I know I have talked endlessly about my first roller derby experience with the Mad Rollin Dolls a few years back, but like a middle aged man that can't stop reliving his glory days as high-school quarterback in "the big game", I can't stop reliving that fateful night that I got roped into the world of roller derby.

The first time I ever saw a bout, two players immediately stood out for me: Mouse and Crackerjack. Not only were they on the same team and knew how to fire up the crowd, they also played the same position as jammers and both had this undeniable flare and grace about them while gliding around all the other players. It was one of the reasons I came back to see another bout and one of the reasons I still do. Hell, as a sports fan, they're just fun to watch.

Mouse, who is both jammer and team captain for The Reservoir Dolls, thought that instead of an email interview, we should "chat it up" over the phone. I happily agreed. Here is what Mouse had to say about a few random topics.

Last Bouts Loss

Mouse didn't talk much about the surprise loss by The Vaudeville Vixens at the last bout, but instead discussed more about the strategy on how they plan to win this weekend's bout against The Quad Squad. She explained that they have been working hard on their defense during practice these last few weeks and noted that they also need to "eliminate the penalties" throughout the game itself. Right now, she feels optimistic in her team as they have the perfect base of core veterans combined with great new talented rookies this year.

The Rookies

I asked Mouse about some of the new stand out players on the team. She explained she couldn't just choose one or a few of them because all the newbies "are doing an amazing job and fitting into their roles nicely". Although later, she did note that Rosetta Stoned's (#420) mobility is quite impressive and that Anakilling Spree (#47) and Busta Crimes (#$) are hard hitters and make a great pair.

Giving a Hit

I was curious if she ever felt bad about giving someone a hard hit. She replied that "no one wants to see a fellow skater go down" or "takes any joy in the suffering of others", but explained that derby is a full contact, dangerous sport and that you would be "cheating yourself as well as the others you're playing against, if you aren't giving it your all."

The Yankees Comparison

I admitted to Mouse that my previous Dane101 article (as well as our podcast from yesterday) compared The Reservoir Dolls to The New York Yankees. It seemed like a fair comparison to me, as The Dolls are the team everyone wants to beat and the team many derby fans love to hate….but Mouse proudly responded back with, "I don't really like that analogy. I'm a Brewers fan".

February 23 Bout

Vaudeville Vixens vs. Unholy Rollers
Reservoir Dolls vs. Quad Squad

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 23. Action starts at 7:00 p.m.
At Fast Forward Skate Center, 4649 Verona Rd, Madison

Tickets
$10 in advance, $12 at the door

Tickets on sale at the following outlets starting Wednesday, February 13:
Fast Forward Skate Center
Freedom/Knuckleheads
Capitol City Tattoo
Cha Cha Beauty + Barber
High Noon Saloon
Lakeside Press