Skater of the Month - G.Wrecks
NAME G.Wrecks
NUMBER 713 How did you get involved with roller derby?
So I'd seen roller derby online while at uni and it took until I had graduated and found myself with nothing to do, to get me to go along to DRG. As soon as I had finished the taster session I was ordering my kit! After joining it took me a while to get up the courage to get super involved with the league, but with some persuasion, I opted in for captaincy and headed the Web/IT committee! Really haven't looked back since and my team-selfie game is so on point now...
Tell us about your derby name and number?
While I was away in summer for work, I got some of my coworkers to come up with some names for me and G.Wrecks was definitely the best. I think I'll keep the name Gegg for special occasions and other egg related games...
What is your skate gear of choice?
I recently got a new delightfully blue S1 helmet, wear 187 derby pro knee pads (which are my knee saviors). And this month have (finally) upgraded my plate (to the roll-line blaster) on my R3s. Turns out when you skate for three years on newbie kit, it can make a surprising amount of difference getting actual quality parts. I am now no longer scared of snapping my plates with toestop work (which had previously happened... twice...).
Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?
Unfortunately Roller Derby made me realise how unfit I was, 2 minute jams? A'no'thankyou, 27/5..? On your bike mate! Fortunately, it has given me a drive to not only be fitter, but stronger and healthier. I, on occasion now, like to cycle around the sunny sights of St. Andrews, and also, on occasion, do “workouts” at home. It pains me that I actually feel the need to do exercise, but I guess it means I'll live longer and that. I've also taken up a Krav Maga course for self defense and strength, although I nearly pass out at the warm ups.. FUN THOUGH :)
What is your position of choice?
In my last SotM profile I said I would like to get better at jamming.. and when I reread that I burst out laughing because I know it was a complete and blatant lie!! But now I have more experience in game play and know what kind of skater I am, I know that to be a good Pivot and a strong team mate you have to understand and be fairly good at most positions. I'm not aiming to be on a main jammer rotation or anything like that.. but thinking like a jammer and getting a better mental game (ie crying on the inside while skating around the track) certainly helps my blocking (which is where I feel most comfortable!!).
Which teams have you skated with?
Over the end of 2015 and all of 2016 I was one of the Bonnie Colliders co-captains, it was such a privilege to skate and lead the Colliders that I wouldn't have the confidence to do any of this derby stuff if it wasn't for their support! At the start of 2016 I was also lucky enough to be asked to skate the season with the Silvery Tayzers, and being able to learn from their collective experience and skills has pushed me forward so much! Been a part of two Home Team seasons as well which is always fun :)
Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?
Just stress out, that's my general pre and post game life. Due to my Web and IT commitments I also have to chase everyone up for photos, so cue me shouting and shaking my phone at people..!
How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?
Ehhhhhh something that absolutely no one will know about me – I am a good communicator on track. To stop me from getting nervous or stressed on track – I talk. I talk almost constantly about whats going on.. Where the jammer is, the offense, what the crowd is upto... Have I fallen and am embarrassed about it? It's cool I'll tell you. Have I been taken by offense? Yep I'll mention it and also mention how good the offense was to the other team.. Have I forgotten how to skate? Yup I'll let you know. Do I have an itchy nose? Yep, you'll know about it!
Favourite motivational quote?
Can I just use the same one from the last time..? YES I CAN: “I'll join you when Hell freezes over. Dumbledore's Army!” - Neville Longbottom Nev is my hero, he is a completely underrated Hazza P character, and I love him.
Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?
I would like to nominate BlackViolet (Kyle Thompson) for May's SotM. Our league would not be able to progress in the way that we do without the help of our amazing refs and NSOs. Kyle started with DRG brand new at one of our fresh meat intakes (next intake from 5th of April – see our facebook event page) and has grown into an official to not only referee but also NSO at a variety of leagues games. He also runs some great off skates workshops to help new (and veteran skaters!) get better agility, form and strength!
