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Capital Punishment Banked Track Tourney in Austin
Typically the National Roller Derby Association (NRDA) only posts pertinent information and news regarding the proceedings of the LA Tbirds. However, we feel it is our position to state the true facts of this past weekend’s Capital Punishment’s Battle of the Bank Track, in Austin, Texas.
The NRDA was there and in attendance for all the games and events. Those who have posted about the event and were not there have not captured accurate information. The NRDA believes it is hurting the sport when individuals post information that is not true, harmful, and inconsistent or contains bashing.
The NRDA sponsored the Las Vegas Renegades in the tournament. The team consisted of “Sweet” Stephanie Garcia, Lali O, Lena Wright, Janet Rovang, Portland Flat track superstars “Sweet” Thunder, Taffy, Melissa “Assaulted” Peanut, Trish Trash, and Seattle Flat Trackers Sally Scum, and Switch Blade. The team was managed by Mizz Georgia Hase.
It is important to note the objective of the team. The Renegades of course would have liked to performed better, however, our intent was to actually skate their game with their style of rules, meet their skaters, and begin to squash all the bashing that exist like “our game is better than yours or your game is not derby etc.!” Our sole purpose is to begin to unite. I think we accomplished that!
If you take a look at the pictures posted under “Derby Unites” you will see the fun we all had with each other. Some one posted that they didn’t see the women shake hands after the game or any camaraderie. That is totally FALSE!! After the game each team made a line on the track, and shook hands. Some even hugged and placed a kiss on the cheek. Also there were only 2 locker rooms so there were 4 teams in one and 4 in the other. And yes you shared a locker room with the team you played against and there was NO bashing only love.
Both the traditional derby skaters and the “new” style skaters went to dinner, partied together and had drinks. TXRD did a great job of providing an itinerary for the entire weekend of fun events that assisted in joining everyone together in fun. There were ABSOLUTELY no name calling, bashing or any negativity of any kind by the skaters. TXRD as well as the other teams welcomed us with love and open arms. SO those who posted girls didn’t get along or didn’t see hand shakes YOU ARE WRONG!
We got along so well and had so much fun that the 3 of the teams are in conversation with me about a game skating our traditional rules. We will make that happen.
Attendance at the event was at best 200 people at a given time. As they do in WWE and other TV Shows, they asked the crowd to move to one side where the cameras were shooting to give the appearance of a huge crowd so those that watched via the web it appeared to be 1,000 but in fact the crowd never reached more than about 200 or so a day.
The style of the game resented was a bit confusing, however we can appreciate the fact they are awesome athletes and their love for the games certainly surpasses those that skate traditional. I say that because these ladies do it for free and actually have to pay out of their pocket for EVERYTHING and they don’t receive a dime. Some risk injuries and there were several this weekend including a broken collar bone, leg and serious arm injuries. I am not certain the traditional skaters of today would do this out of their pocket.
Sweet Stephanie, Lali O and Mizz Georgia Hase were met with ovations and hugs from a lot of the skaters upon their arrival. They were also involved in lots of autograph signings, picture taking and local on camera interviews.
Sweet Stephanie insists she would skate their game again if asked and she stated that the girls showed her nothing but love. Mizz Georgia Hase was very impressed by the athleticism of the skaters majority of whom NEVER skated on a bank track before. I had conversation with Team Legit’s Manager who stated this was his teams first time ever on a banked track. Oh by the way Team Legit finished in 3rd place.
Many, many thanks to Lali O for the idea of putting together a team to compete, and to get to know and learn more of their game. It was never, ever about showing who is the best or proving any point other than uniting.
Larry Biehle a true fan of the traditional sport and a resident of Austin was there. Larry even joined us at some of the functions and for lunch at Champions with members of the other teams. Larry took pictures and can testify to the nothing but love we received. Also Larry makes a mean order of “monkey bread” it was delicious.
