Houston Roller Derby

Houston All-Stars Leadership and Season Schedule Updates

2012-02-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

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We are proud to announce that the HRD All-Stars have selected their new leadership for 2012. Please congratulate Windigo as Captain and Rebel Ann as Co-Captain!

Take a look at the Houston All-Stars' 2012 season schedule below!

2012 Houston All-Stars Season Schedule

March 17
Houston All-Stars vs Assassination City's Special Ops (7pm CST)
(Bayou Place Live *aka Verizon Wireless Theater*)

May 12
Houston All-Stars vs TXRG Texecutioners (6pm CST)
(Houston Indoor Sports)

May 20
Houston All-Stars vs Rose City Rollers - Wheels of Justice

June 9
Houston All-Stars vs Arch Rival Roller Girls All-Stars (7pm CST)
(Bayou Place Live *aka Verizon Wireless Theater*)

June 23
Houston All-Stars vs NorthWest Arkansas All-Stars

********************AWAY GAMES********************

March 24, 25
Clover Cup Tournament in Dallas, TX

April 27
Houston All-Stars vs TBD in Chicago, IL
April 28
Houston All-Stars vs Chicago Outfit Roller Derby in Chicago, IL
April 29
Houston All-Stars vs Windy City Rollers in Chicago, IL

Aug 24
Houston All-Stars vs Santa Cruz Derby Girls in Santa Cruz, CA
Aug 25
Houston All-Stars vs Sacred City Derby Girls in Sacramento, CA
Aug 26
Houston All-Stars vs Bay Area Derby Girls in Bay Area, CA

Oct 5-7
South Central WFTDA Regionals in Lincoln, NE

Nov 2-4
WFTDA Championships in Atlanta, GA

We hope to see you come out and support your Houston All-Stars!
Come watch them open up the first bout of the season March 17 at Bayou Place Live!
GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE GAME MARCH 17 NOW!

♥ Houston Roller Derby ♥

Behind The Scenes With HRD

2012-02-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

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March 17 is only a few months away and we've been training hard for our season opener!
Check out some of this behind the scenes footage of our practices and what we've been up to.

Above: DBC and Speedo return to the track
to help home team skaters, prepared to jam against
each other in a scrimmage.

Above: Meet two of our newly drafted skaters
and members of the Valkyries:
Sam I Slam (front) and Yawanna Belize (back).

Above: SyRenge (Sirens) and Grrrl Friday (Bosses)
line up on the jammer line

Above: The Prosecutor (Brawlers) works
her way past a wall of Valkyries.

Above: Beverly Kills (Houston All-Stars)
helps out the Valkyries (white) in their pack
against the Brawlers (blue).

Also, check out this great video of our training, featuring our newly drafted skaters! HRD's Season Training!

Our season opener is just around the corner! We hope you are as excited as we all are.
GET YOUR SEASON TICKETS NOW!

HRD's 2012 Knockouts Roster Announced!

2012-01-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

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All fans of Houston Roller Derby - we are proud to make another exciting announcement to welcome our 2012 Knockouts!

Please help us congratulate the following skaters who will be representing the 2012 Knockouts Travel Team for Houston Roller Derby:

2012 Knockouts Roster
Kiki Mojo
Blue J
Singapore Rogue
Mary Queen of Skates
Grande Locolicious
Grrrl Friday
Lisa Lava
Louisa May Assault
Hot Rod Bettie
Grrfeisty
Shocker Zulu
Bloody Hell
Patty Painz
Bustin Beaver
Raven Knockahoe
SyRenge
Bazinga
HotAssests
Marianne Morgue
2xForce

The Knockouts is Houston Roller Derby's second competitive travel team.
The Knockouts' first bout will be on April 15 in San Antonio against the Alamo City Rollergirls.

This season, they will also be traveling to Baton Rouge to play Red Stick Roller Derby June 23, and to Beaumont to play the Spindletop Rollergirls September 8.

Houston Roller Derby's season date June 9 at Bayou Place Live (formerly known as Verizon Wireless Theater) in Downtown Houston will feature the Knockouts versus Assassination City Derby (Dallas, TX).

Come see your favorite Knockouts players at the Houston Roller Derby season opener bout March 17 at Bayou Place Live! You're not going to want to miss this exciting and highly competitive season for Houston Roller Derby!
GET YOUR HRD 2012 SEASON TICKETS NOW!

♥ Houston Roller Derby ♥

Welcome Your Newest Home Team - The Valkyries!

2012-01-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

After sifting through over 270 new team name submissions, HRD has chosen a name for their newest home team. Please help us welcome...

THE VALKYRIES!

Congratulations to C.B. Stephens for submitting the winning team name!

The Valkyries will be sporting their new colors, Lime Green with silver and black accents.

Here is your 2012 Valkyries roster:

Carmen Geddit - Captain
Wicked Sweet - Co Captain
Bazinga
Capt. Crunch
Dirty Diana
Dutch Destroyer
Global Warman
Goddess of War
Goldie Bloxx
Hellicious
HotAssets
Hot Rod Bettie
LocoMeauxtion
Sam I Slam
Yawanna Belize

Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest! We had so many great names to choose from and we really enjoyed seeing every idea submitted.

Come see The Valkyries play their very first game April 21 against The Brawlers at Bayou Place Live (formerly known as Verizon Wireless Theater). If you can't wait until then, come meet them at our season opener on March 17!

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE HRD SEASON OPENER NOW!

♥ Houston Roller Derby ♥

2012 Houston Roller Derby All-Star Team Roster

2012-01-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and fans -may we present to you our roster for the 2012 Houston Roller Derby All-Star Team!

2012 Charter
Betty Watchett
Beverly Kills
Becky Booty
Brand-Aid
Carmen Geddit
DBC (Death By Chocolate)
Flyon Maiden
Freight Train
Goldie Bloxx
Jekyll and Heidi
Miss Lead
Mistilla the Killa
Nawty Dread Knocks
The Prosecutor
Radium D.K.
Rebel Ann
ShawShank
Speedo
Big Bad Voodoo Dollie
Windigo

Please help us welcome back four of our skaters who have come out of retirement to rejoin our All-Star roster for 2012: DBC, Nawty Dread Knocks, Miss Lead, and Speedo!

