WFTDA NORTH CENTRAL RIVAL KICKS OFF NEW CAMPAIGN!

by the Grand Poobah

In Indianapolis, the event is billed “Cupid Strikes Back.”

For St. Louis’ finest on quads, they would prefer to leave the Hoosiers heartbroken.

The ARRG All-Stars begin their 2011 travel campaign this Saturday in Indianapolis to battle the NAPTOWN TORNADO SIRENS at the Indiana Convention Center (100 South Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN).

The event – part of a two-bout doubleheader with the STLGatekeepers men’s derby franchise facing the Race City Rebels – is the first to be held at the new facility in downtown Indianapolis.

For the pink and black attack, they would prefer a season that launches with a nod to Valentine’s Day rather than Groundhog’s Day.

Last year, the ARRG All-Stars’ record was marked by more thorns than roses. Although the effort was there, at times (and those from within might agree) ARRG became its own worst enemy. In numerous bouts last season, costly penalties resulted in powerjam situations that became fatal to St. Louis’ finest.

And we all know that at the WFTDA all-star level, things like that just can’t happen.

To its credit, ARRG scheduled some very solid competition in 2010, which made its 4-12 record somewhat misleading. Yet, some winnable bouts did slip away from them.

Lessons learned…and expect that to be the catalyst for a newfound attitude this season.

A revamped line-up with familiar names punctuates the ARRG roster. Last year’s leading scorer Artemischief returns to her familiar jammer spot. She’ll be joined by the returning Starry Starry Fight, EnYa Nightmare, who moves up from the St. Lunachix, and South City Shiner, who should be back after a small injury setback.

Supplementing the jammer rotation will be Black Market Baby and Morgan LaFaetal, who each return for their second All-Star season, as well as St. Lunachix call-up Mighty Mighty Boston.

A wealth of depth is found in the blocking schematic. ARRG 2010 MVP Eli Wallop will be joined by All-Star vets Chewblocka and Mayor Francis Slayer. Smarty McFly gets to leave the laptop at home and returns as blocker after a successful comeback from injury the year prior. The Educator, Downtown Dallis, Punches PileUp, The Bevo Kill and Party Foul all have multi-year travel experience (as well as jamming credentials) to add to the equation.  They’ll be joined by talented newcomers Beatn-Chix Kiddo and Shimmy Hoffa.

And a trio of multi-specialists from the St. Lunachix returns to familiar territory. Welcome back, Joanie Rollmoan, Science Friction and the Siege – all three former All-Stars.

And to contribute, extra-added personnel will assist on the sidelines.

Magnum P.I.M.P., who served as bench coach for the ARRG All-Stars in their breakthrough 2009 season, returns to the fold. Hi-Refinition – who arguably witnessed more WFTDA action up-close than any other St. Louisian in 2010 – and High Pains Drifter, a veteran official who also skates with the STLGatekeepers, will also serve as bench coaches.

Expect All-Star blocking vet Grave Danger – currently sidelined with injury – to also assist on the benches.

The foundation here is solid all around. It’s a promising line-up…one that can make the inconsistencies of 2010 a distant memory.

But don’t expect this group to come in with a chip on its shoulder. A win won’t come easy – the undefeated team that they face this Saturday continues to impress those within and outside the Circle City.

Naptown's Amooze-Booche

Naptown (3-0) experienced unprecedented highs in 2010, which included an inaugural trip to the WFTDA North Central Regional last September. The Tornado Sirens defeated ARRG 119-70 in the consolation bracket. Naptown went on to finish sixth at the regionals.

Naptown began their recent travel season with a 103-99 win over Maine in October 2010. Then following 127-72 victory over the Chicago Outfit in December, the Tornado Sirens silenced in-state rival Ft. Wayne 103-77 on January 15.

Look for the Siren’s Blazin’ Ace, Willa Hoeflinch and Amooze-Booche to “don the star” often at the jammer position. All are very solid offensive threats for Naptown.

The overall series between the two squads is even at 1-1. Prior to the 2010 loss, ARRG bested Naptown 93-61 on March 21, 2009 in Indianapolis.

The ARRG All-Stars would like to start the new season with a big victory. The trip is not that far for ARRG Nation. And with the STLGatekeepers in the evening’s opener against the Race City Rebels, the time is oh so right for a Gateway City sweep….

…and if a few arrows get broken in the process, then so be it.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WILL TRAVEL….