All in all it was a great experience. Many, thanks to TXRD, and all the other skaters for your hospitality, love and respect. The NRDA and the Renegades respect all that you do and wish you the best in your endeavors.
Its time to stop all the negativity that’s killing the sport I love. In the famous words of Parliament Funk-a-delics “One roller derby under a groove, getting down just for the funk of it, one roller derby under a groove NOTHING CAN STOP US NOW!”
-Much Love
The NRDA was there and in attendance for all the games and events. Those who have posted about the event and were not there have not captured accurate information. The NRDA believes it is hurting the sport when individuals post information that is not true, harmful, and inconsistent or contains bashing.
The NRDA sponsored the Las Vegas Renegades in the tournament. The team consisted of “Sweet” Stephanie Garcia, Lali O, Lena Wright, Janet Rovang, Portland Flat track superstars “Sweet” Thunder, Taffy, Melissa “Assaulted” Peanut, Trish Trash, and Seattle Flat Trackers Sally Scum, and Switch Blade. The team was managed by Mizz Georgia Hase.
It is important to note the objective of the team. The Renegades of course would have liked to performed better, however, our intent was to actually skate their game with their style of rules, meet their skaters, and begin to squash all the bashing that exist like “our game is better than yours or your game is not derby etc.!” Our sole purpose is to begin to unite. I think we accomplished that!
If you take a look at the pictures posted under “Derby Unites” you will see the fun we all had with each other. Some one posted that they didn’t see the women shake hands after the game or any camaraderie. That is totally FALSE!! After the game each team made a line on the track, and shook hands. Some even hugged and placed a kiss on the cheek. Also there were only 2 locker rooms so there were 4 teams in one and 4 in the other. And yes you shared a locker room with the team you played against and there was NO bashing only love.
Both the traditional derby skaters and the “new” style skaters went to dinner, partied together and had drinks. TXRD did a great job of providing an itinerary for the entire weekend of fun events that assisted in joining everyone together in fun. There were ABSOLUTELY no name calling, bashing or any negativity of any kind by the skaters. TXRD as well as the other teams welcomed us with love and open arms. SO those who posted girls didn’t get along or didn’t see hand shakes YOU ARE WRONG!
We got along so well and had so much fun that the 3 of the teams are in conversation with me about a game skating our traditional rules. We will make that happen.
Attendance at the event was at best 200 people at a given time. As they do in WWE and other TV Shows, they asked the crowd to move to one side where the cameras were shooting to give the appearance of a huge crowd so those that watched via the web it appeared to be 1,000 but in fact the crowd never reached more than about 200 or so a day.
The style of the game resented was a bit confusing, however we can appreciate the fact they are awesome athletes and their love for the games certainly surpasses those that skate traditional. I say that because these ladies do it for free and actually have to pay out of their pocket for EVERYTHING and they don’t receive a dime. Some risk injuries and there were several this weekend including a broken collar bone, leg and serious arm injuries. I am not certain the traditional skaters of today would do this out of their pocket.
Sweet Stephanie, Lali O and Mizz Georgia Hase were met with ovations and hugs from a lot of the skaters upon their arrival. They were also involved in lots of autograph signings, picture taking and local on camera interviews.
Sweet Stephanie insists she would skate their game again if asked and she stated that the girls showed her nothing but love. Mizz Georgia Hase was very impressed by the athleticism of the skaters majority of whom NEVER skated on a bank track before. I had conversation with Team Legit’s Manager who stated this was his teams first time ever on a banked track. Oh by the way Team Legit finished in 3rd place.
Many, many thanks to Lali O for the idea of putting together a team to compete, and to get to know and learn more of their game. It was never, ever about showing who is the best or proving any point other than uniting.
Larry Biehle a true fan of the traditional sport and a resident of Austin was there. Larry even joined us at some of the functions and for lunch at Champions with members of the other teams. Larry took pictures and can testify to the nothing but love we received. Also Larry makes a mean order of “monkey bread” it was delicious.