Come see the Houston All-Stars play their first game of the season in HRD's season opener bout on March 17 at our new venue, Bayou Place Live (formerly known as Verizon Wireless Theater).
Get your tickets to THIS game now by going here!

The Houston All-Stars will also be playing in Dallas, TX the following weekend, March 24-25 in the Clover Cup tournament. Other competing teams include the Dallas Derby Devils, Jacksonville Roller Girls, Gold Coast Derby Girls, Green Country Roller Girls, Oklahoma Victory Dolls, Omaha Rollergirls, and the Tampa Derby Darlins.

This season, our All-Star team has scheduled to play away games in Dallas, Chicago, California, and Nebraska. They will be competing against other visiting teams in Houston throughout the season as well.

Please come out and support your 2012 HRD All-Stars with us as much as you can this season!
We are extremely proud of all of them and can't wait to see our skaters in action this year!

Please stay tuned for more game dates featuring the Houston All-Stars - more updates coming soon!

Go Houston All-Stars!

Psych Ward Sirens Chili Cook-Off

2012-01-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

Come join us at the Psych Ward Sirens Chili Cook-Off!

Houston Roller Derby's Psych Ward Sirens will be hosting a chili cook-off for their 2012 season fundraiser! If you're a Siren fan, have a favorite skater on the team, love HRD or just like chili come out and support us!

Saturday February 18, 2012
2pm-7pm
Shady Tavern
1206 West 20th Street
Houston, Texas 77008
Kid and DOG friendly

- $10 gets you entry to the Cook-Off and sampling of all the delicious chili
- Awards and Prizes for BEST chili and BEST table flair
- Enter the HOT pepper eating contest
- LIVE music
- Silent Auction- Craft Sale- Bake Sale
- Vote on the SIREN's 2012 Uniform Choices, Fan Favorite WINS!

Do you think you and your friends make the best chili? If so, contact Bustin Beaver at lizzardfrog@hotmail.com for a Team Entry Form. Spaces still available.

Come on out!

Our Latest 2012 Home Team Roster Updates!

2012-01-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

Please help us welcome our newest home team skaters for our 2012 season! As of last night, all 17 of our Fresh Meat skaters were drafted to their new home teams!

New Draftees for The Psych Ward Sirens include Tie Die Pixie, Dr. Shocktapus, Maul McCartney, and Mad Milkshake.

The Bayou City Bosses welcomed new skaters including BG Smack, Bleeda Ford, and Mommy Fearest.

HRD's newest home team (currently unnamed) welcomed 10 new additions to their charter. New draftees include skaters LocoMeauxtion, Global Warman, Dirty Diana, Goddess of War, Yawanna Belize, Capt. Crunch, HotAssets, Bazinga, Hellicious, and Sam I Slam.
Joining the 10 new skaters will be HRD home team transfers Carmen Geddit (Sirens), Hot Rod Bettie (Sirens), Wicked Sweet (Sirens), Goldie Bloxx(Bosses), and Dutch Destroyer (Brawlers).

The Brawlers did not take any new drafts due to their current charter being full.

Please help us welcome and congratulate our newest additions for 2012! Come out and see your new favorite rookies play in our season opener bout March 17 at Verizon Wireless. Click here to get your tickets to our season opener bout now!

2012 charter updates for the Houston All-Stars and the Knock-Outs are currently in progress and will be announced soon.

The new team's name has been narrowed down from 270 submissions to the league's top 3. The winning name along with the team's new color will be announced before the end of January!

If you are interested in trying out for Houston Roller Derby, come out for our Spring Tryouts March 28, 29, and April 1!
For more information about our Tryouts schedule, click here!

We hope that you all are as excited as we are about 2012! Come out and see us in March!

...And the winners for the 2011 Houston Roller Derby Awards are...

2012-01-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

The best of 2011 for Houston Roller Derby's season awards are in! Please congratulate the following winners for being outstanding in their category for HRD.

The "Fun" Awards
Miss Congeniality Flyon Maiden
The After School Special Award Kiki Mojo
The Ta-Ta Award Betty Watchett
Best Assets The Angie-Christ
Purple Heart Award Bombadee
The Flair Award Flyon Maiden
The Comeback Kid Award Becky Booty
The Wash Your Mouth Out Award Carmen Geddit
The Best High Five Award Flyon Maiden
The Smarty Pants Award Sick Nick

Team Awards
BRAWLERS:
Best Team Mate Leather and Mace
Best Pivot Dutch Destroyer
Best Blocker Windigo
Best Jammer Flyon Maiden
MVP Windigo

BAYOU CITY BOSSES:
Best Team Mate KiKi Mojo
Best Pivot Becky Booty
Best Blocker Rebel Ann
Best Jammer Beverly Kills
MVP ShawShank

PSYCH WARD SIRENS:
Best Teammate Lisa Lava
Best Pivot The Angie-Christ
Best Blocker Jekyll & Heidi
Best Jammer Brand-Aid
MVP Brand-Aid

MACHETTE BETTIES:
Best Attendance Jessie Jams
Lil Miss Sunshine BG Smack
Most Improved Sam I Slam
MVB (Most Valuable Bettie) Misfits

ALL-STARS:
Best Teammate Wicked Sweet
Best Pivot The Angie-Christ
Best Blocker Goldie Bloxx
Best Jammer Brand-Aid
MVP ShawShank

League Awards
Best Referee Corbin Cojones
Most Improved Shocker Zulu
Rookie of the Year SyRenge
League MVP The Angie-Christ

Congratulations to all of our 2011 winners! Now, onto 2012!
Don't miss us at Verizon Wireless on March 17 for our season opener game!
Go to www.houstonrollerderby.com for more information and to buy your tickets!

