M-80s TOP STUNTS FOR TITLE – SMASHIES TAKE THIRD

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

(ST. LOUIS, MO) On a day designated “Arch Rival Roller Girls Day” in the City of St. Louis, the league hosted its 2012 Local Championships at Chaifetz Arena Saturday night.

In a set of battles that marked the first regulation bouts held within city limits, two squads utilized early scoring punches and strategic blocking to post impressive wins.

In the championship bout, the M-80s hoisted its first league trophy since 2008 following a 188-139 victory over the Stunt Devils. In the third place bout, the Smashinistas used second-half dominance to score a 220-100 win over Rebel Skate Alliance.

In all, it was a successful evening for the league in an event that saw its largest local audience ever.

CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT: M-80s 188 STUNT DEVILS 139

When the two squads last met in December 2011, the M-80s saw a pair of 20-point plus leads slip away in a four-point loss to the Stunts.

In the title bout at Chaifetz, the firecrackers on quads would not let history repeat itself as they quickly and dominantly built an advantage and maintained pressure in the first half’s first fifteen.

A one-point post by M-80s’ co-captain Black Market Baby was countered by Morgan LeFaetal’s two-pointer to give the Stunt Devils a 2-1 edge two jams in.

The M-80s regained the advantage with the next jam and never looked back – scoring 54 unanswered points with nine consecutive leads.

Nightmare

Black Market Baby’s four scored at 26:00 was followed by EnYa Nightmare’s 10-point strike to extend the M-80s’ advantage to 15-2. Another three scored from Munchausen by Foxy helped the ladies in red build an 18-2 edge.

The above three collectively added another 37 points in the next five jams. Highlighted by Foxy’s eight at 18:00 and BMB’s nine thereafter, the M-80s stretched their advantage to 55-2 with 14:00 left in the period.

Jammer Mighty Mighty Boston scored four for the Stunt Devils at 13:15 to break the scoreless stretch – a span that covered fourteen minutes thanks to stubborn M-80s blocking – to cut the deficit to 55-6.

Unhappy with Boston’s points collected, the M-80s went on a 28-0 rally two jams later. Black Market Baby’s 20 scored at 10:20 were followed by Nightmare’s four to give the M-80′s a 79-8 edge.

Shiner

The Stunts showed a small burst of energy as Boston scored 14 with 8:45 left to whittle the lead to 79-22.

BMB’s counterstrike collected 24 points for the M-80s, extending their lead to 103-22 with 7:00 left in the period. Nightmare added a pair of three-point jams thereafter to give the firecrackers their largest lead of the night – 84 points – in building a 109-25 advantage.

The Stunts would begin to turn momentum into their favor in the first half’s latter stretches, resulting in a 36-4 period ending run. Jammer South City Shiner collected nine with 3:45 left to cut the gap to 109-34. Artemischief’s four was followed by three from Boston to whittle the lead down to 109-41.

Siege and Danger battle

Shiner and the Stunts capitalized on a power jam in the first half’s finale. A 20-4 purple strike as time expired concluded the rally and made the M-80s uneasy. Once up by 84 points, the M-80s saw their lead whittled down to 113-61 at intermission.

The Stunt Devils, feeling confident from their late-period turnaround, posted the first points of the second half. Boston’s nine-pointer narrowed the lead to 113-69. Foxy countered for the M-80s on the jam, posting 11 and extending the M-80s’ lead to 55 points, 124-69 with 28:15 left.

Stitches helps shut down the Stunt offense!

Following a 3-3 stalemate, the M-80s blockers – which included May Require Stitches, Science Friction, The Siege, Rhino Might, Bareknuckle Smack, Sue Render, The Sound Of Violence and a host of others - again pulled the plug on Stunts scoring. Accented by the Nightmare’s 18-point power jam at 21:45, the M-80s went on a 22-0 run and extended their lead to 149-72.

As the half progressed, the M-80s kept the scoring freely flowing, maintaining a 175-85 advantage following Nightmare’s eight posted with 10:45 left.

Down by a ratio of 2-to-1 two-thirds into period, the Stunts would valiantly chip away at the large deficit. Shiner collected 18 at 8:45 to cut the lead to 179-105. The veteran added 17 points from a power jam with 4:30 left and narrowed the score to 187-124.

Boston netted a collective 11 points from two straight jams, cutting the M-80s lead to 188-135 with under 3:00 left. Shiner added four with the penultimate jam to narrow the deficit to 47 points.

But the large advantage built earlier in the half played to the M-80s’ favor. Black Market Baby gained lead on the title tilt’s final jam to prevent any late-bout drama and give the M-80s a 188-139 championship victory.

BMB topped M-80s scoring with 85 points unofficially, followed by 57 from Nightmare in her retirement bout.

The Stunt Devils – league runners-up for the second straight season – were paced by Shiner’s 71 points unofficially, followed by Boston’s 53.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING

M-80s: Black Market Baby 85, EnYa Nightmare 57, Munchausen by Foxy 46

STUNT DEVILS: South City Shiner 71, Mighty Mighty Boston 53, Artemischief 9, Morgan LeFaetal 6

THIRD PLACE BOUT: SMASHINISTAS 220 RSA 100

The Smashinistas found themselves in familiar territory on championship night. Returning to the third place bout for the second straight year, the camo-clad troops wanted to erase bitter memories of a fourth place finish in 2011.

High impact scoring from a trio of jammers resulted in an early lead for the Smashies.

Down 5-4 one jam in, the Smashinistas went on a run of points in the next five jams and built a 45-point lead.

Smashie rookie jammer Brickyard posted a ten-pointer at 26:10 to give her fellow troopers a 14-5 lead.  Downtown Dallis paced a 16-7 Smashie jam one rotation later that extended the lead to 30-12.

Dallis

After a four-point score from The Educator, Brickyard capitalized on a power jam, notched 18 points and drove up the Smashie advantage to 52-12 with 21:30 left in the half.

Dallis added a five-pointer on the next jam, finishing the eight-minute 53-7 Smashie run that extended their lead to 57-12 with 20:10 left in the period.

RSA’s Stabby McCutcha posted four points at 17:50 to gap to 41.

The Smashinistas continued to maintain control as the period progressed, thanks to the blocking schematic of Eli Wallop, Shimmy Hoffa, Shell Shoxx, The Forecloser, PolkaDot Yr Eyeout, Punches Pileup, Megalodominator and others. The camo-clad troops stretched their lead to 81-22 with 7:00 left in the period.

Hoffa and Forecloser hold RSA at bay!

RSA got the “mothership” back on track in the first half’s latter stages. Jammer Pink Diamond posted a four-pointer with 5:45 left to start the mini-rally. Back-to-back power jams from McCutcha and Diamond netted 16 points collectively and drew RSA closer, 82-42 with 3:05 left.

Scoring was almost even with the final two jams. At intermission, the Smashinistas possessed a 94-56 advantage.

A fast start was the game plan for the Smashies in the second period. Dallis got the scoring rolling with a 14-point power jam to extend the lead to 108-56. The Educator followed with a baker’s dozen to up the score to 121-60.

The Smashinistas kept the pressure on and extended the lead to 153-75 after Brickyard notched 13 points with 21:30 remaining. The margin would reach triple-digits after Dallis scored nine with 14:45 left that pushed the lead to 191-87.The Educator notched a 14-pointer down the stretch that extended the score to 219-96.

The Smashinista outscored RSA 126-44 in the second half to pick up the 120-point win and claim a third place finish in the league.

Unofficially, Dallis finished the bout with 89 points for the Smashinistas, followed by Educator’s 58 and Brickyard’s 57.

RSA – who finished fourth but should feel optimistic about future play due to the seasoning of youngsters and transfers that will build the squad internally once intraleague action resumes – was paced by McCutcha’s 50 points followed by Diamond’s 44.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING

SMASHINISTAS: Downtown Dallis 89, The Educator 58, Brickyard 57, Shimmy Hoffa 16

RSA: Stabby McCutcha 50, Pink Diamond 44, Party Foul 6

SEVEN SKATERS ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT AT FINALE

At the Chaifetz Arena event Saturday night, seven ARRG skaters played their final bouts with their respective local squads.

From the league champion M-80s, EnYa Nightmare, The Siege, Munchausen by Foxy and Sue Render finished their intraleague careers with a trophy hoist. Artemischief finished her six-year career in her final bout with the Stunt Devils. The Smashinistas’ Punches PileUp and Harsha Punishment announced their retirements as well.

Both Nightmare and Foxy will continue their interleague play with the Saint Lunachix this Saturday against the Bleeding Heartland Code Blue Assassins at Midwest Sport Hockey.

Congratulations to all seven for their commitment and dedication to ARRG and we wish them all the best in the future. Remember, once you’re a part of ARRG, you’ll always be a part of ARRG.

