Derby in Dairyland: An Interview with Grand Raggidy All Stars Captain Jackie Daniels

With Derby in Dairyland just days away, Victoria, a.k.a. Elle Machete, has been interviewing Captains of teams that will be descending upon Madison. She now heads out to Grand Rapids, Michigan for an interview with Grand Raggidy All Stars Captain Jackie Daniels. Photo attributed to Colin J.

How long have you been skating with your league, playing with the All-Stars and captaining?

I have been skating since nearly the beginning of Grand Raggidy, since May 2005. I have been on our all star roster since December 2006, which was when we created our first team and played our first interleague bout. I've been happy and lucky to be captain of the all stars since mid season of 2007.

What do you love about roller derby? (Or to rephrase: "Dude, how awesome is roller derby, right?")

I love everything. I love the practice, the people, the games, the travel, the fact that I can go anywhere that has a rollerderby league and immediately have new BFF's. I love people's ability to give, give and give to this sport and still be giving to charities and wondering what else we can do to help others (charities, our communities, our sport and sister leagues).

How has your team been preparing coming in to the Eastern Region Tournament?

The team has been adding an hour additional onto existing practices and really focusing on consistency, working together and endurance.

How has your roster developed over the last year? What rookies and veterans should we look out for?

GRRG restructured into 2 interleague teams in early 2008. About half of our team is new to the travel team in 2008, which started it's season in March against Windy City, so, this will be their first WFTDA tournament. Racey Wreck'Hell brings speed and wicked hits to our jammer line up, along with Dot Matrix and Mira MaHeiney each having improved significantly over the summer. Viva La BOOM is a well rounded player who's giving it to the opposing jammers while Lucy Morals assists ours. You'll still see Mangler owning it and amped up energy from The Vindicator. We have a recent addition who's been with GRRG since June, and playing derby since February, QuarterBoy, who's aggressive hard hits are shocking crowds since her move from San Diego Derby Dolls. Look lout for Terrohawk too, she's the skinny girl with fast, phat hits!

Who do you expect to be the fiercest competition? Any long-standing rivalries?

We have a long standing rivalry with Detroit, they were our first, and we've lost 3 times, each time closing the gap, losing in May only by 12 points. I suspect we'll be cheering them on in this tournament and not coming up against them. I think the Boston game is going to be a good, tough match up and we're not exactly sure what to expect, so, we've been focusing hard training for that.

What Madison attraction are you looking forward to seeing?

I am excited to see the scenery and partake in the great food and culture offered. I don't have it all figured out yet, but hope to make a plan and some time soon.

What's your favorite kind of cheese?

I'm an equal opportunity eater, I leave no cheese behind.