the year I anticipate we will be full WFTDA members. I can’t wait to sew that patch onto my uniform!

10. In your opinion, what?s the most stressful thing about being on a derby league?

It really is an unpaid full-time job with lots of overtime. The skaters on the league are integral in everything that we do. We’re a democratic league with voting, committees, chairs, and volunteers. Delegation is so important to prevent burn-out. If nothing else you know your sisters are going through the same thing: late night texts, long e-mail chains to determine even the smallest details, last minute practice changes, etc. It can be taxing but we do it for the love of derby! Luckily what we do is full contact and it helps with the stress.

We love you, Ben.

On Friday, June 18, 2010, Ben Semler (MDRV referee and an awesome friend) passed away due to injuries sustained from a single motorcycle accident. MDRV sends our hearts and thoughts out to his  family and friends, although his time with MDRV was short, he made a great impact on quite a few of our lives. In these sad times, we would like to remember Ben as the outgoing, caring, hilarious and intelligent person that he was. May you rest in peace, Ben.

MDRV will be meeting at Hard Times Cafe @ 7:30pm on Sunday, June 20th. Please join us to celebrate Ben’s life.  Everyone is welcome, derby and non-derby family and friends.

Ben’s Obituary

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=247653&format=html

Below are links to more informative news articles…

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=247562&format=html&autoreload=true

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=247613&format=html&autoreload=true

Memorial donations may be made to Washington County Humane Society, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown MD 21740. http://www.hswcmd.org/

Come out and watch some summer derby action as MDRV takes on Charm City’s Female Trouble! We are also going to be taking canned food or non-perishable food items for donation to www.foodresources.org. Tickets only $5 for 12+ and FREE for 11 and under! Come on out and support your local roller derby!

We would like to give a huge special thanks to Kendal Carr Photography for taking the time to come out and photograph our league! Everyone is so happy with the final photos and we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to do the job. If anyone is looking for some excellent quality professional photography, we would highly recommend http://www.kendalcarrphotography.com/!

]]> http://masondixonrollervixens.com/?feed=rss2&p=235 0 http://masondixonrollervixens.com/?p=225 http://masondixonrollervixens.com/?p=225#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:00:19 +0000 admin http://masondixonrollervixens.com/?p=225 Come out and be a crucial part of our sport! In order for our sport to be successful, we need referees and non-skating officials to keep us in line and track all of the important stats! If you are male or female over the age of 18 and you would like to join our officials squad, please contact us! In the link provided below you will find all of the FAQ’s and contact info!

http://masondixonrollervixens.com/?page_id=220

1. So….how does it feel to be MDRV’s skater of the month?
It feels pretty rad to know you’re appreciated, it fuels my hard work and dedication. I love this team! Although… sometimes I wanna go hide under a rock and take a break. Hehe.

2. Who would you like to dedicate this award to?
To your mother. No, just kidding…to my league. I really do love them.

3. When did your derby addiction start…errrr….when did you start playing derby?
May 2009. I’ve been hooked since. It’s ridiculous.

4. What positions do you play? What else do you do in the league?
I block, pivot and jam. Now ask me what positions I really like to play? Oh…thanks for asking! I like to block and pivot… jamming…well, it’s not my choice position, but I’ll do it if I have to even though I might bitch about it. In all honesty though, I want to be effective in ALL positions. I’m still growing and learning, that takes time.  I do hope that I can someday do at least a 20 point jam. That would be cool.

Off the track, I am the Art/Media/Merch Director of the league and I am also a WFTDA AP Representative. I also take care of other odds and ends. Whatever needs done I am always willing to help out. I just like to get shiz done. I want our league to continue to grow and succeed and be the best we can possibly be. Do work, son!

5. What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in playing derby?
Come check out a practice or bout, first. If you decide to try it out, you can’t be scared of falling, getting hurt or getting hit, if you get over that stuff mentally, you’ll be okay. Once you join, just go all out and push yourself to the limit, don’t ever give up. It’s a rough sport. The training is hard and exhausting, but it’s worth it. You gotta make sure you have the time to dedicate to it as well, it’s a very time consuming sport. For many derby players,  life tends to revolve around their derby habit. Sad but true, lol.

6. Do you have admire or have any favorite derby players? If so, who?
Oh, you betcha! I tend to admire anyone who is a better player than myself. I really respect players like Joy Collision, Dolly Rocket, Throughbled, Mibbs Breakin’ Ribs, Atomatrix, Bonnie Thunders, Beyonslay, Olivia Shootin’ John, Shenita Stretcher, Holly Gohardly, Holden Grudges, Justice “the Unicorn” Feelgood Marshall, Virginia Slim…the list goes on. I like to watch as much derby as possible. Watching others helps me learn more.

7. What has been your favorite derby experience so far?
Learning the Leg Wrasslin’ afterparty radness from a from the Alachua County Rollers! Haha! No, I can’t really pick one experience just yet. I try to enjoy all of them! I have a feeling that ECE is gonna rock my socks though…

8. What do you think is the most common misconception about today’s roller derby?
That we are just a bunch of girls in fishnets and underwear throwing elbows and tripping and pushing each other. Derby is real, it’s not scripted and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to explain to people that we don’t do any of those things, that moves like that are penalized. People don’t realize how much hard work derby really is. It’s not easy by any means. It takes a lot of practice and pain. Just like any other contact sport.

9. Where do you see your league in a year?
One, we should be a WFTDA league by then if all goes well. Two, I hope to have intraleague teams so we can bout within our own league! Three, I see us being a lot more tight knit and kicking more ass…hopefully.

10. In your opinion, what’s the most stressful thing about being on a derby league?
Well, there are many things, but I think the biggest part is trying to keep things level and running smoothly. Being that there are many personalities within a league, and everything we do is simply for the love of being there and playing, it’s hard to get people on the same page sometimes. The only other thing is trying to balance home life/work life and derby life. Sometimes that can be really tough. But overall, nothing can stop my love of this sport!

I <3 you, MDRV!