A fixture of last year’s bout previews for the ARRG All-Star’s travel bouts was to feature the forecast of a local meteorologist from the city ARRG is visiting. In this setup, I didn’t necessarily go with the chief meteorologist of a visiting station.

Instead, I wanted to find a “doppler-ganger” who was….well, interesting to me. So for this article, we feature the forecast of WRTV-6 meteorologist Julia Sandstrom, who on her spare time is a certified Ashtanga yoga instructor and has a German Shepherd named Barron Von Barken, that I’m sure chews the ashtanga outta any nearby coffee table. Congrats Julia, your station gets a few extra clicks from us because you’re honest! GO HERE FOR THE LATEST CIRCLE CITY WEATHER FORECAST.

Full coverage of this weekend’s bout will be featured in the news section next Monday.

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2011 Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news and information.

DEMO BOUTS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY & SUNDAY

by the Grand Poobah

(ST. LOUIS, MO) For the second year in a row, St. Louis’ hottest on eight wheels will join the nation’s hottest on four wheels.

The Arch Rival Roller Girls will make a return to the St. Louis Auto Show, to be held this Thursday through Sunday at the America’s Center and the Edward Jones Dome (701 Convention Plaza, Downtown St. Louis.)

The ladies of ARRG will participate in demonstration bouts this Saturday and Sunday at the following times:

Saturday, January 29 – 2 pm & 7 pm

Sunday, January 30 – 12 pm & 4 pm

Don’t let the term “demo” fool you. ARRG will still perform at their full-throttle best. As St. Louis’ derby faithful already know for the last five years, ARRG athletes only perform at two speeds – “on” and “off.”

After the bouts, feel free to meet your favorite roller girls and get to know more about St. Louis’ fastest-growing athletic alternative.

The ARRG demo bouts are free with paid admission to the 2011 St. Louis Auto Show. Daily admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 get in free.

The St. Louis Auto Show- the largest automobile event in the St. Louis area – features more than 500 new cars, trucks, SUVs and concept vehicles from over 25 manufacturers.

Also featured this year will be the first St. Louis appearance of the 2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, EcoCity – an indoor feature area that spotlights alternative fuel vehicles, a special “Ladies’ Day” on Friday, January 28, an appearance by 2009 NHRA Funny Car World Champion Robert Hight, the Harley-Davidson Divas and so much more!

To find out more about the 2011 St. Louis Auto Show and for a schedule of events CLICK RIGHT HERE!

ST. LOUIS’ HEC-TV SPOTLIGHTS ARRG

Recently, the derby-lovin’ folks at St. Louis’ HEC-TV (Higher Education Channel) visited the All-American Sports Mall and reported on the ladies of ARRG.

Produced by longtime St. Louis producer/critic Aaron Mermelstein, “Heads of Skate” is a 5-minute feature that encapsulates the sights and sounds of bout night.

To see the feature (and I know you’ll like it), CLICK RIGHT HERE!

STL SPORTS ZONE FEATURES ARRG

While we’re giving back the love, we should also acknowledge the support of “STL Sports Zone” heard Thursday nights from 6-7 pm on “590 The Fan” KFNS-AM. Hosts Randy Gardner and Gary B. interviewed the ladies of ARRG -as well as the STL Gatekeepers men’s roller derby franchise – on January 13.

To find out more about “STL Sports Zone” and its list of upcoming guests, CLICK RIGHT HERE!

We appreciate the continued support!

NEXT WEEK IN THE ARRG NEWSLETTER: THE ARRG ALL-STARS RETURN! Their first big battle of the 2011 WFTDA season is right around the corner in a February 5th match-up against Naptown of Indianapolis, IN, who upended ARRG at the 2010 North Central Regional. Revenge is on the minds of the pink and black attack, who come with a fully re-loaded line-up. We’ll meet the 2011 All-Stars and preview their opponents.

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2011 Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this area on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news and information.

PLUS, A LOOK AT LEAGUE SCORING HEADING INTO PLAYOFFS

by the Grand Poobah

(ST. LOUIS, MO) The playoff picture is in place for the 2011 Arch Rival Roller Girls’ championship scramble.

Top-seeded Rebel Skate Alliance (3-0) will face the fourth-seeded M-80s (0-3) while the second-seeded Smashinistas (2-1) battle the third-seeded Stunt Devils (1-2) in the playoff’s opening round on Saturday, February 12 at the All-American Sports Mall.