All in all it was a great experience. Many, thanks to TXRD, and all the other skaters for your hospitality, love and respect. The NRDA and the Renegades respect all that you do and wish you the best in your endeavors.
Its time to stop all the negativity that’s killing the sport I love. In the famous words of Parliament Funk-a-delics “One roller derby under a groove, getting down just for the funk of it, one roller derby under a groove NOTHING CAN STOP US NOW!”
-Much Love
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Grand Poobah on -
"Portland Flat track superstars “Sweet” Thunder, Taffy, Melissa “Assaulted” Peanut, Trish Trash"
Trish Trash and Melissa "the Assaulted Peanut" are both Las Vegas valley residents who skate with Lali's Las Vegas High Rollers and on various ARSD red shirt teams (mostly Red Devils). Check their profiles on this site. I've met both of them, they've attended at least one of the local WFTDA member league's bouts in Las Vegas. Nice girls, when they aren't knocking the crap out of people on the track. *~[;-p
There are no skaters by the names you mentioned registered on the registry of derby names for either of the two flat track leagues that exist in Portland. Someone on mic at the event mentioned some skaters were with Lilac City Rollergirls, who are located in Spokane, WA and not in Portland, OR. At least one of the names mentioned is registered to a skater from Lilac City Rollergirls. I would imagine that had Portland skaters wanted to participate in the event, it would have been with Team Legit. Rose City and Rat City work together from time to time on things, like the WFTDA National tournament they co-hosted last fall.
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Permalink Reply by Commissioner on -
If you can get your hands on a copy of the program it states all the information and perhaps there are teams there not associated with what you researched. Team Legit skaters were from WA and Michigan the were recruited I spoke with them and the coach. Its good that it reaches state lines.
They are skaters in Portland however, they changed their name for this event because it was way too gross and I wouldnt associate myself with it so the names were changed.
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Permalink Reply by Taryn Hearts on
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Taryn Hearts from San Diego Derby Dolls here; yes, there were no hard feelings between any teams during the tournament. We appreciated all teams playing to the agreed upon set of rules established specifically for the tournament. I just wanted to clarify that *there were no broken bones during the tournament*. My shoulder is just bruised up, I should be back to normal soon. Much love from the Derby Dolls to YOU ALL! We trained hard for that championship and they final round was a fierce competition of skating skills and athleticism for sure... I should know, I watched from the sideline! ;-)
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Permalink Reply by Rebecca Maynard "T-Stop Trixie" on -
I love anyone on 8 wheels...I can't help it!
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Permalink Reply by Melissa "The Assaulted Peanut" on -
Well I completely understand the response from various members and do appreciate the support of the Commissioner, Ivanna S. Pankin and Grand Poohbah. Nobody was more disappointed by our performance than us. The Vegas Renegades were a pick up team (not a league) made up of three skaters from Vegas , two from California, and others from the Renegades team . We were completely unprepared for the rules and for the traditions. I just met four of the skaters that played on our team the day of the tournament. Three other skaters dropped out the week of the tournament. We were not able to practice together. I can speak for myself when I say that I was taken by surprise by the game and felt completely unprepared. The fouls that I received were not intentional. I did not want to skate dirty or injure anyone. I just did my best given the circumstances. No disrespect was intentional.
We appreciated the introduction to your rules and allowing us into your tournament. Clearly our participation was premature. It was definitely a learning experience and until we have more than three players that are located in the same city and can prepare we may just lay low. We met some great people and had a blast in Austin despite our spanking. So many people were supportive and helpful. We would love to practice with anyone who is open to having us.
I appreciate all of the women who skated with us. All of them did work hard. Lali also tried so hard to make it all come together. Bless her heart. It just didn’t happen for us.
Much Derby Love, Melissa aka The Assaulted Peanut
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Permalink Reply by Grand Poobah on
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Great post, and not just because it said nice things about me. *~[;-p
Sometimes folks from all different flavors of derby get so hung up on what's different that they miss what's pretty much the same.
