Category Archives: Dead Girl Derby

Coed League, Dead Girl Derby, Featured Skaters, Interviews

Featured Dead Girl – September 2014

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Our Featured Dead Girl for September is
Fire Wyer of the Untouchables!

Name: Fire Wyer
Teams: Untouchables, Fountain City Travel Team, MADE in USA
Number: 88
Position(s): Bump, Jammer, Pivot
Seasons with Dead Girl Derby: 4

How did you discover Dead Girl Derby?
“Honestly, I was debating on KCRW for years and would never get the courage to just do it. I grew up skating and my dad was a huge part of my skating days and he wanted me to do derby. He passed away 10-3-10, and about a week later I found out about DGD and thought, “what the heck, I guess I will go watch a practice.” I felt like it was home the first night and felt like my dad has led me there!”

Explain the origin of your derby name.
“This was probably the hardest thing about derby. I spent many nights trying to figure this out. I knew I was getting married and I really wanted to use my maiden name in my derby name (Wyer). I threw around Barb Wyer, Live Wyer, Wyer Hang-her, and they were all taken on the register. Colin Mayhem (former DGD announcer) said, “Hey you should be Fire Wyer.” Well, it stuck! So there you have it.. FIRE WYER! 88 has always been my favorite number, and when I raced go-karts it was my number.”

Who inspires you on the track?
“I have so many… I really want to be just like Badonka Boom when I grow up! I also admire Texas Outlaw because I saw her come to recruitment the first night and didn’t have a clue how to stand on skates (love you), and within the same season she was jamming! Super amazing transformation. Ally Cap-One is another girl that has always tried to keep me in line. As a teammate, she would always be there to make sure I was keeping my cool and bring me down to earth if I would happen to travel away, and now as a coach, she is there once again to keep me skating a straight line!”

How has roller derby changed your life?
“I would have to say derby has really has taught me what teamwork really means. I have met some of the best friends I could have met! Its taught me to allow myself to have me-time, settle down, and take care of myself.”

What is it about roller derby that brings out the best in Fire Wyer?
“It really allows me to be ME. I can just cut loose and be myself. I love to belt out at the top of my lungs and sing whatever song is in my head. I can’t carry a tune and I sound like crap, but I don’t care. It has allowed me to come out of my comfort zone. Before derby, I would have NEVER dressed like this! I get to just do whatever my heart allows me to do. THATS FIRE WYER — be who I want to be.”

To see more of Fire Wyer and all the Dead Girls in action, visit our photo albums on Smugmug, like us on Facebook, and check out our newly-launched Pinterest and Instagram pages.

Coed League, Dead Girl Derby, General derby, Zombie league

Zombie/Coed Championships

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Tomorrow night — Sunday, September 7 — Dead Girl Derby‘s Zombie and Coed leagues will hold their first-ever championship games at B&D Skate Center in Independence.


Click for the Facebook event page.

And there’s a lot going on, so you won’t want to miss this last chance to see your Dead Girls (and Guys) in action — literally. Tomorrow night’s games will be the very last ones under the name Dead Girl Derby. Starting Monday, September 8, the name officially changes to Fountain City Roller Derby, and a brand new era of flat track awesomeness begins.

Doors open at B&D at 5:00 p.m., first whistle is at 5:30. Adults are $10, kids ages 6-12 are $5, and monkeys ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge.

And now, the previews.

Black Plague vs. Gang Green

The Plague has pretty well dominated the Green for most of 2014. Their wins in March and May were decided; we’re told their dominance in scrimmages was likewise; and many believe the Green’s win over the Plague on June 22 was at least partially the result of some major changes in the game-day rosters. Black Plague was missing some of its best blockers due to injuries and various things, and Gang Green snagged a few ladies from DGD’s house teams to fill out their roster that night too, not the least of whom was the fearsome Rebel Yelle of the Shotgun Sheilas, who can be counted on to make a difference no matter where you put her.


Yeah, you’re on your own.

But here’s where this gets really interesting: Coach Arp has informed KC Derby Digest that both the Plague and the Green are down to about six players each for various reasons most likely related to injuries and/or impending medical examinations that come with the territory in a sport like this.