Regular season records determined the seedings for the post-season. The results from these bouts will determine the pairings for the next round of the playoffs in March.

Winners from the February bouts will face each other on Saturday, March 12 while squads who suffered defeats in February will duel.

At the conclusion of the March bouts, one team will finish with a playoff record of 2-0, two teams will finish with 1-1 records and one team will finish 0-2.

The team that finishes 2-0 will automatically advance to the league’s championship bout in April. They will face the 1-1 team that has the greater point differential from their two bouts played. The 1-1 team with the lesser point differential will face the squad that finished the playoffs 0-2 in the league’s third place bout.

Regardless of seed, any one of the four ARRG teams could potentially raise the championship trophy in April.

The first big stride in that quest takes place on Saturday, February 12.

2011 ARRG SCORING LEADERS

(Official statistics courtesy of ARRG. Thanks, Hi Refinition and NSOs!)

1. Smarty McFly (RSA) 154
2. Downtown Dallis (Smashinistas) 141
3. Artemischief (Stunt Devils) 115
4. EnYa Nightmare (M-80s) 91
5. Starry Starry Fight (RSA) 88
6. Party Foul (RSA) 80
7. The Educator (Smashinistas) 74
8. Mighty Mighty Boston (Stunt Devils) 71
9. Morgan LeFaetal (Stunt Devils) 67
10. May Require Stitches (M-80s) 52

Poobah’s take: Re-shuffling in the league has resulted in a very interesting and unexpected Top 10 heading into the post-season. Although she’ll credit her blockers, McFly is one of the comeback stories of 2011 following an injury-plagued season last year. McFly has scored 126 points in her last two bouts.

Dallis scored 67 in December 2010 and has provided a solid offensive punch for the Smashies heading into the playoffs. Artemischief- arguably ARRG’s most consistent scorer – netted 48 in the season opener.

Nightmare scored a personal best of 60 last bout. Her totals have helped the M-80s stay competitive. Starry’s total - which coincidentally matches her jersey number - provides a level of consistency to the powerful scoring trifecta at jammer for RSA. Party Foul’s tally was from only two bouts. Think of how the complexion of the Top 10 could have changed with a third bout played.

Educator has rebounded effectively after being held to one lone point at the season opener. The Stunts’ Boston and LeFaetal have had breakthrough second seasons. Stitches was held to six last bout due to injury, yet has set the benchmark in rookie scoring.

2011 ARRG TRIVIA NIGHT A SUCCESS!

Over 250 players competed at the third annual ARRG trivia night, held Saturday in Maplewood.

The event raised funds to help the league in its operational costs for 2011.

The top two scoring teams took home cash prizes, silent auction participants walked out with a bevy of booty, and one lucky individual matched a 50/50 raffle ticket worth over $900.

The Arch Rival Roller Girls thank everyone who competed and volunteered at this year’s event. Your support of the league is greatly appreciated!

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2011 season of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news and information. 

PLAYOFFS SEEDINGS UP FOR GRABS IN DUEL BOUTS!

by the Grand Poobah

Happy New Year from the Arch Rival Roller Girls!

This Saturday at the All-American Sports Mall, ARRG reaches the halfway point of what has already been an exciting season of women’s flat track roller derby mayhem.

And as we conclude the first week of the new calendar year, each ARRG intraleague squad will plan on sticking to their team’s “new year’s resolution.”

The resolution? “We resolve to win every bout we play the rest of the year.”

There’s plenty of cause to stick to it. The outcomes of Saturday’s doubleheader determine the seedings in next month’s playoff scramble.

Saturday’s first bout features the undefeated Rebel Skate Alliance (2-0) as they battle one of ARRG’s legacy teams, the M-80s (0-2).

In the other match-up, two-time defending ARRG champions the Stunt Devils (1-1) face the Smashinistas (1-1) in a battle of teams jockeying for the second seed, if not potentially the top seed.

Rebel Skate Alliance – ARRG’s expansion franchise – has already exceeded expectations this season. Last month, RSA upset the Stunt Devils 86-83 in a bout that went down to the final jam.

RSA's McFly

RSA co-captain Smarty McFly had a career night, posting 50 points in the victory, while Starry Starry Fight added 21.

More importantly, the “Rolling Rebs” were able to modify pre-bout strategies without the services of multi-specialist Party Foul, who became ill mere hours before the opening whistle.

