Skater of the Month - Guns n Bosies
NAME Guns n Bosies
NUMBER 37
How did you get involved with roller derby?
Two of my friends (Grim and Jim) were refs with Granite City Roller Derby and they persuaded me to go to a fresh meat session. It took them a while to coax me to go, it looked really scary and I was recovering from a knee injury. I could barely stand up, let alone skate but everyone was so welcoming and I loved it. I’ve been hooked ever since!
Tell us about your derby name and number?
Long and banal explanations for both but the short version is I love a hug and various 37’s have been the locations for lots of fun times. What is your skate gear of choice? I’ve got a battered pair of suregrip rebels held together with super glue and jam straps. I’m definitely in the market for a new pair, suggestions welcome! Skating on Heartless wheels with front mounted Avenger plates. Protective gear is 187 knee, elbow and wrist guards and Nutcase helmet.
Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?
I swam competitively and also did a lot of running and mountain biking but was in a bit of a rut before starting derby. I started skating to get fitter but now I want to get fitter for derby, rather than using derby as my sole source of exercise. My stamina and cardiovascular fitness was reasonable before skating but now I also want to focus on strength, flexibility and agility.
What is your position of choice?
Pivot/ blocker but will have a jam occasionally.
Which teams have you skated with?
I skated with Granite City Roller Derby Northern Fights for about 4 years before transferring to DRG in 2016. I’m now on the Silvery Tayzers roster and skated with the Jutes of Hazzard at home teams this year. I also skate with FightBrawlers co-ed team and have skated in a variety of mixed events.
Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?
All rituals are food related! I have a pre bout breakfast of porridge with banana and I’m partial to a pre bout cake. Pepsi Max is essential before, during and after the game. Afterwards I usually relax with a nice cold cider.
How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?
Not sure if I have a style or signature move but I’ve been told that I’m pushy and hit quite hard. I really love offense with a sweep or wee pin and also just being a nuisance distraction to help my jammer get through is always fun!
What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
As a medic my job often involves looking after people who are very ill and it’s important to stay calm and have a clear plan when these events happen. I feel that I can transfer that to being on track and remaining calm in high pressure situations.
Derby is the first team sport I’ve participated in and I love being part of such an amazing and supportive derby community. I am as hooked as when I first started and get withdrawal if I’m off my skates or haven’t seen my team mates for a while.
Favourite motivational quote?
“SITFU” – Team SITFU
“Just do it!”- Shia le Bouf
Neither are particularly motivational but they work for me! In particular they stop me from overthinking so I can just get on with doing whatever I’m supposed to be doing.
Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?
I’d like to nominate referee, skater and all round lovely person Tiny Tearaway #931 for skater of the month. She has alllll the rules knowledge and explains any questions in a clear and concise way that is easy to understand. When on track Tiny is an amazing jammer, so quick and with agile evasive manoeuvres that make her very difficult to contain. She is also kind, generous and very funny – makes me laugh almost every training session!