ADDITIONAL CHAIFETZ NOTES FROM THE POOBAH

Official attendance for the Chaifetz event was not available at press time. Although there is a healthy estimate for the amount of tickets sold in advance, speculating the exact head count would not be ethical and, in my case personally, probably not accurate. I would prefer the league to withhold that information until it is official. Let’s just say it easily topped amounts recorded previously.

Josh Wiese from the Office of the Mayor - City of St. Louis with the proclamation from Mayor Francis Slay designating April 28, 2012 as "Arch Rival Roller Girls Day" in the city!

Of course, the Chaifetz Event would have not been possible without the hard work of every member of the league. The building of this event began well before the end of 2011. If you were in attendance on Saturday, you saw firsthand that production levels can be brought up to a whole new level when given the resources. But it still takes the sweat equity to make these dreams become reality. The league should be very proud of its accomplishments on Saturday. Will it ever happen again? That remains to be seen, but at least for this one special night, it happened and there will be no regrets.

Acknowledgement goes to the staff at Chaifetz Arena for their cooperation prior to and during the event and to their audio/visual staff for the excellent coverage of the evening’s proceedings.

Special thanks to Mayor Francis Slay as well as Kara Bowlin and Josh Wiese from the Office of the Mayor-City of St. Louis for designating April 28, 2012 as “Arch Rival Roller Girls Day.” Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Kind words as well for our sponsors that continue to support the league. Your commitment to bringing womens flat-track roller derby to audiences will always be appreciated. From the Chaifetz Arena event, we acknowledge the support of Harrah’s Casino, Ranken Technical College, Lockton, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Rockstar Skates, TRX Tattoos, Mama Gustos, Halfway Haus, Boom Reactive, FroYo, Kama, Inc., The Zombie Squad and Miss Pin-Up St. Louis.

And of course, we thank you for being a part of history.

PROCLAMATION FROM FRANCIS G. SLAY, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, AT SATURDAY’S CHAIFETZ EVENT:

St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay- Photo credit: City of St. Louis

Whereas, in 2005, the Arch Rival Roller Girls began empowering women in St. Louis by giving them the opportunity to participate in the physically and mentally challenging, full contact sport of flat track roller derby; and

Whereas, in 2007, the Arch Rival Roller Girls became a member league of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the international governing body of the sport; and

Whereas, the Arch Rival Roller Girls is a player-owned and operated organization whose skaters and support staff are all volunteers; and

Whereas, volunteerism and service to the community of St. Louis has been a pillar of the Arch Rival Roller Girls organization since its inception as demonstrated by the monies raised and hours spent to support and benefit local non-profit organizations; and

Whereas, the 2012 Arch Rival Roller Girls local championship is the inaugural event held within in the City of St. Louis.

Now, therefore, I, Francis G. Slay, Mayor of the City of St. Louis, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2012 as:

“Arch Rival Roller Girls Day” in the City of St. Louis.

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM: April has come to a conclusion and ARRG’s “30n30″ reaches its conclusion. On Tuesday, the epilogue.

ARRG’s “30n30” is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (24) THE SMASHINISTAS (25) THE-M-80s (26) THE STUNT DEVILS (27) CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW (28) IN THEIR OWN WORDS (29) ARRG VS. BLEEDING HEARTLAND PREVIEW

PLUS, LAST NIGHT’S PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR SLAY

by Muckety Muck, Derby News Network Contributing Writer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

Editor’s note: Full bout recaps from last night’s 2012 ARRG Local Championships from Chaifetz Arena will be featured in this section on Monday, April 30.

There’s no rest for the weary as the Arch Rival Roller Girls return this weekend to Midwest Sport Hockey for travel team action.

Saturday night features WFTDA North Central region action as ARRG battles the teams from Bleeding Heartland Rollergirls of Bloomington, IN.

In the main event, the sixth-ranked ARRG All-Stars (3-1) face North Central #13 BHRG Flatliners (2-5) in WFTDA-sanctioned action. Prior to that match-up, the Saint Lunachix (3-0) face BHRG’s Code Blue Assassins (4-2) in the “b-team” opener.

The double header action takes place at Midwest Sport Hockey at Queeny Park (570 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO) Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first bout starts at 7 pm.

Tickets at the door are $15 cash only for adults. Children 10 and under are free. Save $3 on tickets in advance online at Brown Paper Tickets by going to this LINK RIGHT HERE.

Both bouts hold plenty of intrigue Saturday night, for there’s literally a lot at stake.

In the marquee bout, the All-Stars look to pick up their third victory in the region over a top 15 squad. After picking up wins over #10 Madison and #8 Cincinnati, ARRG was handed a 168-155 loss by #9 Ohio on March 11.

That loss stung the locals. A setback to a lower-ranked region rival resulted in a lot of mumblings in North Central derby circles. Was it just an “off-bout” for the locals or did people underestimate the Buckeyes?

Regardless, the pink and black attack had plenty to prove in their next bout, a non-regional match-up against South Central #16 Memphis on April 14. Still angry from the Ohio loss, ARRG went on a 46-0 tear off the bout’s onset and drilled the Tennesseans 238-29.

“I think we needed a confidence booster,” ARRG All-Star blocker Party Foul said after the win. “A lot of us took the loss to Ohio really hard, so we needed to win this one.”

“We wanted to come into this game and prove that we could play derby better than that,” added ARRG’s Shimmy Hoffa. “It was a chance for us to really work on our teamwork and put it all back together again and start fresh.”

Four ARRG jammers posted 40-plus points in the bout. Mighty Mighty Boston topped the ledger with 68 points while Black Market Baby collected 66. South City Shiner and Downtown Dallis scored 56 and 48, respectively.

“I saw things out of them tonight that I’ve never seen before,” said ARRG’s Chewblocka of the jamming quartet’s Memphis output. “I saw a lot of aggression, a lot of tight footwork and I saw them seize a lot opportunities.”

And although the scoring was impressive, the blocking was arguably the most solid aspect of the bout. The schematic that included May Require Stitches, Chewblocka, Grave Danger, the Educator, Science Friction, Shimmy Hoffa, Party Foul and the Oregon Betrayal were the true MVPs of the bout.

But just like one questioned ARRG’s performance in Ohio, one has to speculate about the Memphis bout. Was ARRG really that good or was Memphis really that lousy?

Perhaps that question can be answered Saturday against a hard-charging North Central squad that fared better against the team that thumped ARRG earlier this season.

If there’s something to be said about the #13 Bleeding Heartland Flatliners, it’s that they’re a scrappy bunch that has traditionally given teams in the lower half of the North Central top ten a run for their money.

Bleeding Heartland vet Kaka Caliente. Photo credit: BHRG

After popping North Central #21 Derby City by 144 points to start the season, the Flatliners took Ohio deep into their March 3 bout before suffering a 115-90 setback.

This would begin a stretch of four consecutive bouts against really tough competition that unfortunately netted four losses. The Flatliners were roughed up by East #4 Steel City, suffered a two-point “dagnabbit” against North Central #11 Grand Raggidy and were pinched by 30 points against Gotham Girls Roller Derby‘s b-team.

The Flatliners were able to use the lessons learned in the four-game stretch to pick up its second win of the season, a 252-161 win over East #12 Suburbia.

This past Sautrday night, BHRG faced North Central #7 Brewcity and only lost by two points, 145-143. That nailbiter proves that BHRG are more than ready to push the locals to the limit.

BHRG's Bombshell Shock - Photo Credit: BHRG

Veteran KaKa Caliente and youngster Nuck L. Sammie will pace the Flatliner jamming rotation. Look for blockers Bombshell Shock, Bobbi McGuillotine and Shock N’ Roll to lead the charge blocking-wise.

One intriguing aspect to Saturday’s main event: ARRG’s Party Foul skated with the Flatliners prior to joining St. Louis in 2010.

“I’ve seen their team make some great strides this year,” said Foul of her former franchise. “The travel team has changed a lot since I left, but what I do know is that they are a really smart team. I’m a little worried about that. They train with Naptown (Indianapolis) a lot and Naptown plays a lot of really weird derby.”

“Even though BHRG is a smaller league and don’t have a big pool of players to choose from, they play smart derby,” she adds. “We have to make sure that we counter their strategies.”

Foul knows that Saturday night will be a chance for her former Bloomington sistren to make a push for regional top ten status with a victory over sixth-ranked ARRG.

“I know that BHRG’s goal is to make the regional playoffs, so there really chugging hard,” she says.

Victories come few and far between in the perpetually shifting WFTDA North Central. A golden opportunity is there Saturday for one squad to make a statement.

Words will be spoken as well in our opener between the Saint Lunachix and the Code Blue Assassins.