Houston All-Star Skater Windigo Featured in Home Town News

2012-01-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

Houston All-Star skater, Windigo was recently featured in her hometown newspaper, The Manitoulin Expositor, which is based in Little Current, Ontario in Canada.
The article, titled "First Nation Heritage Inspires Derby Girl," features Windigo’s roller derby endeavors and the significance of choosing her skater name.
Windigo's roots are on the Island of Wikwemikong, where her mother lives "as well as First Nation communities in the United States, where she was primarily raised."
In the article, she explains that she wanted to be called something that represented her Anishnaabek people.
The name 'Windigo' is "the name given by Anishnaabek people to the evil spirit that consumes human flesh, or possesses others to do so. The wiindigookaanzhimowin, a ceremonial dance, was held to warn against the spirit’s hungry ways."
"Ms. Fox Bennett has been featured in the media recently due to her performance at the first World Cup in flat-track roller derby, which was held December 1-4 in Toronto. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in the past decade and though it’s strongest in the United States, other countries are taking note," the article said.
Windigo explained that after going to her first Roller Derby game in the mid 2000's, she was sold on the sport and recalled going out to buy her first pair of skates.
"'There’s not a lot of full-contact sports for women out there,' Ms. Fox Bennett said. 'I think that’s why roller derby appeals to some women. It’s no-holds-barred,” Windigo said in the article. 'That ‘no-holds-barred’ aspect of the sport tends to attract 'unconventional' women, she added. 'They are all so strong,' Ms. Fox Bennett said. 'It develops into a real sisterhood.'"
Windigo conveyed that at first, she was a "slow learner," but said she refused to give up.
“'Don’t ever give up,' she fervently recommended. ’I tell that to everyone starting derby. Tenacity gets you everything and everywhere,'” Windigo said in the article.
This past December, at the World Cup, Windigo played for Team Canada, which won the Silver Medal.

HRD Creates New Home Team: You Decide The Team Name!

2011-12-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

We need your help!

Houston Roller Derby's recent tryouts had such a great turnout that we are creating a new home team for our 2012 season.

We know our fans are as excited about this development as we are, so we'd like to ask for your help in coming up with the team's name!

For the next two weeks we'll be taking name submissions.
The fan who submits the winning entry will receive two tickets FREE to the fourth team's first bout on April 21!

So don't wait, submit your team name ideas today! We will be accepting suggestions below through January 5th, 2012.

SUMBIT YOUR 4TH TEAM NAME IDEAS HERE

♥ Houston Roller Derby ♥

HRD Nominated as Sports Amateur Team of the Year for AMA Houston's Marketer of the Year Award!

2011-12-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

Houston Roller Derby has been nominated as one of the best amateur sports teams of the year by AMA Houston for their 2011 Marketer of the Year awards!

AMA Houston is a citywide Marketing Connection network for educational and career-building resources. The Marketer of the Year awards, which will be presented by Houston Business Journal, seeks to recognize the efforts of Houston area organizations, businesses, and institutions which have executed "exceptional marketing" in 2011.

"Houston Roller Derby was nominated this year in the Sports Amateur category in the American Marketing Association Houston Chapter's Marketer of the Year awards program. Nominations are submitted by members and others in the local business community with descriptions provided on each. Nominations are scored by local judges and members to determine 41 category winners who then compete for the overall Marketer of the Year award. The award program recognizes excellence in overall marketing in the Houston region," said AMA Houston Executive Director, Gary Carson.

The Marketer of the Year Reception and Awards Ceremony will take place on March 12.

We thank you all for your love and support as we continue to watch this amazing sport grow!

♥ Houston Roller Derby ♥

Look Out 2012!

2011-12-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

Houston Roller Derby is proud to announce that we will be moving our 2012 season back to downtown Houston to the Verizon Wireless Theater at 520 Texas Avenue!
The season opener will kick off on St. Patrick's Day 2012 - March 17.
Our double-header will feature a game featuring the Houston All-Stars, and an exciting rematch between the Sirens and the Bosses.
Buy your tickets now!
Tickets To Our Next Bout Here!

After placing fifth in the WFTDA South Central Region tournament this past October, the Houston All-Stars are getting back to work, building their strongest team yet. Keep an eye out for the newest roster - you might recognize a few names you weren't expecting to see!
On the home front, the Sirens and the Bosses will be at it again, meeting for the first time since the Championship bout this past October. After an exciting game, the Sirens snagged the first place trophy from the Bosses, who had held onto the undefeated championship title for the past three years. The Sirens pulled out an incredibly strong season and were undefeated for the entirety of 2011.

2012 Home Team Leadership:
Bayou City Bosses - Captain: ShawShank / Co Captain: Blindside
The Brawlers - Captain: Flyonn Maiden / Co Captain: Radium DK
Psych Ward Sirens - Captain: Brand-Aid / Co Captain: SyRENge

HRD has also recruited almost 20 new skaters for the new season!
Keep an eye out for your new favorite Rookies!

HRD will be having tryouts at the beginning of our new season in March.
If you are interested in becoming a derby girl, start getting ready!
A great place to start is by attending our Beginner Boot Camp with our recreational league. Our next beginner session will start January 10.
For more information, go here:
Rec League and Beginner Boot Camp Info

We hope to see you all become a part of our amazing 2012 season! We've got so many exciting things in store! More exciting announcements coming soon, so stay tuned!

♥ Houston Roller Derby ♥

Right Now: LUAU!

2011-08-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Houston Roller Derby is at this very moment holding its 6th annual Luau! From noon til 8pm at West Alabama Icehouse (1919 West Alabama), you can hang out with rollergirls, hear great bands, ride on an inflatable water slide, limbo to your heart's content, bomb a skater, and generally have a grand ol' time.

These fundraiser events help support Houston Roller Derby as a league and help get our travel team from places like Boston to Kansas to Florida so that we can have a competitive team and get Houston on the map! Thanks for all your support!

So Proud of HaRD Knocks!

2011-07-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

This has been a great season for our Houston HaRD Knocks! Just back from a weekend in Boston playing Windy City and the Boston Massacre, the next game in sight is against Montreal here in Houston! Tickets will be available online for a triple header featuring the Texecutioners from Austin, Montreal's New Skids on the Block, Houston HaRD Knocks, and a mix-up scrimmage featuring skaters from Houston Roller Derby's home teams. Come support our HaRD Knocks in this exciting, international bout on June 30th at Houston Indoor Sports. The games will be at 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. More info can be found at our website.

Here are some recent scores:

Rocket City Rumble
Houston 166 Green Country 55
Atlanta 107 Houston 73

Comicpalooza
Houston 303 Harrisburg 59

Boston
Boston 102 Houston 96
Windy City 171 Houston 74

Keep it up, HaRD Knocks!!

Bout #2!

