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January 8th, 2012 | Posted in Bouts, Music, Recruitment

ARRG ACTION RETURNS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

PLAYOFF POSITIONING ON THE LINE AT DOUBLEHEADER!

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer

According to Roman mythology, the month of January is named after Janus, god of the doorway.

After the final whistle is blown this Saturday night, the egress for one of ARRG’s local squads will reveal a number one seed for the post-season.

Competition will reach a fever pitch in ARRG’s last regular season bouts before February’s playoff round as the M-80s (1-1) and Rebel Skate Alliance (0-2) clash in the opening contest while the Stunt Devils (2-0) and the Smashinistas (1-1) tangle in the nightcap.

The doubleheader action takes place Saturday night at Midwest Sport Hockey at Queeny Park (570 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO). Doors open at 6:30 pm with the action beginning at 7 pm.

Tickets at the door on bout night are $15 cash only for general admission. Children 10 and under get in free. Save $3 online on advance tickets until Friday night by going to the Brown Paper Tickets’ LINK RIGHT HERE! Groups of 15 and more can get advance online tickets for only $10 apiece by going to THIS LINK RIGHT HERE!

For anyone that witnessed last month’s flat-track frenzy in person, they saw firsthand bouts that were dramatic from whistle-to-whistle. Expect the same this Saturday night!

This holds especially true for the M-80s, who were handed their first loss of the season last month in a four-point nail biter that was determined on the very last jam. The 136-132 setback to the Stunt Devils was especially difficult to swallow as they had held a pair of 20-plus point leads twice during the bout.

To steal from another sport, if the M-80s would have had a mulligan, they sure would have done certain things differently in the December bout. Yet, consider it a learning tool for the firecrackers. One can expect that the miscues will not occur again this Saturday.

Nightmare

M-80s’ jammer EnYa Nightmare - ARRG’s leader in league scoring - brings a 60-point per bout average into the contest. With a solid blocking core in front, she has been able to post multiple 20-point jams this season. Expect the claws to come out sharpened in Ballwin.

If Nightmare is snuffed, there’s plenty of depth at jammer to compensate. Munchausen by Foxy posted an intraleague personal best of 42 points last month. Co-captains Science Friction and Black Market Baby contributed solid numbers as well. ARRG Rookie of the Year May Require Stitches can also “don the star” in the jammer rotation.

The M-80s - the league’s leader in team scoring - have been a very impressive juggernaut this season due to its depth. This especially holds true in its blocking schematic, the aforementioned five contribute to the blocking alongside veterans The Siege and Bareknuckle Smack and youngsters Rhino Might, Sue Render and the Sound of Violence.

The red-clads literally saw their team color in anger last month in after the four-point heartbreaker. They vow not to let that happen again Saturday.

Meanwhile, last season’s defending champions are looking for a victory to add onto their travelogue. It’s been two difficult games thus far this season for Rebel Skate Alliance. Yet for a team whose roster has been whittled down to ten skaters, the future is optimistic due to progression in play.

Despite a 21-point loss to the Smashinistas last month, RSA showed why it should be considered a very dangerous 0-2 squad heading into Saturday’s match-up. The Rollin’ Rebs have shown that they are indeed capable of playing the type of “smart derby” that they are historically known for.

Party Foul

Modifications in December’s RSA line-up netted effective results. Jammer Stabby McCutcha - a blocker by trade - scored 36 points last month. Pink Diamond - an early candidate for 2012 ARRG Rookie of the Year - collected 35 while shaving off the number of minutes in the penalty box compared to the season opener. Chewblocka and Party Foul also added solid offensive numbers.

The RSA jammer rotation - much like their opponents Saturday - logs plenty of minutes in the blocking schematic. And one will give credit to the play of blockers Ginny Beastly, Beaster Bunny, The Oregon Betrayal and others who have all progressed very effectively.

Their 0-2 record is misleading. At halftime last month, RSA had a 27-point lead and had only committed one major penalty. A revisit to this clean, smart play could lead to a big victory at Queeny Park - a win which would shake the foundation of the league standings.

This conveniently segues into Saturday’s main event between the Stunt Devils and the Smashinistas - two teams who plan to put an exclamation point on the end of ARRG’s regular season.

The undefeated Stunt Devils opened eyes with their four-point come-from-behind victory last month at Midwest Sport Hockey. This talented team arguably dodged not one but two bullets in December’s bout to take the league’s top spot in the standings. Whereas last month they capitalized on opportunity, they look to finish the regular season perfect outright on their own terms this Saturday.