ARRG’s b-team improved to 3-0 by dismantling the Southern Illinois Roller Girls 255-50 two weeks ago at Midwest Sport Hockey. In that bout, the Chix utilized a 53-0 run in the middle stretch of the first half to build a 151-18 cushion at intermission.

EnYa Nightmare posted 78 points in the win while Munchausen by Foxy and Morgan LeFaetal contributed 66 and 60, respectively.

“I think we did really well with our pack work, we kept our penalties low and our girls worked together well,” said Nightmare of the dominance. “We knew what we were getting into and we worked hard to continue that roll.”

Once again, blocking became the forefront of the methodology for ARRG as Rhino-Might, Deathica Steele,Ginny Beastley, Polkadot YrEyeout, Bareknuckle Smack, Shell Shoxx, Biohazard Betty, Eveready, Sue Render, the Oregon Betrayal and others kept Southern Illinois scoreless for long stretches.

Saturday night, the squad will face the Code Blue Assassins, a team that – with a few mulligans – could have been undefeated.

BHRG’s b-squad has victories over Killamazoo, Derby City and Ohio. Their losses include a four-point nailbiter to Naptown’s Warning Belles and a nine-point setback to Steel City’s Blitzburgh Bombers.

This past weekend, the CBA’s netted a 162-97 victory over the Brewcity Battlestars.

You can bet that the CBA’s will look to start PDQ. Thus, the Chix don’t want to play a game of CYA.

It’ll be a fun night of derby action, where the locals hope to sweep to remain undefeated at home in 2012 and the visitors from Bloomington wish to play spoiler.

NEW After-Party venue at Harrah's Casino!

Following Saturday’s bouts, ARRG invites you to its newest location for the official post-bout after-party during the travel team season, Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill at Harrah’s Casino in Maryland Heights.

The venue that bears the namesake of “The Red Rocker” – a St. Louis favorite – will have drink and food specials until close. Plus, it’s a chance to meet your favorite roller girl following the bouts.

Let’s keep the momentum from last night rolling by supporting the ARRG travel teams as the year progresses.

We’ll see you at Midwest Sport Hockey Saturday night!

PROCLAMATION FROM FRANCIS G. SLAY, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, AT LAST NIGHT’S CHAIFETZ EVENT:

St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay- Photo credit: City of St. Louis

Whereas, in 2005, the Arch Rival Roller Girls began empowering women in St. Louis by giving them the opportunity to participate in the physically and mentally challenging, full contact sport of flat track roller derby; and

Whereas, in 2007, the Arch Rival Roller Girls became a member league of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the international governing body of the sport; and

Whereas, the Arch Rival Roller Girls is a player-owned and operated organization whose skaters and support staff are all volunteers; and

Whereas, volunteerism and service to the community of St. Louis has been a pillar of the Arch Rival Roller Girls organization since its inception as demonstrated by the monies raised and hours spent to support and benefit local non-profit organizations; and

Whereas, the 2012 Arch Rival Roller Girls local championship is the inaugural event held within in the City of St. Louis.

Now, therefore, I, Francis G. Slay, Mayor of the City of St. Louis, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2012 as:

“Arch Rival Roller Girls Day” in the City of St. Louis.

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30”: The proclamation above from “hizzoner” punctuated a monumental day for the Arch Rival Roller Girls. The 2012 ARRG Local Championships provided plenty of action, excitement and drama for the largest crowd in league history. We’ll tell you what happened and how it happened. On Monday, a recap of Championship night!

ARRG’s “30n30” is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (24) THE SMASHINISTAS (25) THE-M-80s (26) THE STUNT DEVILS (27) CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW (28) IN THEIR OWN WORDS

HARD TO PICK FAVORITES IN EVENLY COMPETITIVE BOUTS

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell.

A special moment occurs tomorrow night.

I take that back. THE special moment occurs tomorrow night.

Saturday at 7 pm, the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby league – presents it 2012 Local Championships at Chaifetz Arena.

In the main event, the Stunt Devils (4-0) face the M-80s (3-1) for the league title.  Prior to that match-up, a third-place bout between the Smashinistas (1-3) and Rebel Skate Alliance (0-4) will be featured.

Advance tickets for the event are available at the Chaifetz Arena box office today until 5 pm. Advance tickets are $20 for floor seating/sitting (adults only), $15 for bowl seating and $6 for bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Tickets will be on sale Saturday at the box office from 10 am – 2 pm and when doors open at 6 pm. (Note: tickets will increase to $25 floor/$20 bowl seating adult at 6 pm Saturday.)

Whether you already have ticket in hand or plan to purchase Saturday, the Arch Rival Roller Girls would like to thank you – whether you’re a long-time follower of the league or a first-time watcher Saturday night – for being a part of what will no doubt be a special evening.

When founded in 2005, ARRG’s goal was to bring the athleticism, drama and beauty of roller derby to audiences that wished to enjoy an alternative. In its seven-year history, the league has presented its sport to thousands of derby fans.

And when presented in front of those who were not familiarized with the modern-day version of the sport, it did not take long for those with piqued curiosities to see what all the “buzz” was about in a positive light.

Why will Saturday night be special? Although the league has historically displayed its sport in various spaces within the county – from roller rinks to sport hockey courts, from convention halls to warehouses and from city streets to blacktopped parking lots – this specific event marks the first time that ARRG has held full-length regulation bouts in the city of St. Louis. To hold this event at St. Louis’ premiere athletic facility is the proverbial cherry on top.

If you are a long time fan of this hard-working league, we’ll have a few surprises in store tomorrow night in comparison to what we have done in the past. In this “once-in-a-leaguetime” opportunity, ARRG thought it would do its very best to entertain its largest home audience ever.

But let’s keep things in perspective for a moment. Tomorrow night’s event just doesn’t happen overnight. In ARRG’s case, this event is the culmination of work with seeds that were planted in 2005.

The athletes that you will see here tomorrow night have made the physical, financial and personal sacrifices to make this event a reality. The literal sweat equity involved to participate in this sport can never be quantified. Once you become a member of the Arch Rival Roller Girls, the involvement is truly a 24/7/365 commitment.

Simply put, the members of Arch Rival Roller Girls compete because they hold this sport true to their pink and black hearts.

Was the seven-year journey to reach this moment difficult? Absolutely. Was it worth every moment dedicated? Absolutely. It was good, bad and ugly. It had pleasure and pain. It had comedy and tragedy.

And for you – the spectator on Saturday – your relationship with ARRG and its athletes fits different classifications. The skater on the flat-track might be your spouse, partner or significant other. Perhaps she’s your daughter. Maybe, it’s your sister. There’s a chance that it could be your co-worker. She might be a close friend.

And there is the chance that it may be someone that you do not even know at all until you bought a ticket.

All the athletes, officials and staff that you will see on the flat track are residents of the bi-state area. It will literally be your community out there. And regardless of where your particular personal relationship falls, tomorrow night you will be a member of our family…the ARRG flat-track derby family.

In the end, we’re happy that you’ve come along for the ride.

A breakdown of tomorrow night’s double header at Chaifetz Arena:

ARRG 2012 CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

THE STUNT DEVILS (4-0) VS. THE M-80s (3-1)

A constant of the rich history of ARRG has been the long-time rivalry between the two squads featured in the main event. Their head-to-head match-up in the regular season was decided on the bout’s last jam after the period clock had expired.

Both squads exceeded early projections and steamrolled their way to the top two spots in the season standings.

The top-seeded Stunt Devils, league champions in 2009 and 2010, compete for the big brass ring following a runner-up finish in the 2011 finale. The primary roster from the season prior was held intact and youngsters gained valuable track time as this season progressed.

What is impressive about the Stunts is that there is plenty of depth to be found at multiple positions. The jamming rotation featured an impressive four-skater rotation that occupied four of the top ten spots in league scoring this season. Leading the way in Stunt scoring was ARRG All-Star jammer Mighty Mighty Boston, whose 187 points in four bouts placed her in the top three.

Complimented by Artemischief (164 points scored), South City Shiner (156) and Morgan LeFaetal (101), the Stunt jammers possess the knack to capitalize on the other team’s miscues. Bout-shifting power jams were a constant for this quartet. Expect any one of them to strike at any minute.

Up front is a solid core of veteran blockers and pivots, lead by ARRG veterans Mayor Francis Slayer, Grave Danger and Deathica Steele. The trio reached personal bests in minutes played while keeping the penalties down. Earlier this season, Slayer skated in every jam during a bout (that’s roughly 40:00 on the track hitting people, folks.)

Sophomores Schagyver, Hydrogen Bombshell and Biohazard Betty also contributed to the blocking schematic as well as newcomers Toe Stop Belevin’, Dollyrot N and Vod KaKnockers. Expect this half-dozen to play significant roles tonight.