As a result, the other eight-or-so roster spots on both teams will be filled by various veterans from the DGD house teams, which effectively makes this game less Plague vs. Green and more veteran mash-up. All bets are effectively off. While we haven’t seen Gang Green‘s game day roster just yet, we can tell you that if it looks anything like the Plague’s roster, this could be one of the most exciting bouts of the season, and you should under no circumstances miss the opportunity to see such a unique event.

Bottom line, we’re not picking a winner for the Black Plague vs. Gang Green championship bout because frankly, we haven’t seen these two particular teams play before in their current forms. Studying rosters side-by-side is futile. It’s all going to come down to strategy and teamwork, and we can’t wait to see how it goes down.

The Untouchables vs. The Public Enemies

We do love our coed league. Not only is it the only one of its kind in Kansas City, it’s also fascinating to see the chemistry and differing strategies employed by the ladies and gents as they work side-by-side.

But let’s be honest about one thing: the Untouchables really have been untouchable this season, and no one knows this better than the formidable Public Enemies, a team I wouldn’t want to play against on my best day. Truly, the PE’s 0-3 record against the UTs this year isn’t the result of a bad team losing out to a good team. It’s the result of a bad-ass team losing to a monstrously bad-ass team, which is what fans really pay to see anyway.


That, and they look good.

The Untouchables have beaten the Public Enemies in all three games this season by a total score of 213-111, with an average margin of victory of about 31 points per game. They will be skating tomorrow night without the legendary Jamalamadingdong, who is in Sacramento this weekend playing with the Kansas City Roller Warriors in the WFTDA Division 1 playoffs. We at KC Derby Digest steadfastly believe that no team is one player, however, and we’re not aware of any other roster changes taking place between these two teams (we’ll update if we hear of any).

Because of this, we’re predicting an Untouchables win by 25 points. The UTs might miss Donger’s terrifying jamming firepower in the beginning, but they’ll step up and fill the void, because that’s what they do. Look for both of these teams to bring everything they’ve got as they wind down the 2014 season in just under 24 hours.

Join us tomorrow night at B&D Skate Center for the final Zombie/Coed league championship games under the Dead Girl Derby moniker. Roll on, Kansas City!

Dead Girl Derby, Featured Skaters, Interviews

Featured Dead Girl – August 2014

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Our Featured Dead Girl for August is 10acious V!

Name: 10acious V
Teams: The Royal Pains
Number: BAMF
Position(s): Jammer, Pivot, Blocker
Seasons with Dead Girl Derby: 3

How did you discover Dead Girl Derby?
“I really wanted to do roller derby and I found DGD online. I attended their championship games to see what it was all about, and I was hooked. I came to recruitment night and the rest is history.”

Explain the origin of your derby name.
“I got my name from Tenacious D and changed it around to make it more ‘girly.’ I thought it was really funny. I was torn between choosing 10acious V or BAMF as my name, so I was pretty excited when I found out I could use BAMF as my number.”

Who inspires you on the track?
“I am so inspired by my team! They never quit and always give everything they have for our team. They are all so amazing and it is an honor to skate with them. Coach Kentner pushes me to be better and makes me believe I can be better. Coach Arp is the most encouraging coach in the world! He always knows what to say to pump you up and makes you believe in yourself. My husband Chad is my biggest fan and his belief in me pushes me to become the best skater I can be.”

How has roller derby changed your life?
“Roller derby has been amazing for me! It has made me embrace my inner athlete and become a healthier person. Roller derby makes my soul happy and no matter what happens in my day, I know that I can go to practice and skate it out. I also cherish the new friendships that I have found in my derby family.”

What is it about roller derby that brings out the best in 10acious V?
“Playing derby has made me more tenacious than ever. I have learned that no matter how tired you are there is always something more you can give. I love the adrenaline rush of playing and the mental challenges of the game. It makes me feel alive!”

To see more of 10acious V and all the Dead Girls in action, visit our photo albums on Smugmug, like us on Facebook, and check out our newly-launched Pinterest and Instagram pages.

Dead Girl Derby, Interviews, News

The Return of Pippi Strongblocking

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In May 2013, the legendary Pippi Strongblocking of the Shotgun Sheilas was diagnosed with breast cancer after a chance trip to the hospital following concussive injuries at a charity bout.