2011-05-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Second bout of the season. Tonight, the Bayou City Bosses take on South Side Roller Derby's All Stars from Texas City, and the Psych Ward Sirens go head to head against the Brawlers.

Tickets are sold out online, but there may be a very small, limited number at the door. You may also check in between the two games and if the crowd has thinned to allow more seating, you may be able to get a ticket for the Brawler/Siren matchup!

The bout will be (hopefully) streamed live at U Stream. Look for Houston Roller Derby and today's date.

Doors open at 6pm, bouts start at 7pm. We are located at Houston Indoor Sports, 221 Barren Springs.

See you tonight!!

2011 Crawfish Boil!

2011-05-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on the annual HRD Crawfish Boil TODAY at BigWoodrows, 3111 Chimney Rock. Crawfish, dunking tank, derby girls!!!

2011 Team Profile: Bayou City Bosses

2011-04-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

This team has weathered changes in leadership and scores of rookies each season, yet has walked away with three championships in a row. That's right--your Bayou City Bosses. Coming back last season from several early losses, the team pulled together to beat the Sirens by the championship game. Here's a preview of what you might see this season from the team proving black is always in style.

Top row L to R: Bombadee, Lipstick Assasin, BatBrat Von Doom, Kiki Mojo, Blindside, Rachael Rayge, Shocker Zulu, Norma Leigh Sane, Bloody Hell, Rebel Ann
Middle row L to R: Cynder HellYeah, Little Hurtmaid, Grrrl Friday, Shawshank, Betty Watchett, Big Bad Voodoo Dolly
Front row L to R: Beverly Kills, Becky Booty, Mary Queen of Skates, Goldie Bloxx

Coming into the 2011 season, how are the Bosses training to take the championship again?
The Bosse$ are known for their defensive game, and that is not about to change. We also have some strong jammers and newer skaters with a lot of potential. We want to play a smart game, so are talking lots of strategy and how to use the rules.

What are your goals? What challenges are you working to overcome?
As always, our goal is to win the championship. But we don't just want to have a trophy; we want to win because we have a team that works together to be the best. The Bosses have a lot of rookies and newer skaters, and our captain Becky Booty is out due to an injury. Those challenges just make us work harder.

The Bosses came a long way from the start of last season to the end. What can we expect to see this season?
We are starting in much the same way as we have started a lot of seasons--with many new faces. Expect to see us grow leaps and bounds this season while keeping that same Boss-ome attitude.

What movie would be better if the whole cast were replaced by Bosses?
The Godfather.

If you could send a message to your fans, what would it be?
We're back in black, baby! We love our fans and want to thank you for all your love and support. come show your support this season for your favorite local mafia.

Houston on the Local News

2011-04-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

In case you missed KPRC Local 2 News last night, you missed a great feature on Houston Roller Derby. If you want to watch the video, click HERE.

2011 Team Profile: Psych Ward Sirens

2011-04-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Psych Ward Sirens have always been a team to beat. With back-to-back championship titles in 2006-2007, they haven't missed a championship since. They are known for their intense training, gorgeous skaters, and rabid fans. And they might also be a little crazy. Get a sneak peak of your 2011 Sirens before they take the track at Saturday's bout!

top from L to R: Marianne Morgue, Hot Rod Bettie, Mistilla the Killa, Carmen Geddit, Candy Codeine, Wicked Sweet, Maulin' Angel, co-captain Brand-Aid, SyRenge
bottom from L to R: KittyCocktail, Kym KarSmashUin, Lisa Lava, Singapore Rogue, Copperhead, Sick Nick, captain Jekyll and Heidi, The Angie-Christ

Coming into the 2011 season, how are the Sirens training to take the championship?
We are training harder than ever this season. We utilize a combination of skating drills, land drills and communication drills. There's a lot of repetition. There's a lot of repetition.

What are your goals? What challenges are you working to overcome?
Our main goal is to win our first championship in over three years. We're looking forward to some fierce competition from the Bosses AND the Brawlers this year.

Your team has a lot of new players and also a lot of vets. Describe the dynamic of your team this year.
Yeah, the dynamic of the Psych Ward Sirens has really changed this year. We've had some changes in leadership, and it's our biggest influx of rookies we've ever experienced. Fortunately we also have some superb vets to create a great balance within the team. We're really enjoying the comradery this season!

What one reality show cast could you see the Sirens replacing?
The Secret Lives of Women. Or Wicked Attraction. You'd be surprised by some of our dark secrets!

If you could send a message to your fans, what would it be?
Look out--the Psych Ward Sirens are focused, prepared, and crazier than ever!!

Guess the Skater!

2011-04-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

In honor of our bout this weekend, I'm posting three tattoo photos of three skaters from each of our three home teams.

Who dat? This skater like Bayous and also Stephen King.

Talk about strength--this skater is a force to be reckoned with.

This may be a more recent tattoo, but you will know this skater for her long-time HRD fame.

Click to see the skaters revealed!

It's second-year vet Shawshank from the Bayou City Bosses!

Meet 2X Force, a fabulous rookie for the Brawlers!

And you will know her as Mistilla the Killah from the Psych Ward Sirens!

It's Bout Time!

2011-04-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

We are finally here! This Saturday, April 16, the season opener for Houston Roller Derby will take place at Houston Indoor Sports. HIS is located just 16 miles north of Houston off I-45 at Richey. (It's behind Lupe Tortillas--look for a sign for the Funeral Museum at the turn.) The first bout--Red Stick Roller Derby from Baton Rouge v our own Brawlers--begins at 7pm, followed by an awesome home-team match up of the Psych Ward Sirens v the Bayou City Bosses. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets are available on our WEBSITE until Friday at 5pm. Tickets will be available at the door, but get there early!

And you will not want to miss the after party! HRD teams up with Houston Art Car for a wild and fun night. For just $5 with your ticket stub, you can enter the party and have free drinks. Without your ticket stub, the price at the door is $20. The location is
4601 Clinton Drive, and the time will be 9pm-1am.

See you Saturday!