After winning two titles in a row, a runner-up finish last year did not suffice for the ladies in purple. This squad is ready – and more than capable – to hoist its third championship trophy in four years tomorrow night.

However, there is a major red roadblock impeding their path. It’s a squad that very well could have finished the regular season undefeated and they look on getting their “red”-demption tomorrow night.

The M-80s showed signs of progress in their third place finish last season. One knew that the mix of veteran flat-trackers and spirited newcomers would give the league fits in 2011-12. Little did anyone realize just how powerful they would become.

The firecrackers on squads collectively outscored their opponents 626-490 in four bouts. This 154-point per bout average hit an ARRG historical benchmark which may never be surpassed. In short, sprinting point-for-point with the M-80s was a questionable methodology to have.

Leading the charge in the jamming rotation was league scoring champion Black Market Baby. ARRG’s 2010 Rookie of the Year recharged her batteries and exploded with 231 points in four bouts. The co-captain was not shy while wearing the star and one can expect her to go full-throttle tomorrow night.

EnYa Nightmare (169 points scored) and ARRG 2011 Rookie of the Year May Require Stitches (105) compliment the jamming rotation. And just like their opponents tonight, there are more who can don the star to add to the scoring punch. Co-captain Science Friction and Munchausen by Foxy have both posted 20-point jams in the season and could provide an unsuspected surprise.

If that wasn’t enough at the jammer stripe, there’s also youngster Rhino Might and M-80s’ vet The Siege to provide additional depth. All seven jammers mentioned will also take turns blocking. The blocking is supplemented by veteran Bareknuckle Smack and sophomores The Sound of Violence and Sue Render. Newcomers Blue Ridge Riot, The Ginger Assassin and Kimical Burn will also see minutes at Chaifetz.

When these two teams played last December, the Stunts on the final jam stole a 136-132 victory from the M-80s in a topsy-turvy battle that ARRG nation is still talking about five months later. Tomorrow night’s main event more than likely will feature the same dramatics.

It’s a good thing that this bout is played in the city. We’re a mere five minutes away from the Tums factory.

2012 ARRG THIRD PLACE BOUT

THE SMASHINISTAS (1-3) VS. REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (0-4)

A friendly word of advice: do not let the records of these two squads formulate any preconceived notions. Both have shown steady improvement throughout the local season and are more than capable of making a very bold statement in the third place bout.

League parity netted the Smashinistas a mark below .500 this season, but there was plenty of upswing to the portfolio. This squad does possess the veteran experience to propel them to victory.

At the forefront in scoring are veterans All-Stars Downtown Dallis and The Educator. Dallis finished second in league scoring (210 points in four bouts) and The Educator (156 points) returned to form. The duo will be complimented by newcomer Brickyard, who scored 40 in her ARRG debut in February’s post-season round.

Also look for jams from Smashie vets Boom Boom Pow and The Forecloser when they are not in the blocking rotation.

And speaking of blocking, there’s plenty to be found in that department as well. ARRG All-Stars Eli Wallop and Shimmy Hoffa lead the charge with additional help from veterans Punches Pileup, Polka Dot YrEyeout and Megalodominator as well as hard-chargers Shell Shoxx, Sly Davinita, Harsha Punishment and Mali Bruz Barbie.

On paper in last year’s third place bout, the Smashies seemed like a favorite to win. Alas, it never happened and they weren’t happy at all. Tomorrow night, they look for a quick strike early to show others how dominant they can be.

But in their path are defending league champion Rebel Skate Alliance, whose regular season was not too kind due in part to the amount of roster injuries amassed. Case in point, RSA co-captain and 2011 scoring champion Smarty McFly only skated a handful of times this season. To further drive home the point, the squad had to utilize unrostered skaters in order to field a team in the playoff round to avoid forfeiture.

If fielding a complete team in 2011-12, RSA would have been in fine shape. But while facing adversity perpetually this season, the squad found plenty of positives by skaters finding newfound responsibilities. As a result, eight different skaters took turns at jamming this season.

Despite the absence of McFly again tomorrow night, the Rollin’ Rebs have plenty of reasons to feel confident in the third place bout.

Jammer Stabby McCutcha paced RSA team scoring this season. The 20-point per bout average was a breakthrough for the 2011 Rookie of the Year runner-up. Co-captain Party Foul has always shown that she is a “cerebral skater.” Nothing flashy and nothing boisterous, Foul is capable of scoring 40 points when unexpected.

RSA has benefitted with newcomers to the league that have prior flat-track experience. Beaster Bunny (Windy City), Pink Diamond (CoMo Derby Dames/St. Chux Derby Chix) and Eveready (Southern Illinois) compliment the jamming rotation while simultaneously assist in blocking.

And blocking leads us to Chewblocka, the 2011 ARRG League MVP. If anyone doubted her victory last season, she has more than made a valid point for a repeat victory this season. The “Wookie” delivers consistently and will lead the charge upfront tomorrow night. She’ll be assisted by ARRG veterans Ginny Beastley and Bertha Venus as well as RSA newcomers The Oregon Betrayal, Eaux Baby, Duece Bomber and Warpath O. Jen.

Tomorrow night’s RSA starting line-up only features four returning starters from last year’s championship squad. The hard journey travelled this season has made this franchise internally stronger. And that passion and desire might be enough to potentially propel this team to victory.

When it comes to derby, always expect the unexpected. Both squads have shown plenty of effort this season. This one will more than likely come down to capitalization of the opponent’s mistakes.

Chaifetz Arena - Photo credit: SLU Athletics

Tomorrow night will see the league take its presentation up to a whole new level. Full sound and scoreboard video utilizing the full extent of Chaifetz’s audio/visual resources. A performance from SLU’s Bare Naked Statues will get the crowd pumped up with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. The ARRG Jeerleaders will have a special routine ready to go. Representatives from the City of St. Louis will be on hand with a special presentation to the league prior to the first whistle.

While you’re at Chaifetz Arena tomorrow night, make sure you stop by the official ARRG merchandise table and get that souvenir that will give you that reminder of what will be a monumental evening for this league. Plus, athletes will be appearing there to sign autographs as the evening progresses.

And you can put the capper on the evening of celebration at ARRG’s official post-bout after-party at the Firebird (2706 Olive St.) Fans will get in free to the after-party by presenting their ticket stub at the door. Fans who cannot make the Chaifetz Event can still attend the after-party with a $3 cover. Music, food and revelry will be a part of the festivities.

For Saturday updates throughout the day, check with ARRG’s official Facebook page.

In conclusion, tomorrow night is the most important event in the league’s seven-year history. And we’re grateful that you will be a part of it. We couldn’t wait for it to get here and when all is said and done, we know that it will always be remained etched in our collective memory. We have no doubt that you’ll remember it as well.

After all…history never repeats.

We’ll see you tomorrow night at 7 pm at Chaifetz Arena!

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: Championship Day! A simple question was posed to ARRG personnel: What will April 28 at Chaifetz Arena mean to you? We’ll get the direct statements that come from the heart. On Saturday, we look at “what Chaifetz means…in their own words.”

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (24) THE SMASHINISTAS (25) THE-M-80s (26) THE STUNT DEVILS

WIN SATURDAY RESULTS IN THIRD TITLE IN FOUR SEASONS

by Magilla Guerilla, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

THE ROAD TO CHAIFETZ – THE STUNT DEVILS

11/5/11 VS. RSA 112-77 (W)

12/3/11 VS. M-80s 136-132 (W)

1/14/12 VS. SMASHINISTAS 147-80 (W)

2/4/12 PLAYOFF VS. RSA 212-60 (W)

Former NFL coach Bill Parcells once famously said: “You are what your record says you are.”

His seemingly simplistic comment cuts right to the heart of sports, no excuses and no apologies. There is no reason to dissect or discuss a team’s record, it speaks for itself.

The Stunt Devils have spoken to the tune of an undefeated regular and post season record. No one cares about the margin of victory or how you got there when you win. They hope to continue their perfect season for one more bout by being crowned ARRG 2012 Local Champions this Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena.

Now with apologies to the former football coach, there is still more than just a record to discuss about this team. The Stunt Devils produced their record by being the most consistent and focused team in the league and they took the track from their very first bout this local season with an intensity that suggested a championship was the only legitimate outcome.

Boston

The approach of this team is one of defensive and offensive balance. They boast two of the top five scoring jammers from this season in Mighty Mighty Boston (187 points in four bouts) and Artemischief (164 points). They join the M-80s as the only other team able to claim two top five scorers on their roster.

They compliment these two jammers with veterans South City Shiner and Morgan LeFaetal, both of which are quite capable of going on their own scoring runs at any time. It is possible for Artemischief to not only jam, but also log time as a blocker at the pivot position, her lateral movement and agility make her an ideal candidate as the last line of defense against opposing jammers.

