March 16, 2011
As a Coach I have often asked myself, “Hmm… what would I do if I ever had a chance to ask questions about training, rules or strategy to an elite derby player?” I am also sure many new derby girls have wondered, “Hmm…will I ever get to meet, skate with or be coached by an elite derby player?” Well for me and the ladies of Crossroads City Derby those two questions were not only answered, but came true as well. Like the famous lyrics of The Runaways song, “Cherry Bomb” the amazing, unique, talented (KICK ASS!) Goodie TwoSkates of the original Rose City Rollergirls and now infamous Rat City All Stars kicked down the doors at Dickerson’s and stole the show. She was fresh off a crazy weekend at the Wild West Showdown and a long plane trip. Like a NIKE commercial “BOOM!”Goodie Two Skates was in the house and ready to see what CCD had to offer. A veteran of the Derby game since 2005, and I say that with all due respect. Goodie brings something to Roller Derby that all players hope to have one day. I am not just talking about unique style, personality and those famous grey artistic skates. What I am talking about is knowledge of the game, experience as a player and her very own style and following.
It did not take long for us to get right to work, or shall I say learning in my case. Goodie jumped right in with us, skates, gear and all. For six days we were given the opportunity to skate and be coached by who I feel is a legend in this sport. With an evil but goofy grin and laugh by all of us at CCD Goodie was all ours, MUAHAHAHA!! She opened up her book of practice drills, tips and explosive energy to us and we soaked it up. We were like the little kids at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, served a constant sugary dish of hitting techniques, endurance drills, strategy concepts and most importantly what the game of Roller Derby should mean to us as we take on this crazy adventure. I believe the only thing Goodie would say was missing was the grape flavored soda and fast & hard music.
It was an honor for me to watch her interact with the ladies of CCD and the attention she gave each skater. Goodie shared with us all the importance of the mental side of the game and made us laugh and smile with her funny antics, as Suzy Hotrod may recall a certain jammer line incident. Goodie pushed us all to challenge our boundaries within this sport, and be who we want to be. Shared some great derby stories with us and learned about my infamous Taos Bout jacket. She even explored the wide world of the big LC and took in a band or two at El Patio with us. She made us feel as if she had been our teammate for years. I assume some of us will be flying up to the Northwest very soon.
Anyways in ending, I would personally like to thank Goodie & her mom for sharing her with us, from all of us here at CCD. In the sport of roller derby it is easy to feel left behind or as we say here “left out to dry in the desert” and move onto something easier. Goodie TwoSkates you are different, with people like you in this sport we will always have a sister to pick us up and get us on our feet. As best said by Goodie herself, “We are all spiritually connected now.” So to our sister in the Rat Lab we thank you from the bottom of our derby hearts, we love you and yes we already miss you!!! Thank you for your time and energy and love of derby that you left in us, it was a privilege. Keep on skating the parks, turning enemies into friends and smiling and laughing cause it’s who you are. View pictures>
P.S. Now go win Nationals!!!!!!
– Deloyed Landreth, aka. “Coach Bombshell” (Head Coach: CCD SUCIAS!)