This resulted in jammer runs for blockers Chewblocka and The Bevo Kill, who performed with the tenacity expected by veterans. Blockers Domme E. Nation, Rock Steady, Stabby McCutcha and Sue She had solid efforts with the additional track time logged.

Once again, ARRG’s newest team executed like a veteran team. It resulted in victory that sent shockwaves throughout the league.

Conversely, the M-80s had a result in December that they would rather forget.

Upended 131-59 by the Smashinistas, the “firecrackers on quads” once again felt the effects of two factors that had plagued them at the 2010 season opener: injuries and penalties.

Reduced to a line-up of only ten skaters, those who could skate often found themselves in situations where they were outgunned – a direct result of too many ladies in red sitting in “the sin bin” at inopportune times.

M-80s' Stitches

A bright spot for the M-80s was the offensive output of rookie jammer May Require Stitches, who notched 24 points in her second ARRG bout. Black Market Baby contributed 15 while EnYa Nightmare added 11.

All three are going to have to play their smartest derby this Saturday against a defense that kept the high-powered Stunt Devil offense at bay last month.

There’s plenty of intrigue in this important battle. Can the RSA claim the playoff’s top seed by finishing the regular season undefeated? Can the M-80s outwit “ARRG’s smartest team” by putting them in situations unseen and ultimately throw the playoff seedings into a tailspin?

In Saturday night’s other match-up, we’ll see two teams that also experienced polar opposites of emotion in December.

The Stunt Devils saw a long streak come to an end with a 3-point loss to RSA. They had not lost a bout since August 2009.

And it seemed like they were ripe for pickin’ last month. The Stunts themselves found their roster depleted with injuries, both minor and major.

Jammers South City Shiner and Whipped Scream alongside blocker Grave Danger looked like a modern-day “Spirit of ’76″ re-enactment. The trio possessed enough physical hardware to make most metal detectors go haywire.

At press time, Shiner is scheduled to return to the line-up Saturday night, which will help dramatically.

Stunts' LeFaetal

But if she can’t go 100 percent, the jammer rotation should still be in capable hands. Morgan LeFaetal posted a personal-best 41 points last month while Artemischief netted her “normal” 35.

The defending champs are facing its most important battle this weekend – both internally and externally. Can they psychologically and physically rebound against the letdown experienced last month?

It won’t be easy – their opposition will be fully re-loaded.

The Smashinistas steamrolled to a 72-point margin of victory last month and evened its record.

More importantly, the camo-clad troops silenced naysayers that might have questioned the team’s uncharacteristic output the bout prior.

Smashies' Dallis

Things worked – and worked well – in the victory over the M-80s. Jammer Downtown Dallis notched an ARRG season-high 67 points while The Educator triumphantly returned to the scoring column, contributing 40 of her own.

If anything, this team exuded the confidence that had somewhat been missing in November -its execution was much more complete.

Although this match-up potentially features plenty of scoring on both sides of the column – this bout could be determined in the trenches – which could potentially favor the Smashinistas.

Expect to see Smashie blocker Eli Wallop to show why she is already a leading candidate to repeat as ARRG MVP. Punches PileUp continues to develop as a multi-positional specialist, as does rookie Shimmy Hoffa.

And look for Davey Blockit to put the swan song on a tremendous ARRG career before she migrates to the Empire State to tame black bears in the Adirondacks. She wants to leave the Gateway City with a “W.”

They’ll be challenged by the workhorses of the Stunts’ blocking schematic – led by Dannika Doom, Deathica Steele and Mayor Francis Slayer.

When Saturday’s final whistle blows, the winner will get a huge boost of momentum heading into the playoff’s opening round.

While you enjoy Saturday’s action, please visit ARRG’s charity raffle table and see what you could win. This season, ARRG’s charity raffles benefit Girls, Incorporated, with proceeds going towards the purchase of scholarships and athletic equipment for the local non-profit. Tickets are $1 apiece or six for $5. Remember, you can’t win if you don’t participate. And you’ll be helping out a good cause in the process.

Once again, you’re invited to continue the revelry at ARRG’s post-bout “after-party” – held at the Upper Deck, located upstairs at the All-American. Enjoy reduced drink prices, win prizes and hob-knob with your favorite ARRG athlete.

But for now, we resolve to bring to you this Saturday another exciting night of derby. And without a doubt, that’s a resolution that ARRG will keep.

We’ll see you Saturday night!

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in the section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news and information.