The blocking core of the Stunt Devils is anchored by Mayor Francis Slayer, Grave Danger and Deathica Steele, all very physical and strategic blockers with a tremendous amount of experience under their belt.

The Stunts have done an excellent job all season of blending their newest teammates and rookie skaters into the mix with their veteran leadership.

The Stunts' Wall

Fans will likely see these veterans working seamlessly in packs with Hydrogen Bombshell, Shacgyver, Biohazard Betty and Toe Stop Believin’ along with recent additions Dollyrot N and Vod KaKnockers. From afar, it appears as if this team has taken great pride in passing along the “Stunt Devil way” along to new skaters and they in turn have stepped up their own level of play as a result.

The blockers for this team will blend tight, disciplined walls along with hard hitting. This is a physical team that can wear down the opposing jammers and blockers over the course of a bout.

Mayor Francis Slayer

Watch for the big hits this team can lay out. If they are successful, it will be a long night for the M-80s. If these big hits fail to connect or are shrugged off by the jammers, there will be some potential for the ladies in red to take advantage.

The regular season matchup between the M-80s and the Stunt Devils was a classic heavyweight matchup that ended with a last-jam victory by the Stunts. Not only do the Stunt Devils want to remind everyone that their previous victory was earned, but their firecracker opponents are looking for revenge.

Shiner is looking forward to the bout and knows that there is a rich history in their rivalry with the M-80s:

Morgan LeFaetal

“We need to just keep our heads together. We always have a lot of fun playing the M-80s and we always have a very intense bout with them.”

Something has to give in any bout filled with so much talent on both sides and it will likely be the mistakes that take place and how they are handled that will prove to be the difference. These situations tend to be shifts in momentum and any slight edge of this nature could be all it takes for one side to get a lead and hold on to it.

Only four points separated the Stunt Devils and the M-80s in their first bout, so this championship could literally hang on every single point scored.

The Stunt Devils have shown patience and are a very strategic team, but this will be a bout to win a championship, will they be tempted to take more chances than normal in each jam?

Artemischief reflects on the importance of the mental game with all other things being equal:

“As a group, we have to be all on the same page. At the point, all of the jams are going to be very equal. The way that you win games now is to capitalize on the other team’s mistakes. You have to play very consciously and have your head on your shoulders and knowing what your teammates are going to do before they do it. It has gone from being a very physical game to being a very cerebral game. We’re all athletes now.

Everybody shows up and give 100% at practice and 100% at games. What it comes down to is who makes the smartest choices.”

It isn’t easy to find many cracks in the armor of the Stunt Devils. This team has been methodical and durable all season long, rarely giving an edge to their opponents. This season, the other three local teams needed to play as close to perfect as possible to be in a position to defeat the Stunts and as evidenced by their record, it didn’t happen.

The favorites to win it all come to Chaifetz Arena this Saturday night with one goal and one goal only, to finish what they started and end their season with a perfect run to a championship.

THE STUNT DEVILS ROSTER

213 Deathica Steele    M2 Mighty Mighty Boston   43 Artemischief   BSL4 Biohazard Betty          2519 Dollyrot N    6FU Grave Danger    U238 Hydrogren Bombshell                                                     4 More Years Mayor Francis Slayer    111 Morgan Le Faetal     139 Shacgyver                                24hrs South City Shiner       1981 Toe-Stop Believin    7.62 Vod KaKnockers

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 – 7 PM  CHAIFETZ ARENA

The seating chart for ARRG April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

Prices for advance tickets for the double header are as follows:

$20 for VIP Trackside seating (adults only,) $15 for bowl seating and $6 bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Fans can purchase their tickets for the double header in the following ways:

- In advance in person at the Chaifetz Arena box office (Hours: Monday -Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. NOTE: SLU students can get $3 off tickets when purchased at the box office.

-  In advance online through Metrotix (additional fee applies) via the Chaifetz Arena website link RIGHT HERE.

-  In person on event night at the Chaifetz Arena box office. (NOTE: Adult ticket prices will increase to $25 floor & $20 bowl at the door on event night and seating may not be available in all sections depending on advance sales.)

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: We’re less than 48 hours away from the biggest night of the Arch Rival Roller Girls’ six-plus history. There’s plenty of intrigue to be found in both bouts this Saturday night. And there’s plenty to experience in ARRG’s marquee event, whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-timer to the league with this weekend’s action. On Friday, a preview of both bouts and additional news on events to take place at Chaifetz Saturday night.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (24) SMASHINISTAS (25) THE-M-80s

FIRECRACKERS ON QUADS SAVOR RETURN TO TITLE BOUT

by Magilla Guerilla, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

THE ROAD TO CHAIFETZ – THE M-80s

11/5/11 VS. SMASHINISTAS 159-133 (W)

12/3/11 VS. STUNT DEVILS 136-132 (L)

1/14/12 VS. RSA 153-84 (W)

2/4/12 PLAYOFF VS. SMASHINISTAS 182-127 (W)

In ancient Greek mythology, the Lernaean Hydra was a reptilian beast with many heads made even fiercer because every time you chopped off one of its heads, two more heads grew back into place. The M-80s are much like that ancient myth, stop one of their jammers and two more equally talented jammers charge into place to punish you.

In what looks to be a tremendous matchup of a rivalry as old as the league and a re-match to a classic regular season bout, the M-80s plan to overwhelm the Stunt Devils and crown themselves as ARRG 2012 League Champions this Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena.

Black Market Baby

This team is arguably the most versatile team in the entire local field and they boast a plethora of jammer talent, able to run out seven legitimate jammers each with the ability to put points on the board in bunches.

If you think you can get into a shoot out with the M-80 attack, they will run you down and outscore you. If you shift your tactics and try to play defense, they will gladly take on that challenge and get physical. Once you make a mistake, they respond with a scoring run and force you to loosen up your defense, putting you right back where you started.

The M-80s’ play an aggressive and passionate style and skater Black Market Baby is already excited for the championship and shares with us a bit of what we might expect from this bout:

“Fun, fun, fun. I expect hard hits. I expect everyone just going for it full blast. Everyone’s going to be dripping with sweat and just bust our…you know whats. I hope by 10 pm on April 28 that I will just screaming my guts out.”

Nightmare

Boomba has already gone “full blast” this season and is currently the league’s scoring leader, racking up 231 points as a jammer through four bouts. Even with a large potential jammer rotation, she is likely to see significant time on the line along with fellow scorers EnYa Nightmare and Munchausen by Foxy.

Beyond those three jammers, it will be interesting to see how the M-80s want to attack the Stunt Devils. There has been a tendency to use May Require Stitches in the second half of bouts or when the team needs a scoring spark, but they can counter at any time with the very physical jamming of Rhino-Might or quick, elusive skaters like Science Friction and The Siege.

All throughout the regular season this team has been able to press the right buttons with their versatile roster and they will need to continue to make the right choices against their opponent if they want to win the championship.

Friction & The Siege

The M-80s’ blockers will be generally anchored by Friction and Stitches, two agile skaters with a knack for key positional blocking and effective jammer stops. They set their teammates up for the big hits and they will be supported by veteran skaters like Rhino, The Siege, Sue Render and Bareknuckle Smack along with a blend of rookie and newly drafted teammates.

For some skaters, this is the first time they have ever played in a championship bout, so nerves could be a factor. This team also lead the Stunt Devils in their regular season meeting, but surrendered a last jam barrage of points that cost them a perfect season with a four-point loss.  Rhino Might will play in her first local championship bout and is already thinking about the big night:

“I always get nervous before the first whistle and then I’m ready to go. I really like hitting people. It’s just like an MMA fighter. You don’t know you’re in a fight until you get punched. I am ready to go, but I am nervous.”

The M-80s' Wall

If there is a potential weakness for this team, it is the very passion and energy that makes them such a challenge to face. That emotion can backfire on them and a tightly-refereed bout could spell the difference in winning and losing.

The M-80s proudly don their red and they have a firecracker for a mascot, so it should be no surprise that this team can be a little combustible.

If you can somehow frustrate their blockers and jammers, penalties will follow. This is a crack in their armor that once utilized could provide the edge the opposition needs. To the M-80s credit, it has only happened to their detriment once during the regular season. Of course that one time was in the aforementioned dramatic Stunt Devil victory, so this will be something to watch once again.

Stitches, ARRG’s 2011 Rookie of the Year, offers up a winning formula for her team and maybe even a secret weapon no one has considered:

“Focus. Hard work. Everyone’s head in the game…and candy.”

For the fans, this intense matchup for Championship Night at Chaifetz on Saturday night will be some candy everyone can enjoy. The M-80s bring a fiery, fast and furious attack to the track and they are determined to get some revenge against their rival and end the night as champions.