Comicpalooza + Roller Derby = Seriously Super

2011-04-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) Houston Roller Derby is partnering with Comicpalooza in Houston in a number of great events at the George R Brown Convention Center. There will be a WFTDA-sanctioned bout on Saturday between the Houston HaRD Knocks and the Harrisburg Rollergirls from Pennsylvania as well as three scrimmages on Sunday afternoon. If you'd like to find out more information or sign up for scrimmages (must have WFTDA or USARS insurance!), please click HERE for more information.

Fan Appreciation Party!

2011-03-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

Since our Season Opener has been postponed, we are throwing a Fan Appreciation Party at 6:00 pm Saturday at Swig, 15135 North Freeway, in the strip mall in front of our new venue. You are welcome to come hang out with HRD skaters, and the first 100 fans get a free limited edition Houston Roller Derby stadium cup!

Season Opener Bout Postponed Until April 16th

2011-03-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Sincerest apologies to all our fans and supporters! Here is the official statement:

Due to circumstances beyond our control with our new venue, we will not be holding the March 19, 2011 bout as planned. The venue construction was not completed on time. We are rescheduling our season dates to include an additional bout on October 15, 2011.

Our revised season schedule is as follows:

April 16: Brawlers v. Red Stick; Sirens v. Bosse$
May 21: Bosse$ v. Southside; Brawlers v. Sirens
June 18: Sirens v. Hell Marys; Bosse$ v. Brawlers
July 16: Brawlers v. Cen-Tex Sirens; Sirens v. Bosse$
August 20: Bosse$ v. Spindletop; Brawlers v. Sirens
September 17: Sirens v. Spindletop; Bosse$ v. Brawlers
October 15: 3rd place bout; 1st place v. 2nd place

All ticket purchases to the March 19, 2011 Bout will be honored at the April 16th, 2011 bout. Hold on to your online order confirmation or physical ticket and present it at the will call desk at the bout in April.

If you are absolutely certain that you will not be able to attend the April 16th, 2011 we will issue you a refund. Please contact Heather Jackson (aka Veronika Venom) at customerservice@houstonrollerderby.com for details.

We are extremely disappointed that this has happened, as we are sure you are. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused for you, and hope to see you at the April 16th, 2011 bout!

Sincerest Apologies,

Heather Jackson (aka Veronika Venom)
Chief Financial Officer
Houston Roller Derby

This Week in Houston Roller Derby

2011-03-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

We are gearing up for our season-opener on March 19th. So what is Houston Roller Derby up to this week?

Tuesday, March 2: Rec League
It's the first Tuesday of the month, which means the start of a Beginner Boot Camp where newbies are welcome.
Show up at 7pm at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink if you want to lace up your skates!

Saturday, March 5-Sunday, March 6: Hanky Panky
Houston's HaRD Knocks is headed down to Tampa to play in a tournament. The bouts will stream live on Derby News Network, so tune in to watch! The first HaRD Knocks game will be against Tampa Saturday at 1pm CST.

Saturday, March 5: Hot Rod Hoedown
You don't want to miss this! Cars! Pin-ups! Derby bouts! For more information, look for this event on Facebook or click HERE.

Guess the Skater!

2011-02-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hint: You might see this skater flyin around you wearing a unitard.

It's Flyon Maiden! A transfer last season, she skates for the Brawlers and had her first travel team games this weekend at Governor's Cup.

One More Reason to Love Houston

2011-02-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

Something I love about derby is the way a serious sport can incorporate a sense of humor and a sense of fun. Much of this comes from the heritage of derby. In its rebirth, derby may have shed the fighting and fixed outcomes, but derby maintains an element of show from skater names to the uniforms and mascots.

Houston Roller Derby has a fabulous sense of that balance. We fight to stay high in our region's rankings with an eye on Nationals every year. And yet...Houston is not above a good old-fashioned dance-off. Here are two video clips from this weekend taken from the stands (by HRD skater Shocker Zulu) as Houston shows off that great sense of fun and camaraderie.

Warming up for the Championship...

HRD and TXRG's intros for the Championship...

Governor's Cup 2011: Final Scores

2011-02-18T04:41:00.000-08:00

It was a wild weekend of derby--and I'm still recovering. I've been in sort of a derby coma/hangover all week and went to bed at 7pm on Sunday for the first time in like 25 years. In case you missed the action, here are the final scores.

Game 1: Big Easy 120
   Assassination City 117

Game 2: Spindletop 45
   Houston 208

Game 3: Alamo City 51
   Dallas 197

Game 4: Big Easy 7
   Texas 384

Game 5: Dallas 87
   Houston 124

Game 6: Spindletop 73
   Alamo City 154

Game 7: Assassination City 39
   Dallas 134

Game 8: Alamo City 98
   Big Easy 142

Game 9: Houston 71
   Texas 197

Game 10: Big Easy 77
   Dallas 145

Game 11: Dallas 104
   Houston 153

Championship: Houston 40
   Texas 158

A big thanks to Spindletop for co-hosting, the leagues for coming out, and to all the volunteers for making this tournament possible. Congratulations to Austin's Texecutioners!

Don't Miss a Moment of Governor's Cup!

2011-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Houston's HaRD Knocks will be headed out to Beaumont tonight for the Governor's Cup, which starts early tomorrow (Saturday) morning. If you didn't get tickets and can't be there, please tune in from home on the Derby News Network. It's a privilege to be on the network and we are really excited to have the tournament sent straight to your homes. The webcast will start tomorrow morning when the games do (I believe), so do check in to catch some of the live, flat-track roller derby action!

Big News: New Venue!!

2011-02-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the official press release from HRD about our new venue:

Houston Roller Derby will have its 2011 games at brand-new venue Houston Indoor Sports. Located at 221 Barren Springs Drive, Houston Indoor Sports is about 25 minutes away from the previous HRD game venue, and will house two regulation-size skating rinks with permanent sport court floors that are made for roller derby and roller hockey games. The venue will have bleacher, floor and VIP seating available. Beer and concessions will be available to purchase at HRD games.

"The league is very excited about the move to Houston Indoor Sports," said Tiffany Hamilton, spokeswoman. "The permanent sport court floor will provide a more professional experience for skaters and fans, since gameplay will no longer need to be halted in order to fix issues with the portable sport court floor we used in seasons past."

The parking conditions will also be a striking improvement over HRD's previous venues, with plentiful free lot and street parking available near Houston Indoor Sports.