Roller derby probably always has been a very diverse sport with some interesting personalities. It was one of the first fully-integrated sports. The first to treat women the same as men. I'd guarantee it was a gay-friendly sport before any of the sports you usually think of that way.
Frank Macedo once told me that their team(s) would take over a bar after their games. If the bar didn't normally admit blacks, they did while they were there. If they wanted it to be a gay bar, it was while they were there. Does that sound like an after-party, or what?
I thought that last year's Battle on the Bank did a great deal to end what had been earlier been a perpetual pissing-match between flat track derby and today's women's banked track derby. Nowadays when someone gets into that crap, I say, "2007 called, it wants its mind-set back." Maybe this year's tournament can do the same for today's women's derby and classic derby. If people are willing to keep their eyes, ears and minds open.
Take care,
Poobah
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Permalink Reply by Derby Girl on -
Well, sorry to rain on LV's parade, but REALLY, one wonders about their sincerity in agreeing to do this tournament.
Because they didn't bother to read the rules, they didn't bring the required safety equipment to play. They had to borrow helmets and pads just to play. They didn't have numbers on their shirts(which is unusual in ANY sport, is it not?). They had no clue about the culture of modern derby.
Which is all fairly inexcusable in this day of internet access. How hard would it have been to google the names of hte leagues involved in the tournament to find out info on them, such as their rules, their style of play? A little research would've gone a long way to let the modern derby leagues know that the old school leagues aren't a joke.
Now LV has made that road a lot bumpier for the two styles of derby to possibly come together. I know that after I saw them at the tourney, I wouldn't want to share the track with the LV skaters. Sorry, but what I saw was a blatant disregard of what was being setup by TXRD and the other participating leagues. I'd say the same thing to a skater or team who would go into a "old school" style game blind. If you're going into someone else's house, you'd better know what's expected of you before you stick your skate in your mouth.
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Permalink Reply by RubyROX on -
Sally Scum, Switchblade Stella and Heidi Heartbreaker played on the team and they are Bend, Oregon Renegades, not from Seatlle : ) I had a breakfast with our girls when they came back and heard all about the game! It sounded fun and like a learning experience. None of the skaters practiced together beforehand and most hadn't skated under any of the "new" rules. The team consisted of 9-11 players when most (San Diego and LA in particular) of the other teams playing in the tournament had a much larger roster. I hope we can all practice together a lot more in the future for more tournaments like this!
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Permalink Reply by Tim Patten on -
I'm interested in sponsoring (paying for) another experience so the skaters can get more experienced.
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Permalink Reply by Tim Patten on
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Let me know how I might help get the skaters to practice. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Jokey on -
Frankly I was miffed that the Arizona Renegades were snubbed yet again. More proof that Ivanna has WAY too much power in the sport.
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Permalink Reply by Grand Poobah on
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Demonstrate evidence that they were "snubbed" or don't claim that they were.
More than 400 roller derby leagues around the world didn't participate in this tournament. More than 300 of them are in the U.S.
I wouldn't pin this on Ivanna. Arizona Derby Dames skated in this event, did they not? TXRD ran this tournament, not Ivanna.
Last I knew, Ivanna owned a pickup truck, not a black helicopter. She's too young to have been on the grassy knoll.
I haven't talked to the AZ Renegades, but a more logical conclusion to jump to than a conspiracy is that they may not have been able to afford to participate. They have a warehouse space to pay for (not even ARSD with Dan's money has that yet), and they are one of the cities hardest hit by the housing bubble.
It's worth noting that their interleague bouts of late have all been other Renegade leagues (and AZDD) visiting them. Not them traveling around the country to play others (last one of those was vs TXRD at SxSW '07). If they've skated an interleague away bout since then, there's no record of it that I can find. Though they might have participated in one of those So-Cal get-togethers one of the Renegade league (OC or SoCal?). That's driving distance.
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