And so, it begins! The 2012 Roller Derby season launches this weekend in Texas with double whistles, as the TXRD Lonestar Rollegirls break out the banked track tomorrow, and the Texas Rollergirls head up to Dallas for the Governor’s Cup.
TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls
The banked track revivalists open the new season in the only way they know how: With the champions versus the best of the rest. Tomorrow, Jan. 29, Calvello Cup holders the Rhinestone Cowgirls face the All-Scar Army at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs. Doors 6pm, first whistle 7pm: Tickets available online now for $13 or $15 on the door.
Texas Rollergirls
We’re still two months away from the 2012 flat track season in Austin: That means the Texecutioner travel team has had to head to Dallas this weekend for some competition, as they defend the Governor’s Cup against the best in the South-West. The bouts have been running since 8am this morning, but the Texies have until 6pm tonight to rest up, when they face the Munecas Muertas from Duke City. With a big win in Beaumont last year, coming off their home defense of the title back in 2010, the Texies won’t be looking to let go of this interstate crown so easy.
Yeah, we know that it’s a little late to head up to the Fair Park Coliseum for tonight’s bout, but you can watch from the comfort of your own couch via the Derby News Network (yeah, it’s a free feed, but feel equally free to make a contribution to this invaluable bunch of derby boosters.)
Last weekend saw the final moment of the 2011 season, with the announcement of the league award aka the Whammys. Congrats to all the winners.
League awards
Jammer of the Year: Vicious Van GoGo
Blocker of the Year: Bullet Tooth Tracy
Pivot of the Year: Luce Bandit
League MVP: Luce Bandit
Rookie of the Year: Smarty Pants
Most Improved : NaeSlayer
Ms. Texas Rollergirl: Desi Cration
Team Awards – Hell Marys
Best Jammer: Luce Bandit
Best Pivot: Virgo Vengeful
Best Blocker: Smarty Pants
Most Valuable Player: Luce Bandit
Most Valuable Spirit: Babyface Assassin
Captain’s Choice: Kat A Killzem
Team Awards – Honky Tonk Heartbreakers
Best Jammer: Shortcut
Best Pivot: Ruby Wring
Best Blocker: Ruby Wring
Most Valuable Player: Shortcut
Most Valuable Spirit: DeBella DeBall
Captain’s Choice: Ruby Wring
Team Awards – Hotrod Honeys
Best Jammer: Vicious Van GoGo
Best Pivot: Lucille Brawl
Best Blocker: Shank
Most Valuable Player: Vicious Van GoGo
Most Valuable Spirit: Vargas Grrl
Captain’s Choice: Hydra
Team Awards – Hustlers
Best Jammer: The Killa Sal Monella
Best Pivot: Bullet Tooth Tracy
Best Blocker: Belle Starr
Most Valuable Player: The Killa Sal Monella
Most Valuable Spirit: Bad Influence
Captain’s Choice: Cheap Trixie
The Texecutioners
Best Jammer: Vicious Van GoGo
Best Pivot: Luce Bandit
Best Blocker: Luce Bandit
Most Valuable Player: Vicious Van GoGo
Most Valuable Spirit: DeBella DeBall
Captain’s Choice: Olivia Shootin’ John
Other Awards
Best Assets: Olympia
Most True to Name: Shortcut
Camera Hog: Muffin Tumble
Best Team Intro: Hustler “UFO”
Best Boutfit: Lady Stardust
Best Volunteer: Derby Brothers
Unsung Hero: Chip Queso
Best On Track Antics: Belle Starr
Life of the Afterparty: Baby Face Assassin
Best Take Out: Curvette taking out an unsuspecting Vicious Van GoGo
Fan favorites
Favorite Texas Rollergirl: Vicious Van GoGo
Fiercest on the track: Vicious Van GoGo
Favorite DJ: Sparkle Plenty
Favorite band: School of Rock
Golden Mic (best announcer): Chip Queso
Shutterbug Award (best photographer: Felicia Graham
Beyond Austin
On Jan. 19, USA Roller Sports announced that it was issuing its own set of Roller Derby rules. Trust me, there will be a lot more about this, coming very soon.
This article appears in January 27 • 2012.