Ticket prices will remain at the same rate as last season, with advance general admission at $12 and advance VIP at $25. The season opener will be at 7:30 p.m. March 19, and will feature visiting team Alamo City Roller Girls from San Antonio, as well as an intraleague bout between home teams The Brawlers and the Bayou City Bosses. Tickets are now available at our website.

In recent years, roller derby has become a phenomenon in the extreme sports world, rekindling its popularity and finding a slot within the Texas culture. The resurrection of flat track roller derby began in the heart of Texas in Austin, and the sport spread like wildfire throughout the state, country, and world.

Houston Roller Derby organized in 2005 and is a founding member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Houston's interleague team, HaRD Knocks, was one of the top 12 teams in the nation to compete at the WFTDA national championships in 2009 and is currently ranked seventh in the South Central region. HaRD Knocks will compete in several tournaments throughout the region this season.

Guess the Skater!

2011-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Who has a hippo in residence on her back?

Hint: You could say this skater's role on her team is pivotal.

It's Psych Ward Siren vet Carmen Geddit!

Guess the Skater

2011-02-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

How well do you know your HRD skaters? See if you can identify your favorite derby girls in this new weekly feature. Answer after the jump.

Hint: Her hits might knock you into the deep South.

Showing off tattoos of her daughters' names, it's Bayou City Boss vet Rebel Ann!

Official Governor's Cup Bracket

2011-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

2011 Governor's Cup: One Week Away!

2011-02-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

On February 12th and 13th, 2011, The Spindletop Rollergirls and Houston Roller Derby will co-host the 5th Annual Governor’s Cup – a showcase of some of the best Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s (WFTDA) teams in Texas and Louisiana – at the Ford Park Arena in Beaumont, TX.

Past Governor’s Cup Tournaments have been held in Austin, Dallas and Houston. The Spindletop Rollergirls are proud to be hosts of the location of this action-packed weekend in Beaumont, in which there will be 12 bouts slated to take place.

Participating teams, all of which hark from the South Central Region, include:

Alamo City Rollergirls - San Antonio, TX
Assassination City Roller Derby – Dallas, TX
Big Easy Rollergirls - New Orleans, LA
Dallas Derby Devils – Dallas, TX
Houston Roller Derby – Houston, TX
Spindletop Rollergirls – Beaumont, TX
Texas Rollergirls – Austin, TX

For more information, visit the official Facebook page for Governor's Cup. Need your tickets? Visit the Houston Roller Derby website.

Tonight's Bout!

2010-05-15T16:25:00.001-07:00

If you weren't able to make it to the bout tonight, click here to watch live and chat with Kiki Mojo!

Brawlers to Play Beaumont Team at April Bout

2010-04-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON –- Houston Roller Derby is preparing an exciting follow up to its sold-out season opener with another home bout this Saturday (April 17) featuring the Spindletop Rollergirls from Beaumont, Texas.
HRD took Spindletop under its wing as an apprentice league while they work towards gaining full membership in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. They’ve come a long way since forming in late 2008; their 2010 season-opener bout against the Acadiana Good Times Rollers was a blow-out in Spindletop’s favor at 229 to 55.
The Beaumont league will play Houston’s Brawlers team at Saturday’s bout taking place at 7 p.m. Saturday at Kick’s Indoor Soccer and Gym, located at 611 N. Shepherd. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Brawlers captain Miss Lead is confident that her team will win against Spindletop.
“I feel the Brawlers have been training hard enough to win this bout,” she said. “We’ll have our rookies out a lot more at this game. It’s their time to shine.”
Lead said fans won’t want to miss this game, as she plans to change the jam lineups to allow skaters to move from their usual positions into new ones.
“Fans will see skaters usually known as blockers jamming this bout,” she said.
The Brawlers are 1-0 so far this season following their nail-biting win against Houston’s Bayou City Bosses team at the season-opener bout. The scoreboard rarely showed more than a five-point spread throughout the game, keeping fans on the edges of their seats until the bout clock ran out with four points in the Brawlers’ favor.
After the Brawlers vs. Spindletop game ends on Saturday, HRD teams The Bayou City Bosses and The Psych Ward Sirens will play. The Bosses won against the Sirens in the 2009 season championship bout, but after the recruiting and training that occurred over the offseason, it’s anyone’s guess which team will come out on top this weekend. The Sirens are feeling positive after they won a blow-out 205 to 51 game against Red Stick Roller Derby at HRD’s season opener.
As a relatively new sport following its resurgence in the late 1990s, roller derby has evolved from season to season, becoming more competitive and athletic as its skaters further hone their skills and develop new strategies.
Since organizing in 2005, Houston Roller Derby has grown into a league of 50 skaters that sells more than 1,000 tickets for each bout. HRD is one of 78 member leagues that make up the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. HRD is ranked third in the WFTDA South Central Region and was one of the top 12 teams in the nation to compete at the WFTDA national championships in November 2009.
Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.houstonrollerderby.com, or www.wftda.com.

Notice Anything Different?

2010-04-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

If you happened to be in the sold-out crowd for Houston Roller Derby's opening bout, you may have noticed some changes this season. The first is the structure of the bouts. Bout nights have always been double-headers, featuring two full games. In the past, we had the first half of one game, then a short break, then the first half of the second game. An intermission would follow and then the second half of the first game, a short break and then the second half of the second game. This allowed the skaters to have a longer break between halves, but was often confusing to fans and made for a very long night.

This season, we are playing two full games consecutively--the first game plays to completion, followed by a longer intermission, and then the second game. The advantages are that this allows the fans to see two full games back to back and eliminates any confusion for new fans. This will also be a great conditioning challenge to our skaters!

The second big change relates to one of our three home teams. If you showed up sporting purple, you may have been confused to see the Brawlers skating in a lovely royal blue. For several seasons, the Brawlers have been struggling with a smaller roster and injured skaters. Under the new captain and co-captains Miss Lead and Speed-O, the Brawlers are coming on stronger than ever and have made some changes.

So why the color change? And why drop the "Burlesque" from the team's name? In no way to dishonor the team's heritage, these changes reflect the renewed seriousness of the team and reflect a new vitality. Miss Lead says that this is a team of fighters, and they want the focus to be on that aspect of the team. With some great vets like The Prosecutor and Sinister Sista and a host of new rookies, the Brawlers definitely came out swinging to defeat the 2010 champion Bayou City Bosse$!