THE M-80s ROSTER

40 Black Market Baby    23 Science Friction    74 BareKnuckle Smack    A-10 Blue Ridge Riot      ZZZ EnYa Nightmare   9mm The Ginger Assassin   3^RD Kimical Burn   618 Madam Moonstruck    28/2 May Require Stitches    26 Munchausen By Foxy     530 Rhino-Might    50‘ The Siege              45 rpm Sue Render   761 mph The Sound Of Violence

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 – 7 PM  CHAIFETZ ARENA

The seating chart for ARRG April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

Prices for advance tickets for the double header are as follows:

$20 for VIP Trackside seating (adults only,) $15 for bowl seating and $6 bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Fans can purchase their tickets for the double header in the following ways:

- In advance in person at the Chaifetz Arena box office (Hours: Monday -Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. NOTE: SLU students can get $3 off tickets when purchased at the box office.

-  In advance online through Metrotix (additional fee applies) via the Chaifetz Arena website link RIGHT HERE.

-  In person on event night at the Chaifetz Arena box office. (NOTE: Adult ticket prices will increase to $25 floor & $20 bowl at the door on event night and seating may not be available in all sections depending on advance sales.)

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: Our championship week continues as we feature the firecrackers’ opposition at Chaifetz! After sitting out last season’s title tilt after back-to-back championships, the top seed of the post-season impressed in all bouts this local season. It resulted in an undefeated record heading into Saturday night. Utilizing a top-tier jamming rotation and a veteran group of blockers as lynchpins, a legacy franchise of the league is one win away from its third title in four seasons. On Thursday, a look at the Stunt Devils.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (24) SMASHINISTAS

CAMO-CLAD TROOPS WANT VICTORY IN THIRD PLACE BOUT

by Magilla Guerilla, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

THE ROAD TO CHAIFETZ – THE SMASHINISTAS

11/5/11 VS. M-80s 159-133 (L)

12/3/11 VS. RSA 123-102 (W)

1/14/12 VS. STUNT DEVILS 147-80 (L)

2/4/12 PLAYOFF VS. M-80s 182-127 (L)

The adjective mercurial is defined as: “characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood”. This might be the most apt way to describe the 2011-12 local season for the Smashinistas.

However, ARRG’s 2012 Championship Night at Chaifetz Arena this Saturday will be an opportunity for this group to put that notion to rest and end the season by beating the Rebel Skate Alliance for the second time this year.

It isn’t easy to really quantify the 2012 Smashinista season. At times, they displayed breathtaking jamming and unstoppable walls. Other times, they seemed to be out of sorts and struggling to adapt to the opposition.

Dallis

These contrasts happened at different times in a bout, so it wasn’t just different opponents or off nights, it was something harder to define.

Regardless, the team competed hard in every bout and ironically looked their best in a tough loss to the M-80s in the playoff round. They made steady progress and growth as the season progressed, even if the wins were illusive.

This is a very talented group of skaters that is still seeking a signature win in 2012 and there is every indication that they are looking to make this happen Saturday night. The Educator, veteran skater of the Smashinistas, knows that her team has what it takes to win:

“We just have to keep our heads straight and play our game. We have good strategy. We’re back up to full-strength. All our injuries are healed and As long as we want it and we play our game and are cohesive and do what we need to do I think we will come away with a victory.”

The Educator

Their jammer rotation looks solid, yet still open to some flexibility. With the addition of rookie standout Brickyard to the team, they now have three strong jammers to take the line. Brickyard joins The Educator and Downtown Dallis as the bulk of the Smashinista offensive attack.

However, this team can still draw on experienced jammers like Boom Boom Pow, The Forecloser and Sly Davanita, should the need arise. They have not shown a tendency to deviate much from a three jammer rotation, but with everything on the line in the consolation game, anything is possible.

The Smashinistas have a skilled and veteran laden group of blockers to throw at the Rebel Skate Alliance. With the addition of Brickyard as a jammer, they have been able to really solidify their blocking rotation and pack composition, so expect effective blocking at the outset.

Veteran skaters Shimmy Hoffa, Eli Wallop, Polkadot Yr Eyeout, Boom Boom Pow, Shell Shoxx, Punches Pileup and The Forecloser all have a wealth of talent to draw from and they will be complimented by newly drafted rookies throughout the bout. This versatile group blends hard hitting, strong positional blocking and experience across the board.

Smashies' Wall

If the blockers play with trust in each other, they have the ability to stop any jammer in the league while leaving open lanes for their own jammers. The challenge of establishing solid defensive walls, while also helping out their own jammers has been one of the bigger problems facing the Smashinistas this season.

Smashinista blocker Shell Shoxx feels her team has focused on their pack work in practice and believes they have what it takes to win this bout:

“With the help of our coaches, we have been really working on our quick defense to offense game, communication in the pack, and cleaning up our penalties as well. We intend to bring the heat down on RSA by playing smartly as a cohesive unit, being aggressive, and making our wall impenetrable.”

Brickyard

One of the biggest roadblocks facing the Smashinistas all season long has been penalties. In their first bout of the regular season, they went toe-to-toe with the high powered offense of the M-80s, but it was excessive and poorly timed penalties that ended the affair in defeat.

Since that bout, they have reduced their penalty minutes, so they are trending in the right direction.

Wallop & PolkaDot

Penalties are the great x-factor for any roller derby bout and the ladies in camo will have to show discipline to keep this from cropping up once again. The Rebel Skate Alliance’s success is predicated by matching up well with full strength packs.

By winning the penalty “battle” between the packs, the Smashinistas will have the chance to eliminate the rebel’s strength.

In the first bout against RSA, the Smashinistas struggled to adapt to the strategy of their opponents at the outset. However, they corrected this for an explosive second half and they now have a blueprint to work with on how to win this bout.

Executing their own strategy while remaining adaptive for the wrinkles RSA might throw at them will be necessary to earn a victory.

The consolation bout on Championship Night has an air of redemption about it as both teams have a little something to prove before we close out the 2012 local season.

The Smashinistas have a chance to finish strongly, but it will take teamwork and trust throughout their roster to continue their regular season trend of improvement and discipline

THE SMASHINISTAS ROSTER

101 Downtown Dallis  299 Shimmy Hoffa  90% Boom Boom Pow  400 Brickyard   7 The Educator   520 Eli Wallop   CH 13 The Forecloser   25:17 Harsha Punishment  4CF Mali Bruz Barbie               42 Megalodominator  0 Polkadot yr Eyeout   1NR1 Punches Pileup  314 Shell Shoxx   T3N Sly Davanita

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 – 7 PM  CHAIFETZ ARENA

The seating chart for ARRG April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

Prices for advance tickets for the double header are as follows:

$20 for VIP Trackside seating (adults only,) $15 for bowl seating and $6 bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Fans can purchase their tickets for the double header in the following ways:

- In advance in person at the Chaifetz Arena box office (Hours: Monday -Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. NOTE: SLU students can get $3 off tickets when purchased at the box office.

-  In advance online through Metrotix (additional fee applies) via the Chaifetz Arena website link RIGHT HERE.

-  In person on event night at the Chaifetz Arena box office. (NOTE: Adult ticket prices will increase to $25 floor & $20 bowl at the door on event night and seating may not be available in all sections depending on advance sales.)

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: Our championship week continues as we feature one of the two teams in the Championship bout! A team that in the 2011 season saved its best for last utilized the momentum to make a hard charge for the title tilt. High point totals and a stingy defense characterized a team that was hungry to reclaim past success. Containing a balance of skilled veterans who have prior championship experience and a crop of hungry rookie, a complete effort this Saturday night will give them their first trophy hoist in over three years. On Wednesday, a look at the M-80s.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE

DEFENDING CHAMPS WANT TO FINISH ON HIGH NOTE

by Magilla Guerilla, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

THE ROAD TO CHAIFETZ – REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE

11/5/11 VS. STUNT DEVILS 112-77 (L)

12/3/11 VS. SMASHINISITAS 123-102 (L)

1/14/12 VS. M-80s 153-94 (L)

2/4/12 PLAYOFF VS. STUNT DEVILS  212-60 (L)

The consolation bout set for the ARRG 2012 Local Championships at Chaifetz Arena this Saturday night will be a tale of possible redemption for both teams involved and there is no question that the Rebel Skate Alliance is focused on ending its very challenging regular season on a high note.

Their meteoric championship rise last season was contrasted by an equally meteoric crash resulting in an injury-plagued winless campaign.

It really felt like “the empire struck back” this time after such an amazing debut the year prior.

However, these “rebel scum” never gave up and put forth a tremendous effort for each bout as they dealt with injuries, mishaps, transfers and new teammates all with the target of defending champion placed squarely on their back.

Beastley and Bunny

It was a frustrating year for this team, but they might be coming together and getting healthy just in time under the bright lights of Championship Night.