Shiner

Jammer Artemischief notched 65 points in the win over the M-80s last month. Mighty Mighty Boston and South City Shiner collected 36 and 28, respectively. Look for those three and the lethal Morgan LeFaetal to power the Stunts in the jammer rotation.

They’ll have plenty of bodies up front to open the holes for scoring. Blockers Grave Danger and Deathica Steele logged extremely high numbers last month. And veteran Mayor Francis Slayer pulled off a flat track rarity in December, blocking in 100% of jams competed (39-of-39). Add to this the compliment of Hydrogen Bombshell, Biohazard Betty, Toe Stop Belivin’ and Shacgyver, the Stunt Devils are a very powerful squad.

But in order to keep that undefeated streak intact, they have to go quad-to-quad against a very formidable opponent that tasted its first victory in quite some time last month.

The Smashinistas broke a long drought in December’s 21-point victory over RSA. The camo-clad troops had not tasted victory in 11 months. They liked that a lot - and they did it with multiple weapons in their arsenal.

Educator

Smashie veteran jammer The Educator pounded out 55 points in the win, followed by 30-point plus efforts from Downtown Dallis and Boom Boom Pow. All three will be looking to keep their solid averages high this Saturday night.

And if there was a combination to match the high jam percentages blocking-wise to the Stunts, then expect Eli Wallop, Shimmy Hoffa, Punches Pilup and PolkaDot Yr’ Eyeout to fill the duty. Also look for Shell Shoxx, Jezebelle, The Forecloser and others to also provide solid minutes as well.

This group is ready - and able - to participate in an all-out flat-track war. They know that the top of the league standings is well within their sights. In short, it’s “ready, aim, fire.”

The results of this weekend’s doubleheadeer will cement the seedings for February’s post-season push. Expect all four teams to battle for an advantage - the process won’t be easy.

While you’re here at Midwest Sport Hockey this Saturday, we encourage you participate in our charity raffle drawing that benefits Safe Connections, ARRG’s charity partner for the 2011-12 season. Last month, ARRG Nation collected close to $1,200 for the local non-for-profit. You can help out in our efforts again with a raffle for a pair of baskets containing plenty of schwag to get your new year started off right. Stop by the raffle table to see what you can win. Tickets are $1 apiece and six for $5.

After Saturday’s doubleheader, join ARRG at its official post-bout after party, held at Iggy’s Mexican Cantina (13645 Big Bend Road, Valley Park.) There are drink specials to be found and it’s a chance for you to catch-up and meet your favorite ARRG athlete. Remember, there’s no cover charge to participate!

So in reference to the aforementioned Janus and his doorway, which squad is bold enough to kick open the gateway and grab the coveted top seed? We’ll soon find out!

We’ll see you Saturday night at Midwest Sport Hockey for another exciting night of Arch Rival Roller Girls doubleheader action!

ARRG MAINTAINS #23 SPOT IN NATIONAL POWER RANKINGS

The Arch Rival Roller Girls All-Stars maintained its position in Derby News Network’s “Power Rankings” for January - holding steady at #23 nationally. The internationally-recognized derby news/information portal ranks WFTDA national flat-track derby squads on a monthly basis. ARRG was one of eight squads in the ultra-competitive WFTDA North Central region to make the Top 25 for the month. To see the full “Power Rankings” go to THIS LINK RIGHT HERE!

NEXT WEEK IN THE ARRG NEWSCENTER: We’ll see who grabbed the number one seed for the top seed for the 2012 post-season. We’ll recap both bouts from Ballwin!

The Grand Poobah and Magilla Guerilla are bout co-announcers for the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news/information!

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January 1st, 2012 | Posted in Bouts, Recruitment

IT’S FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR ARRG’S 2012!

PLENTY ON THE HORIZON FOR NEW CALENDAR YEAR!

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG co-bout announcer

Last week in the ARRG Newscenter, we reflected on the busy year that the league went through in 2011. For those of you who missed it, you can click on THIS LINK RIGHT HERE. Suffice to say, there was plenty that kept the league busy the past twelve months. Between on-and-off track activities, ARRG did not have an offseason in 2011.