In the months that followed, the outpouring of support for our girl Pippi melted the hardest of derby hearts. Monies were raised. Awareness was raised. And in the early stages of 2014, our spirits were raised as it was announced that Wendy, the whimsically-named tumor that had invaded all our lives and threatened one of our finest, had been crushed utterly.

Pippi Strongblocking is cancer-free, and this weekend, she makes her return to the flat track for Dead Girl Derby‘s 2014 championship game.


“Me, worry?”

As usual, we caught up with some of her teammates and friends to get their thoughts.

So sayeth Coach Wyatt:

“This Saturday will be the first game that Pippi has skated in 15 months with the Shotgun Sheilas. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2013, it was a blow to everyone in the league. But, as I knew she would, she battled and destroyed every bit of cancer. The second she was released to skate, she was skating. When she was released for contact, she was scrimmaging. Pippi has done a lot of training, on and off skates, to get back into shape.

We have an amazingly deep bench with amazing skaters and she has had to work her ass off to earn her spot back. In the absence of Pippi, the team was forced to find themselves without her and I am damn proud of every single girl on my roster. Aneeda Hurtcha stepped up into some big shoes, and in my opinion, filled every single inch of them. Now with Pippi back in the lineup, we will see what happens. There is no denying that she is the heart of the Sheilas; she is a leader on and off the track. She brings an intensity and calmness to the track that it hard to describe. I am extremely excited for the game on Saturday to see how my Shelias do against the very talented Royal Pains. It is sure to be one hell of a battle. PFIST! ”

So sayeth Aneeda Hurtcha:

“I have had the immense pleasure of having Pippi be my teammate and friend for four seasons of roller derby. She has one of the most kind and peaceful souls I have ever known and I trust and respect her tremendously. Pippi has always been a calming presence for me while on the track and words can not express how happy I am to have my Pippi back.”

So sayeth Hittie Kittie:

“When I found out Pippi had cancer, I was devastated. The whole team was just shaken to their core. The league was utterly shocked. Her battle was no easy journey, but she came through it all victoriously. Taking the track with her on Saturday for the championship game is both an honor and a dream come true. The Sheilas have their heart back. We were never the same team without her. If cancer can’t stop us, nothing can! We are Sheila Strong!”

Pippi Strongblocking and the Shotgun Sheilas will face the Royal Pains tomorrow night at Kemper Arena for the 2014 Dead Girl Derby championship. Click the banner above for the Facebook event page. Doors open at 5:00, games begin at 6:00.

Dead Girl Derby, General derby, House games, News

The 2014 Dead Girl Derby Championships

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Derby fans, this Saturday night marks more than one very special occasion in the world of Kansas City roller derby, and even the most casual fans of the sport won’t want to miss this one. Not only is it the 2014 Dead Girl Derby championship games — not only is it the very last house event under the name Dead Girl Derby before they transition over to the Fountain City moniker — but perhaps most importantly, it marks the return of the great Pippi Strongblocking to the flat track after her enormously successful fight against breast cancer.

We will have much more on the return of Pippi Strongblocking later this week. For now, let’s turn our attention to the games themselves.


Click for the Facebook event page.

Deadly Sirens vs. Lovely Lethals

The first contest of the evening is a grudge match between the Deadly Sirens and the Lovely Lethals, two teams with tremendous talent who have struggled to bring things together the last couple of seasons, and that’s really all you can say about it. It’s a phenomenon we affectionately refer to as the Reverse Bumblebee Effect.

For decades, you see, scientists were confounded by the fact that bumblebees were able to fly, given their measly wingspan and wing mass vs. body weight. Physics allegedly told us they shouldn’t be able to get off the ground at all. Although that mystery has since been solved, the Sirens and the Lethals have the exact opposite problem: for all appearances, they have everything in the world going for them, but for the most part, haven’t been able to maintain flight.

The Lovely Lethals, in particular, were only able to muster 19 points against the Royal Pains last month and 14 points against the terrifying Shotgun Sheilas back in February. The Deadly Sirens have come about as of late and nearly took down the Sheilas last month, eventually dropping that one 78-70.