On April 17th, you can watch the Brawlers take on Beaumont's Spindletop while the old rivalry between the Psych Ward Sirens and the Bayou City Bosse$ will heat up the track. Get your tickets at Houston Roller Derby's website and be prepared for another sellout crowd!

by Kiki Mojo

Nailbiting Action at Sold-Out Season Opener

2010-03-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Houston Roller Derby promised exciting flat-track thrills at its season opener bout, and the league delivered with an intense four-point Brawlers win against the Bayou City Bosses coupled with a blowout victory for the Psych Ward Sirens against Baton Rouge, La.'s Red Stick Roller Derby All-Stars team.

The Sirens played first for the sell-out crowd that filled Kick's Indoor Soccer and Gym on Saturday night. The team established a 26:7 lead against Red Stick by the end of the fourth jam thanks to high scoring jammers Jekyll and Heidi and Mistilla The Killa. Red Stick struggled, unable to keep top jammers Wicket Sweet, BrandAid and Mistilla from scoring for the rest of the first half, which ended at 128:19 in the home team's favor.

According to Examiner reporter Phil Arnold, Red Stick tied the Sirens in the first jam of the second half, and took a 4-2 score in the second jam with Tricky La Rouge jamming. Tricky La Rouge gained a 3-0 score in a later jam, and Zarathrustya narrowed the point deficit further with a 5-0 jam. Turbo Tyke performed the highest-scoring jam of the night for Red Stick with seven points. But the Louisiana team's efforts were not enough to close in on the Sirens' more-than 100 point lead, which grew steadily throughout the second half. The final score ended with the Sirens winning 205 to 51.

The Sirens bout included impressive jamming by rookie Wicked Sweet, who garnered 36 points for her team throughout the game against Red Stick. This season, the Sirens retained the highest number of veteran skaters in comparison to the other two Houston home teams, adding five new skaters to their team roster.

Home teams The Brawlers and The Bayou City Bosses took the track next for what would become an intensely close game that had fans of both teams on the edges of their seats. A four-point jam by Speed-O and a five-point jam by Miss Lead, both Brawlers, contributed to the team securing a 22-6 lead against the Bosses by the end of the ninth jam. The Bosses countered with an 8-0 jam by Baby Face Assassin and a 9-0 jam by Bobituary, giving the team a slim lead over the Brawlers at 27-25.

The score see-sawed yet again as high scoring from Speed-O and Miss Lead brought them the lead at 37-27. A handful of impressive jams by Bobituary and Baby Face Assassin brought points to the Bosses and none to the Brawlers, helping the Bosses scratch their way back to the top at 49:38. Brawlers jammer Tammityville Horror narrowed that lead with a nine-point jam, leaving Bosses a slim lead at 49:47 at the end of the first half.

The two teams continued to edge up on each other throughout the second half of the game, with the Bosses holding onto their lead until a 10-8 jam by The Prosecutor of The Brawlers tipped things to their favor at 64:63. As Bobituary of the Bosses and Miss Lead of the Brawlers traded high-scoring jams, the teams tied at 77:77 by the end of the 12th jam. A 4-0 jam by Speed-O gave a momentary lead to the Brawlers, only to be erased by Bosses jammer Beverly Kills' subsequent 9-3 jam, leaving the teams tied yet again at 90 points each. In the following three jams, the Brawlers climbed their way to a 95:91 lead.

With only eight seconds left in the bout, Bosses Captain Rebel Ann called a timeout to ensure one more jam. Beverly Kills and Speed-O lined up against each other. As Bosses jammer Beverly Kills was sent to the box for a major penalty, Speed-O achieved lead jammer status for the Brawlers following a difficult first pass through the pack, and ended the jam without scoring in order to maintain her team's four-point lead and win at 95:91.

In addition to providing some close-scoring flat track derby intensity, the home team bout also provided a surprise when rookie Bosses jammer Cynder Hell Yeah got lead jammer status in opposition to veteran jammer and crowd favorite Speed-O. Speed-O overtook Cynder during their first lap out of the pack, prompting her to call the jam off before either could score any points. Cynder is one of seven rookie skaters to be added to the Bosses this season. The Brawlers have six new skaters on their team roster.

HRD Featured on CW39 5 p.m. News

2010-03-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Online ticket sales are now closed. Buy your tickets at Kick's Indoor Soccer and Gym, located at 611 N. Shepherd Drive in The Heights, tomorrow! Doors open at 6 p.m.!

Bout Afterparty at Big Star Bar in the Heights

2010-03-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

You know how the ending of “Fight Club” is so explosive, literally and figuratively, that it just makes you want more? Watching all of those skyscrapers implode while The Pixies song “Where is My Mind” wails in the background is not the kind of experience that gets you ready for a nap; you’re even more pumped than you were when Edward Norton was wiping the floor with Jared Leto’s face.

That’s what it feels like to watch the end of a Houston Roller Derby bout. You’ve watched intense, hard-hitting flat track action for the past few hours and have seen more than a handful of your favorite derby skaters peel themselves up off the floor. You can’t just swallow all that pent-up energy – not unless it’s chased by a beer, that is.

Enter: the afterparty. The season opener bout on Saturday (3/20) will be followed by hearty food, strong drinks and obligatory carousing at Big Star Bar (1005 W. 19^th) in the Heights, a place that has quickly and quietly become “the place to be” among downtown Houston locals. In this story, Houston Press reporter Shea Serrano said that Big Star's vibe radiates a studiously unkempt indifference, “a logical conclusion given its decor, locale and crowd.”

What originally sold me on Big Star was this quote from a regular who was interviewed by Serrano: “We have only one rule. Don’t be a douche. We hate douche-y bars and douchiness in general. This is not a douche-y place.” Duly noted! Put down the Summer’s Eve and visit their website here.

To sweeten the pot, Houston StrEATs will also be on hand to make sure you don’t party on an empty stomach. Co-founder and chef Jason Hill, known as Big Sexy to the roller derby crowd, said the menu will include monte cristo balls with local strawberry jam, Texas frito pie and bacon-wrapped hot dogs with kim chi relish, among other delectable treats.

