Skater of the Month - Shuggs Bunny

NAME: Shuggs Bunny

How did you get into roller derby?

I worked with Linda Halliday McGarrigle and she invited my wife Audrey along to a Roller Derby Taster day at Dundee International Sport Centre in the November. By the time Audrey was due to start Fresh meat the following January I had been persuaded to come along and try it out too. I enjoyed the skating but it was after going along to the Parma Violents Bout in the February I decided that I seriously wanted to give it a go. I even went to Ozzys straight after the bout and bought my skates!

What has been your favourite derby experience so far?

I have been trying to think of specific moments but there have been so many from learning the basics to reffing my 1st bout in November. If I had to pick one then I think it would be the night I finally nailed crossovers because I had such a fear of them!

What do you do when you're not skating?

Far too much, where to begin! I’ve been playing field hockey for 20 years now as a goalkeeper and play in indoor and outdoor leagues. I also coach youth hockey and am proud to say my latest goalkeeping protégé has been selected for the Scoland U18 squad. I’m a keen musician and have played drums in a few Dundee bands and am currently in a covers band called Tonka (available for parties, weddings, christenings etc). I’m also in another band called 1″ Volcano but we have a Spinal Tap type bassist problem as they keep leaving the country! I enjoy other sports including Tennis and Squash and also enjoy running.

What do you think is the most important thing for a new skater/referee to learn?

Patience! Don’t expect to be brilliant at everything all at once it will happen in its own time so relax and enjoy it.

Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?

II wouldn’t be the skater I am today without the help of everyone who has coached us through this 1st year at DRG and I feel I have a great mentor in Alun who is really helping me understand how to become a better ref.The skater I have chosen is someone who I really admire, she isn’t a flamboyant skater but has worked hard and shown great determination and patience to get back on skates after a bad injury even when she has been in pain. She always has an encouraging word and has been helpful from the very beginning and has been an excellent role model for me. I knew I was going to pick this person the moment I was chosen as skater of the month. My Skater of the Month for March is Ruby Rage.