Skater of the Month - Macfarlane
NAME: Macfarlane
NUMBER: 606
How did you get involved with roller derby?
To be honest, I have no idea how I found out about it. I was looking for something interesting to try and found out about roller derby. It seemed exactly what I was looking for so I searched for a team local to me and I’m still at it nearly 6 years later, albeit with a different team 😉
Tell us about your derby name and number?
I’m one of those people who use their real name instead of a derby name. I just sort of lost interest in that aspect of the sport. In the past, I have used Entropy as my derby name because I’m a Chemistry teacher.
My number is a reference to my favourite band, Foo Fighters. 606 is the name of their studio.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I have custom Wikko skates. They are Chemistry and Foo Fighters themed! I have Roll-line Killer plates and I use either Roll-line Gladiator or Radar Halo wheels. I use hockey elbow pads and have a hockey helmet.
Before you discovered roller derby, were you involved in any other sports/exercise? If yes, how has derby impacted on this?
Before I started roller derby, I wasn’t involved in any sport. I started loads of stuff, like kickboxing, dancing etc., but I would quickly lose interest. Derby is the only sport I’ve tried and stuck with it for a decent amount of time!
What is your position of choice?
I prefer defensive blocking but will occasionally try offense with mixed results! I don’t mind playing as a pivot either.
Which teams have you skated with?
I started playing with Bairn City Rollers. I’ve skated for the Central Belters (WFTDA-aligned) and the all gender Belter Skelpers whilst I was a member. I recently transferred to DRD and I am enjoying every second of it! Since joining DRD I’ve had a few games with the Bonnie Colliders and I was lucky enough to be selected for the Tayzers for their recent tournament in Paris! It has been a steep learning curve with transferring leagues but the challenge has been great fun!
Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?
Not really, I just try to make sure I eat enough before hand and then have a massive dinner afterwards!
How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?
I wouldn’t say that I have a signature move! I used to have a tendency to get lots of forearm penalties but I like to think I’ve got out of that habit now!
What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I’m a Chemistry teacher! A few of my pupils know that I play roller derby and some have even asked if we can start some sort of skating club at school. My first week at my current school I had a black eye from a small collision with a team mate at a scrim. It certainly was a talking point!
Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the month?
I’m going to chose one of our newer skaters, Venus ThighTrap.