RSA co-captain Party Foul, one of many Rebels bitten by the injury bug, reflects on the challenges of the regular season:

“I think we really need to come together as a team and show that cohesion as a unit. We have so many new skaters. We’ve had people that have only been skating for us for a couple of months. With so many people gone and so many people coming back (from injury), it’s been a really weird year.”

All season long this team has shown a great degree of flexibility and creativity in each of their bouts. With a rotating roster and with the loss of so much of what gave them their identity in their 2011 championship run, RSA was really evolving and growing on the fly all season long.

The result of this tumultuous year is a degree of unpredictability that will make them challenging to prepare for Saturday night.

Diamond & Betrayal

Who will jam for this team and who will play as a blocker or who will do a little of both?

In all honesty, we won’t really know what tricks are up this team’s sleeve until the first whistle.

During the regular season, RSA used Foul, Stabby McCutcha, Pink Diamond, Beaster Bunny, Chewblocka and the Oregon Betrayal in their jammer rotation. Couple this with the recently drafted addition of Eveready - a skater that has already jammed in recent months with the Rookie Rivals and St. Lunachix – and this team has several legitimate options at the jammer position.

This team blocking core will be anchored by veterans Chewblocka, Ginny Beastley, Bertha Venus and Eaux Baby with support from rookies Deuce Bomber and Warpath O. Jen.

McCutcha has displayed great closing speed and open space positional blocking, so she can operate as a dual jamming and blocking weapon. Foul is equally versatile on offense and defense and will likely spend some time in the team’s pivot position when she joins the pack and is not jamming.

Chewblocka

One of the keys against the Smashinistas will be picking the right jammers and blocker combinations, something that will rely on the trust and team bonding RSA has worked hard to keep intact through so many rosters changes.

Foul believes that it will take that trust and teamwork to earn a win:

“I think that we just really have to gel as a team.  I really want those new skaters to gain that sense of confidence that they should have about themselves. People who might be unsure about themselves. I don’t want them to feel that. I want them to feel how awesome they are and how far they’ve come in the past year.

People have really had to step up and show where they want to be in this sport and how to bring their skills up to the next level. They have to because we really need them out there.”

The Rebel Skate Alliance played its best bout of the regular season against the Smashinistas, leading the camo-clad skaters at halftime. However, penalties and the opposition’s effective adaptation to RSA tactics resulted in an eventual 21 point loss, their closest outcome of the regular season.

There is plenty of opportunity to turn that around in this rematch, as long as the Rebels can keep the opposition on their toes for the entire 60 minutes and settle on an effective jammer rotation.

They have played with heart and passion all year, nonplussed by the many challenges they could not control. Expect smart derby and solid strategy from RSA as this is not a team that will come to a bout unprepared for their opponent.

With improved health and the additional practice time logged together since the end of the regular season, the Rebel Skate Alliance looks to play spoiler and end their season on a high note at Chaifetz this Saturday night.

RSA ROSTER

OOP5 Party Foul 88 Beaster Bunny c.1482 Bertha Venus 1138 Chewblocka #2 Deuce Bomber 5×5 Eaux Baby 247 Eveready 9 ¾ Ginny Beastley 33 The Oregon Betrayal 4C Pink Diamond 211 Stabby McCutcha 328 Warpath O. Jen

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 – 7 PM  CHAIFETZ ARENA

The seating chart for ARRG April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

Prices for advance tickets for the double header are as follows:

$20 for VIP Trackside seating (adults only,) $15 for bowl seating and $6 bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Fans can purchase their tickets for the double header in the following ways:

- In advance in person at the Chaifetz Arena box office (Hours: Monday -Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. NOTE: SLU students can get $3 off tickets when purchased at the box office.

-  In advance online through Metrotix (additional fee applies) via the Chaifetz Arena website link RIGHT HERE.

-  In person on event night at the Chaifetz Arena box office. (NOTE: Adult ticket prices will increase to $25 floor & $20 bowl at the door on event night and seating may not be available in all sections depending on advance sales.)

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: Our championship week coverage continues as we feature RSA’s opponents in the third place bout! They were favored in last season’s consolation bout, but unfortunately fell short. They don’t want a repeat performance.The camo-clad troops come to Chaifetz with a very misleading 1-3 record. This team of veterans found itself in numerous dogfights in the local bouts. A few key rookie acquisitions down the stretch bolstered the line-up. On Tuesday, a look at the Smashinistas.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP

B-TEAM THUMPS VISITORS IN 205-POINT VICTORY

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer

(BALLWIN, MO) The Saint Lunachix – arguably one of the strongest flat-track derby “b-teams” in the Midwest – continued its winning ways this weekend by outscoring its opponent by a ratio of 5-to-1.

The Arch Rival Roller Girls’ b-team travel squad outmuscled the Southern Illinois Roller Girls 255-50 Saturday night at Midwest Sport Hockey in front of 300.

The 205-point win kept the Lunachix 2012 record perfect at 3-0.

“I think the Lunachix are one of the best ‘b-teams’ in the country,” said Lunachix blocker Rhino-Might following the win. “I think our team is capable of playing some of the ‘A teams’ in the region really well.”

Such was the case Saturday night as Southern Illinois – one of the newest additions to the WFTDA North Central region – brought its “A-squad” for its third meeting in league’s history against the Lunachix.

The end result of the match-up replicated the overwhelming wins that the Lunachix had accumulated in two bouts prior.

“I think we did really well with our pack work, we kept our penalties low and our girls worked together well,” said Lunachix jammer EnYa Nightmare of the dominance. “We knew what we were getting into and we worked hard to continue that roll.”

And just like the prior two meetings between the two squads, the locals posted points early and often.

Morgan Le Faetal would take advantage of a power jam off the opening whistle and rack up a 16-pointer to give the Chix the early advantage.

Munchausen by Foxy followed with 7-4 jam to extend the lead to 23-4. Following a 4-4 stalemate, LaFaetal posted a five-pointer to extend the lead to 32-8 with 23:15 left.

Then after SIRG’S Ak-40 Devin scored one to cut the gap to 32-9, the locals would go on a 53-0 run.

To begin the rally, the Chix capitalized on a power jam one-third into the period as Biohazard Betty notched a baker’s dozen to extend the local’s lead to 48-9 with 18:45 left in the period. LeFaetal added a 20-point strike on the next jam to increase the Chix lead to 68-9. Foxy’s trey at 13:40 was followed by another 13 scored by EnYa Nightmare, which extended the lead to 85-9.

“In any game, we like to get the momentum going early and we really don’t want to hold back,” said Rhino-Might of the rally. “A 53-0 run – it couldn’t have gone any better than that.”

SIRG’s Krush Groove would break the visitor’s drought by scoring four, concluding the 53-point Chix uncontested run with the scoreboard reading 85-9. Angry about the streak being broken, Foxy posted 17 points two jams later to help the Chix break triple digits, 102-15 with 5:20 remaining in the period.

“Even when we’re up like that, we keep doing what we’re doing,” said Nightmare. “We don’t want to change it up at all.”

A telling sign of the bout play would be seen in the latter third of the first period. The stubborn blocking schematic of Bareknuckle Smack, Sue Render, The Oregon Betrayal and Shell Shoxx put the clamp on SIRG jammer Laryn Hill deep. This allowed Foxy to score 13 non-lead points to extend the Lunachix lead to 127-18 with 1:05 left.

Nightmare put the exclamation point on the first half with a 24-point strike, which gave the Lunachix a 151-18 lead at intermission.

To start the second half, the Lunachix kept the pedal to the metal and launched a 32-0 rally. Nightmare’s four was followed by an 18-point strike from LeFaetal to extend the lead to 173-18 with 28:10 left. Betty used a power jam to score 10 that extended the lead to 155 points, finish the run, and give the hosts a 183-18 lead.

The Lunachix pressure continued in numerous ways as the second half progressed. With 17:45 left, Chix blocker Rhino-Might received a “star pass” from jammer Biohazard Betty. The rumblin’ rollin’ rookie posted 13 and extended the Chix advantage to 202-26.

“I know as a pivot that it’s my job to expect it, but I really wasn’t really expecting it,” said Rhino-Might of the star-pass. “Betty made the call. She thought it was right. I was a little shocked at first, but then I thought ‘Holy hell, I gotta do it.’”

Midway through the period, Foxy added a 17-pointer off a power jam to extend the Chix lead to 225-26 with 14:25 left.

The Lunachix outscored Southern Illinois in the second half 104-37 to coast to the 205-point win and pick up their third win of the season.

“We had a plan going in,” says Nightmare, who finished with 78 points unofficially. “We had jammers that wanted all defense. We had blockers that wanted offense. The girls on our team have such good synergy together.”