And that’s a good thing, because ARRG is a well-oiled machine as it begins 2012. And once again, the potential calendar is packed. For every month up until August, there’s at least one home event scheduled for the league that either features local or travel team action. The travel squads - all three of them - are still in the process of scheduling away bouts that will supplement the schedule.

ARRG’s charity committee is putting together its yearly list of community outreach efforts. Members of the league are evaluating and assessing the progression of the young unrostered talent who hope to take to the flat track on a full-time basis in the future. The brain trusts of each local squad are drawing up its next set of blueprints.

There’s no rest for the weary. 2012 will be a year of perpetual activity for ARRG.

So as the league kicks off twelve months of counter-clockwise mayhem, here are some of the things that I look forward to in the upcoming year…

I look forward to the next set of bouts on Saturday, January 14 at Midwest Sport Hockey. All four teams are jockeying for the post-season push. And after last month’s double-dip, I’m still having a hard time projecting an overall favorite to win it all for the local championships in April.

Squads have exceeded early expectations. I look forward to seeing the Stunt Devils attempt to finish the regular season undefeated and I look forward to seeing the Smashinistas counterpoint that missive. I look forward to seeing the M-80s continue the high-power output displayed through two bouts this season and I look forward to seeing Rebel Skate Alliance attempt to throw a monkey wrench into the matter due to its improved play. If anything, I look forward to the unexpected in two weeks because that’s the only thing I can expect.

Speaking of which, I look forward to the local championships on Saturday, April 28 at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. Undoubtedly, this is the most important event in the seven-year history of the league, both emotionally and financially. It’s the biggest barn the league has ever skated at, so the rent is obviously higher than normal. But it has always been an ultimate dream of the league to showcase its sport in the heart of St. Louis City in a high-end venue. A calculated risk was necessary to make the dream become a reality. It was a risk that ARRG was willing to take.

And expectations are high for the turnout. Of course, there will be strong representation from the ARRG faithful who come to every local bout. I also envision those who might have not followed the locals in recent years to get themselves re-acquainted with the league. I expect a collective of skaters from visiting leagues to show their support. I expect those who thought Ballwin was too far of a drive to witness ARRG to finally cave in. And I look forward to those first-timers to ARRG and show them what they’ve been missing out on.

I look forward to a competitive selection of home bouts for the ARRG All-Stars in 2011. There are some familiar foes in the mix. The home schedule - which already has North Central rivals Madison, Bleeding Heartland and Chicago Outfit chiseled in stone - will feature doubleheader bouts with the Saint Lunachix. The interleague bouts are always fun - the home audience is no longer split, as everyone cheers on the locals.

Speaking of which, I look forward to Saturday, July 14, when the ARRG All-Stars host the Chicago Outfit Syndicate. In 2011, these two squads played each other four times in the span of five months, each finishing 2-2 with total point differential of 40 points - a ten-per-bout average. In the process, rankings were swapped, streaks were stopped and the overall drama was high.

After the Outfit bumped ARRG for fifth place at the WFTDA North Central Region playoff, I was surprised that both squads didn’t immediately grab a bunch of orange cones, head to the parking lot and play another game because a split wouldn’t suffice. Regardless of results from a national online poll that held as much weight as a high school’s “Most Popular Senior” ballot, ARRG vs. Outfit WAS derby’s “best rivalry of 2011.”

I look forward to seeing return trips to places that ARRG has travelled to before, such as Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Nashville and Memphis, and to show how this league has progressed since the last time it visited.

I look forward to the development of the Saint Lunachix - who continue to prove that the term “b-team” is somewhat of a misnomer - and the ARRG Rookie Rivals, the hard-working collective of unrostered skaters that contains “the chosen ones” that will be selected at the next league draft.

Now for more personalized observations:

I’m looking forward to the mad chase for ARRG’s 2012 Rookie of the Year. I have seen some solid candidates make a strong early push so far. RSA’s Pink Diamond and Oregon Betrayal and the M-80s’ Rhino-Might are the top three of my list right now. But I know that there are some very talented “rookies” that are going to continue their progression in the months ahead and push these three and - more importantly - contribute to the further development of their respective rosters.

After seeing her last month in 100% of the jams played (39 of 39), I look forward to seeing Stunt Devil blocker Mayor Francis Slayer take a breather, if that’s possible. Her pace is super-human. In fact, I’m pretty much convinced that Slayer may actually be a cyborg in disguise.