Given the apparent resurgence we’re seeing from the Ladies in Teal, we’re predicting a Deadly Sirens win by about 12 points. Expect that, but don’t expect it to be easy; historically, the Lovely Lethals remain one of the most dangerous teams this young league has ever seen, recent troubles notwithstanding, and they have a tendency to bring it when it really counts. This season’s grudge match should be a fantastic one.

Royal Pains vs. Shotgun Sheilas

No one could have been surprised when the Royal Pains, defending Dead Girl Derby champions, began the season with a bang and a 27-point win over the Deadly Sirens. The Purple Passion has been practically unstoppable the last couple of seasons, and 2014 looks to be more of the same.

Likewise, the Shotgun Sheilas have been terrorizing the flat track in this town since before they were even called the Shotgun Sheilas. They went undefeated for about two calendar years and still haven’t lost a game to anyone other than the Royal Pains since mid-2011. They lost the 2013 championship game to the Pains in a bit of a shocker last season, and you can bet they’ll be looking to change things up as the season comes to a close this weekend.

Things to consider:

  • The Royal Pains beat the Shotgun Sheilas in their only match-up this season back on April 19th, final score 39-34.
  • Pippi Strongblocking is back for the Sheilas, and she’s always a major factor.  The Sheilas are at full strength and have no players out on injury.
  • Lone Rager and Lady Killshot, major defensive and offensive powers, respectively, won’t be playing with the Pains this weekend.
  • Last month, the Sheilas nearly lost to a Deadly Sirens team that’s only beaten the Lovely Lethals for the last couple of seasons.

Nobody said calling this one would be easy.

All things considered… we’re predicting a Royal Pains win by 4 points.  That’s it.  It’s hard to imagine the point spread being any greater than that, but it is, on the other hand, quite easy to see this one coming down to the very last jam. These two incredible teams are both poised to become the first ever two-time Dead Girl Derby champion — that’s right, it’s never happened before — and while we’re giving the edge to the Pains, this final game of 2014 could easily be decided by the smallest of factors, given the caliber of teams we’re dealing with. If you’re not excited for this year’s championship game, you just haven’t been paying attention.

Doors at Kemper Arena open at 5:00. First whistle is at 6:00. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6-12, and ragamuffins ages 5 and under are admitted free.

As always, you can follow our Twitter feed for scores and highlights as the games progress, as well as our Instagram page for a behind-the-scenes look at Dead Girl Derby on bout night. Whatever you do, don’t miss the 2014 championship games at Kemper this Saturday night. This one is definitely shaping up to be one of the best yet.

Dead Girl Derby, Junior Derby, KCRW

This weekend’s events

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Are you ready for some derby action this weekend? As always, we know where to find it. Plus, you’ll have the chance to support one of your favorite leagues as they fund their travel team’s endeavors for the remainder of the 2014 season.

KCRW Junior Derby and Alumni Bout

Now get this. Sunday afternoon at 2:30, Starry Fright and Rolling Thunder of the Kansas City Roller Warriors Junior Derby league square off in their second bout of the season. These little ladies duked it out last weekend in St. Joseph with Rolling Thunder coming out on top in a pretty hard-fought battle, but Sunday is a new day.


Click for the Facebook event page.

Then, KCRW alumni take the track for their first bout in who-knows-how-long, some of them. Retired veterans like Strawberry Cutthroat and Rita Ploy are returning for this 2014 alumni bout that begins immediately following the Juniors. Doors open at Winnwood Skate Center at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, first whistle at 3:00. Tickets are $8 at the door. Don’t miss this truly unique event!

Dead Girl Derby Coed Nationals
Team Car Wash & Bake Sale

Also Sunday afternoon, from 2:00 until 5:00, Dead Girl Derby‘s Coed Nationals team is hosting a car wash and bake sale to fund the team’s travels for the 2014 season.


Click for the Facebook event page.

It’ll be held at the Fast Stop at 945 S. 55th Street in KCK. Do stop by and get your ride warshed and spiffed up while you snack on God only knows what whipped up in the kitchens of some of the league’s best baking experts. We had the pleasure of dropping by the Lovely Lethals car wash/bake sale last summer and put on at least a couple pounds while we were there, so it’s worth the trip to KCK for that alone. Plus, you’ll be helping the coed team make Nationals.

Thanks for supporting Kansas City roller derby. Roll on!