Foxy added 64 for the Lunachix while LeFaetal collected 60.

Whether it’s the high-scoring offense or the stubborn defense, the Saint Lunachix knows that the sum of all the parts is what’s keeping that momentum intact in 2012.

“We must be doing something right,” says Rhino-Might.

The Lunachix next play on Saturday, May 5 at Midwest Sport Hockey against the Bleeding Heartland Code Blue Assassins prior to the ARRG All-Stars match-up with the Bleeding Heartland Flatliners. Advance discount tickets for the double header are on sale now online at Brown Paper Tickets by going to this LINK RIGHT HERE.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING –

SAINT LUNACHIX (255): EnYa Nightmare 78, Munchausen by Foxy 64, Morgan LaFaetal 60, Biohazard Betty 27, Rhino-Might 13, The Oregon Betrayal 3, Eveready 3.

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: Championship week approaches us! The four local squads prepare for the big tilt Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena. In the upcoming week, we’ll look at each squad indvidiually and show you what to expect from each squad. ARRG Bout Co-Announcer Magilla Guerilla will take us down the stretch in the series and look at what makes each team tick and what each team needs to do to pull out a win Saturday night. On Monday, we feature the Rebel Skate Alliance.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION

LEAGUE PREPARES FOR HISTORICAL EVENT

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer

“People are getting excited about roller derby.”

That’s a recent reply sent via e-mail by Downtown Dallis of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. And one would get the feeling that she has a big smile on her face when she types this.

Her sentiments echo those by the rest of the women’s flat-track roller league as they prepare for the 2012 ARRG Local Championships, held one week from tonight at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.

And for the co-captain of the Smashinistas, whose squad faces the Rebel Skate Alliance in the league’s third place bout to lead off the evening, next Saturday can’t come soon enough.

“I am stoked and so proud to be a member of ARRG as we play at Chaifetz,” says Dallis.”We are taking risks, the public is becoming more aware of derby culture and it’s going to be one heck of a fun night.”

Fun might be an understatement. Since its founding in 2005, the league had always had the desire to hold a regulation bout within the city boundaries. For some, next Saturday night has been a six-plus year wait.

“Our goal was always to play in St. Louis City and after all of these years and some blood, sweat and tears, we finally made it,” says ARRG Jeerleader Miss Lippy, whose tenure with the league started as a skater in 2005. “Yes, there are in fact tears in roller derby. I don’t care what anyone says!”

The passions hold true for all skaters, regardless of length of tenure.

“Playing at Chaifetz will definitely be a highlight of my derby career,” says M-80s’ jammer/blocker Munchausen by Foxy. “I started playing on a team around March of 2010 and I like the fact that I’ve gotten to experience the growth of this league from one venue to the next. Playing derby in the city limits of St. Louis is what this league has been waiting for.

“This is ARRG history in the making and I get to be a part of it!”

Even those unfamiliar with the home of the St. Louis Billikens know that the league is making a monumental entry into its portfolio.

“I have personally never been to Chaifetz Arena, but from what I understand, this is a really big venue,” says Rebel Skate Alliance blocker/jammer Eveready. “I am really stoked to be playing in such a large and popular place. Being at Chaifetz is another milestone I can mark down on my roller derby ‘to do’ list and ARRG is graciously guiding me down the right avenues for success.”

A packed house at Chaifetz. Photo credit: SLU University

For Rebel Skate Alliance jammer/blocker Beaster Bunny, playing at Chaifetz will bring back past feelings experienced with her former league, the Windy City Rollers.

“It will be more like a throwback to my days in Chicago since WCR plays at the UIC Pavilion,” says the skater. “I imagine I’ll feel a little more ‘at home’ at Chaifetz than at Queeny Park. I’m really looking forward to it!”

And the league knows it has a lot on its plate at the 8,000-seat venue. As commuters on I-40 pass the facility, they see a large-sized banner promoting the event on the building’s exterior.

“As a city resident, I think this is where ARRG should be playing,” says RSA blocker The Oregon Betrayal. “I am extremely excited to play in such a great venue during my rookie season. I appreciate all of the hard work that all of the women in ARRG, past and present, have done to make this night of derby possible.”

“Playing at Chaifetz is huge to me,” says Stunt Devils’ blocker Toe Stop Believin’. “It feels like we’re taking it to the next level by bouting at a next-level venue. It’s really exciting to be playing our championship bout there.”

“Hopefully we can get our fans excited to watch us play there and generate more fans to continue to keep St. Louis derby growing,” she adds. “Who knows how big we can grow enthusiasm for the sport?”

For some of the newer skaters, the evening will remind them of the literal sweat equity invested in a sport that has meant so much personally.

“Derby has given me a confidence and competitiveness that I never knew was in me,” says Smashinistas blocker Harsha Punishment. “I want to thank my team and the other players that have spent time coaching me by playing my heart out. It’s my first championship and I feel so honored to be playing with the Smashies and against RSA.”

For one ARRG skater, emotions will run high as it marks the end of her four-year skating career.

“Playing at Chaifetz will be a monumental point in my life,” says the Smashinistas Punches PileUp. “I will be retiring after the end of the home season, so this will be my last game. It will represent how far the league, and myself as an individual, have come. Making such a huge upgrade in venue will also mean that nobody knows what the future holds… and the possibilities are endless.”

“It will also be the first home game without (referee) Fojammi, and that will be bittersweet,” she adds.

The league continues its heavy push of promotion as the countdown continues. ARRG is scheduled to appear on Fox2 News at 8 AM this Wednesday and KPLR 11 News at Noon this Friday.

Anticipation? You better believe it’s there for ARRG.

“On April 28, there’s going to be a million different emotions rushing over me,” says the M-80s’ Foxy, who team plays in the championship bout against the Stunt Devils. “I already know that I’m going to be proud of my team, no matter the outcome. “

“I’m sure the entire league will feel a sense of accomplishment after our first two successful bouts at Chaifetz.”

Prices for advance tickets for the double header are as follows:

$20 for VIP Trackside seating (adults only,) $15 for bowl seating and $6 bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Fans can purchase their tickets for the double header in the following ways:

- In advance in person at the Chaifetz Arena box office (Hours: Monday -Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. NOTE: SLU students can get $3 off tickets when purchased at the box office.

-  In advance online through Metrotix (additional fee applies) via the Chaifetz Arena website link RIGHT HERE.

The seating chart for ARRG April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

-  In person on event night at the Chaifetz Arena box office. (NOTE: Adult ticket prices will increase to $25 floor & $20 bowl at the door on event night and seating may not be available in all sections depending on advance sales.)

Some quickie facts about Chaifetz Arena for ARRG’s April 28 event:

DOORS: The Chaifetz Arena will open its doors at 6 pm on championship night and the third place bout will begin promptly at 7 pm. The title bout will immediately follow.

PARKING: ARRG recommends SLU’s Olive garage, located at North East corner of Olive and Compton. There will be signs in front of the covered, secure garage that will indicate that it is SLU-designated parking. Once you park inside the 1,800 vehicle garage, a mere 3-minute walk gets you inside Chaifetz. Handicap parking is available at this garage. Cost of parking at this garage will be $6.

DESIGNATED DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP: This area is located on Compton Avenue, moving south, which is located on the east side of Chaifetz Arena. This will be marked with orange cones.

CONCESSIONS – There are multiple stands located around the arena. Outside food and drink will not be allowed to be brought into Chaifetz.

ALCOHOL – Alcohol and beer will be served to those 21 years and older, and everyone may be required to show proof of age.  No alcohol will be allowed to be brought in or out of the Arena.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Not only is photography allowed at the April 28 ARRG event, it is also encouraged. This is your chance to personally document local derby history.

MERCHANDISE – ARRG merchandise – both local team and league – will be available for purchase at Chaifetz. Complimentary programs featuring rosters and bout information will be available.

BANNER & SIGNS – Both are welcomed at Chaifetz Arena as long as it does not disrupt the view or experience of any other fan and the content is tasteful.  Banners and signs are subject to search and may be confiscated if messages are inappropriate.  Banner poles and sign sticks are not permitted.

BAG CHECK – All bags (camera bags, purses, backpacks, etc) will be subject to search upon entering Chaifetz Arena.  Please have your bag ready for search before you get to the gate to accelerate the process.

DRESS CODE – For all Chaifetz Arena events, there is no specific dress code.  However, any inappropriate clothing may be asked to be covered at any time.

For a complete look of FAQ about Chaifetz Arena, including guest services, go to the Chaifetz link RIGHT HERE!

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: The league’s “b-team” of travelers – the Saint Lunachix – host the Southern Illinois Roller Girls tonight at 7pm at Midwest Sport Hockey. They look to keep their perfect record intact. On Sunday, we’ll have a full recap of the bout.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.