I look forward to seeing the M-80s’ EnYa Nightmare fend off the challenges of the Stunt Devils’ Artemischief and the Smashinistas’ Downtown Dallis for the regular season scoring title. Once again, one cannot place safe money on any one of those three specifically for the margin is too close. I also look forward to the continued progression of points collected by RSA’s Stabby McCutcha, the M-80s’ Munchausen by Foxy and the Smashies’ Boom Boom Pow, who each have had breakthrough seasons in the scoring column thus far. And I look forward to seeing the Stunts’ trio of Mighty Mighty Boston, Morgan LaFaetal and South City Shiner strike when unexpected.

Speaking of aforementioned Artemischief, I look forward to her providing more late-bout dramatics in 2012. She pulled off not one - but two - last jam come-from-behind bout winners in 2011. If there was someone to “don the star” in pressure situations, she would arguably get the first call.

I look forward to hard shots delivered by Smashies’ blocker Eli Wallop, the tactical positioning of the M-80s’ May Require Stitches, the derby smarts displayed by RSA’s Chewblocka, the soul-crushes of the Stunts’ Grave Danger, the ninja-like move sets of the M-80s’ Siege, the improved play of RSA’s Ginny Beastley and the controlled aggression of the Smashies’ Shimmy Hoffa. Say what you will about jamming, but no one controls the outcome of a bout more so than a blocker.

I look forward to seeing ARRG’s “silent assassins” continue to skate solid bouts while underneath the radar. These are skaters that put forth consistent efforts - bout in, bout out - with minimal fanfare but tremendous results. In this category, I would place the Smashies’ The Educator, RSA’s Party Foul, the M-80s’ Science Friction and the Stunt Devils’ Deathica Steele.

I look forward to after parties, the annual trivia night, parade marches, radio/tv appearances, newspaper articles, the inevitable return of RSA’s Smarty McFly, merchandise wrangling, online postings, Beaster Bunny’s “helmet ears,” Jeerleader routines, Mr. McWheely’s photos, raffle ticket drawings, demonstration bouts, “Guerilla Uncaged” articles and every other thing that ARRG does on and off the flat-track.

Overall, I look forward to a lot. And I have no doubt in my mind that ARRG will deliver. The league continues to raise the bar higher and higher with each passing year. 2012 will be no exception.

And of course, I look forward to you being a part of it.

NEXT WEEK IN THE ARRG NEWSCENTER: The final regular season doubleheader approaches as the Stunt Devils battle the Smashinisitas while the M-80s tangle with Rebel Skate Alliance. There’s plenty on the line in this one as the results determine the seedings for the upcoming post-season. We’ll preview both bouts!

The Grand Poobah and Magilla Guerilla are bout co-announcers for the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news and information.

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December 30th, 2009 | Posted in Bouts, Recruitment

ARRG News & Notes for the Final Days of the “Aughts”

by The Grand Poobah

Howdy, derby fans! As we break in the new year, there’s a few quick updates from ARRG Nation…

TRIVIA TIME!

Just announced from the league is the second installment of the ARRG Trivia Night. Anyone who competed at our inaugural event in February saw just how intense the competition could get. trivia-blog

Details for the event are as follows….

THE EVENT: “Brains & Brawn” Trivia Night, presented by ARRG

DATE: Saturday, January 23, 2010

TIME: 7 PM (Doors open at 6 PM)

WHERE: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2934 Marshall Ave., Maplewood, MO

COST: $25 per person, which includes complimentary beer, wine, soda and light snacks.

Tables can consist of up to 10 team members. You can bring additional light snacks if you wish, but please, no outside alcohol.

Last year’s questions covered numerous categories, ranging from St. Louis history to popular culture, from movies to music, and even a round that had a special “derby” theme. If you’re unsure about your answers, mulligans will be for sale to help your team’s score!

Cash prizes will go to the top tables….and wouldn’t you and your tablemates love bragging rights for being “The Smartest Peeps in St. Louis??”

Plus, a slient auction will be held. Anyone who was at February’s event remembers the wide variety of items to bid on, including great gift baskets supplied by local businesses, gift certificates and even hand-made items from the girls of ARRG themselves.

Also on the docket is a table-decorating contest. I predict that this could be the most intriguing competition of the night.

Book your table now - for tables and tickets will not be available at the door. Our inaugural trivia event completely packed the gymnasium and we anticipate the same this time, so you’ll want to assemble your team early and pre-register to get a prime position for the competiton. RSVP at ArrgEvents@gmail.com.

We’ll have more details on this event as it approaches…but don’t hesistate to make your plans now to join us for a fun night of trivia, which supports the operation of ARRG in 2010.

2010 SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

Home season tickets for the “Twenty-10″ installment of the Arch Rival Roller Girls are on sale through Brown Paper Tickets. Your season pass gives you admission to six regular season bouts, the league championship in July, two “ARRG All-Star” home bouts (2/20 vs. Milwaukee and 6/5 vs. Albuquerque) as well as ARRG’s inaugural mini tournament on August 28 & 29.

Get your season pass now for only $85, a savings of $25 off the regular “bout night” ticket price. Passes can be picked up the night of the 1/09/10 bout or thereafter.

The home schedule for ARRG can be found here so you can plan your derby year when you buy your season pass.

YOUNG SPUDS’ TICKET PRICE FOR 2010? = $0

In keeping with the tradition of ARRG, tickets for those under 10 for home bouts this season are free. This makes a night out for ARRG action economical for those with kiddos. Our bouts are family-friendly and bringing the great action of ARRG to the younger audience is imperative for the future growth of the league. After the bout, feel free to let your youngsters meet and get autographs with the ladies. You’ll see firsthand that the ARRG athletes are the most approachable in St. Louis. Find out for yourself on Saturday, January 9th at the All-American Sports Mall.

GATEKEEPERS TEAM UP WITH ARRG IN 2010

gk1 The St. Louis GateKeepers men’s roller derby franchise will have their first public bout prior to the Smashinistas/Stunt Devils bout on Saturday, March 20th at the All-American Sports Mall. The GateKeepers battle the Race City Rebels from Indianapolis. ARRG Nation knows how passionate “The Circle City” is about their derby, so expect a good contingent to follow their team. This is our chance to support the men - many of whom are familiar to those who follow ARRG.

ARRG POST-BOUT “AFTERPARTIES” RETURN TO THE UPPER DECK

after For the 2010 home season, ARRG will have their “official” post-bout afterparties at the All-American Sports Mall’s Upper Deck. This is your prime place to continue a fun night of derby action - and a chance to meet your favorite ARRG athletes.

(Poobah’s note: Upper Deck’s website currently has the 2009 ARRG schedule on their “upcoming events” page, so don’t be confused. Let’s just say we’re a little more pro-active in updating information. Long story short, you’ll be at the bout anyway - so join the rest of ARRG Nation up there.)

NEXT WEEK IN THE NEWS SECTION

The wait is finally over! The 2010 season begins with a re-match of the 2009 championship, as the Stunt Devils start the defense of their league title against the M-80s. My derbycast colleague Hells LaBelle will be by here next week to preview a highly anticipated match-up - which features a re-vamped line-up for the ladies in red.

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2010 season of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back here on Mondays for the latest in ARRG information.

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April 5th, 2009 | Posted in Bouts, Recruitment

The St. Lunachix were victorious over the Como Derby Dames!

Final Score: 104 -82

Here’s a little blurb from one of the Captains of the St.Lunachix:
Wow, I had a great time in Columbia this weekend. My roller derby team the Saint Lunachix took a trip to play the COMO Derby Dames and we had so much fun. The girls of COMO have always been friends of ours and it was exciting to skate and compete against them out on the track for the first time. The dames were excellent hosts! We even got goody bags and free chicken with all the fixins afterward. l_957325276bda4640b6b36499b7a789a5

The game was exciting to the very end. We ended up winning (YAY!) but the Derby Dames didn’t make it easy on us. They started to rally in the end and came very close to taking the lead. It was a very hard hitting game and I ended up in the box alot. (oopsie) I am very proud of my team, as this was our first game playing together. It definitely won’t be our last though.Saint Lunachix Domination 2009!!!!!

Oh and the after party was fun too. I danced a lot and the DJ played Nelly for us. The bar was smoke-free (yay) so you KNOW I was happy. I guess in Columbia all the bars are. Why the heck can’t St.Louis be?

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March 31st, 2009 | Posted in Recruitment

Wanna Skate!?

We’re looking for women 18 years and older to join St. Louis’ own Roller Derby league. Come experience the thrill of the sport and get the best workout of your life! All sizes and skill levels are welcome!

For more information email us at: recruit@archrivalrollergirls.com

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