Chefs and co-founders Hill (formerly of Café Brasil and Gravitas), Jason Gould (also of Gravitas) and Matt Opaleski (formerly of Aries) started the company in June 2009 and are working on making StrEATs into a chef-driven food truck business to provide gourmet lunch offerings at ever-changing locales inside the loop. Until that day, they’re providing catering services to get their name out there. Food sales will be cash only. Visit their Facebook page here.

Have you bought your bout tickets yet? Tickets are still available at the advance $12 price until 5 p.m. today at www.houstonrollerderby.com.

In the News

2010-03-18T22:47:00.001-07:00

The Houston Chronicle posted this story about the Houston Roller Derby's season opener bout today. Houston Community Newspapers' Greater Houston Weekly edition published this story earlier this week.

A reporter from The Houston Chronicle blog 29-95 is also currently working a story on many of our skaters' impressive tattoos. Look for more media coverage of HRD and the bout in the weeks to come.

HRD Goes to the Dogs

2010-03-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Houston Roller Derby chose Friends of Moose to be the official charity of the 2010 season opener bout. The unique nonprofit accepts donations in order to assist pet owners who cannot afford expensive emergency veterinarian examinations or treatments.

Gwen Flager founded the charity in honor of Moose, pictured at left, who was euthanized days after being diagnosed with a painful cancer that had severely damaged the blood vessels surrounding his heart.

"To arrive at this diagnosis and monitor Moose's response to emergency treatment was expensive," Flager states in the nonprofit's mission statement. "What happens to the animals whose owners don't have the money to pay for emergency consultation? What happens when the treatment becomes too expensive? I wondered what I could do to help."

Now, thanks to Flager's vision, those who cannot afford expensive veterinary treatments in the greater Houston area can get assistance from Friends of Moose.

Houston Roller Derby skaters LOVE their pets! Just to name a few, Carmen Geddit of the Pysch Ward Sirens has two adorable dachshunds named Rockett and Bullett, pictured

at right. Bobituary of the Bayou City Bosses has a cute rescue mutt named Waylon, and Sexy Sniper of the Brawlers has a handsome boxer mix named Zorro. Since we all know what it's like to fall in puppy love, we're donating a portion of the proceeds from Saturday's bout to Friends of Moose.

To donate or get more information, visit www.friendsofmoose.org.

The American Heist Playing Season Opener Halftime

2010-03-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Local Houston punk band The American Heist will play a set during half time at Houston Roller Derby's season opener bout this Saturday. In a review for the Houston Press, Rocks Off blogger Craig Hlavaty described their sound as "booze-fueled Springsteen-esque street-punk" that reminds the listener of Mike Ness, Rancid and Hot Water Music. You can check out their sound yourself on their MySpace page.

Buy your bout tickets today at www.houstonrollerderby.com or from any skater! Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

Come Hang With Us

2010-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Wondering what your favorite derby skater has on her mind ahead of this weekend's bout? Find out tonight at Derby Tuesday, Houston Roller Derby's bout pre-party! Merchandise to wear to the bout and advance tickets will be available for purchase. Don't miss out!

Season Opener this Saturday!

2010-03-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

(Click image to see a larger version)

The season opener bout for 2010 is this Saturday March 20. Do you have your ticket yet?

Houston Roller Derby 2010 Season Promises Thrills, Competitive Action

2010-03-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON – Houston Roller Derby has been training diligently to prepare for an electrifying fifth season, which will officially start March 20 with the league’s season opener bout.
“The 2010 season is going to be exciting,” said Carmen Geddit, HaRD Knocks travel team captain and member of home team The Psych Ward Sirens. “All three home teams are working hard and there will be some amazing competition on the track.”
The Red Stick Roller Derby’s All-Stars travel team from Baton Rouge, La. will travel to Houston to play the Psych Ward Sirens at the season opener bout. Sirens Captain Mistilla the Killa said she is confident of her team’s ability to win against Red Stick.
“The Sirens roster boasts the highest number of veteran skaters that excel at all elements of the game,” she said. “This team is known for their speed, agility, and an uncanny ability to make their way through the smallest of holes in a pack.”
The bout will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at Kick’s, 611 N. Shepherd in the Heights neighborhood of Houston and will also feature a match-up between HRD home teams The Bayou City Bosses and The Brawlers.
“The Bosses are looking forward to a new season of fun and knocking ladies on their asses,” said Bayou City Bosses Captain Rebel Ann. The Bosses were named 2009 League Champions last year after a nail-biting season-closer game against the Sirens.
After missing out on a spot in the championship competition last year, The Brawlers have undertaken some tough training during the off-season, said Miss Lead, Co-Captain.
“When training gets tough we tell our skaters ‘we’ll suffer now and we’ll live the rest of the season as winners,’” she said.
After more than 20 skaters retired at the end of the 2009 season, HRD has recruited and trained 23 talented rookies to fill its ranks.
“Unfortunately, our league did lose some seasoned vets, but we gained some amazing rookies who our fans will fall in love with,” Geddit said.
Three promising new skaters, Sexy Sniper, Dutch Destroyer and Cynder Hellyeah, were drafted to the HaRD Knocks team this season. HaRD Knocks also added returning skaters Beverly Kills and The Prosecutor, who came out of retirement this season.
Another change this season is the bout format. HRD has adjusted the scheduling so that each game will be played straight through to its completion, as opposed to alternating the first and second halves of both games. The new format will keep the adrenaline thrill at its maximum level as fans follow their favorite team’s game directly from start to finish.
There’s a lot to look forward to for the league’s fifth season. HRD has scheduled out-of-town teams to come play at every single home bout, meaning that roller derby fans will get treated to highly competitive flat-track action at every game.
“After four seasons HRD has proven to work together flawlessly for the good of the league,” said Mistilla the Killa, who is also a member of the HaRD Knocks team. “We’ve worked on teamwork and communication that produces a dense, intimidating pack, combined with aggressive, nimble jammers. History undeniably favors that HRD is an incredible matchup for any league in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).”
As a relatively new sport following its resurgence in the late 1990s, roller derby has evolved from season to season, becoming more competitive and athletic as its skaters further hone their skills and develop new strategies.
“It's not a T&A show on wheels,” said Corbin Cojones, the league’s head referee. “These women are real, strong, athletic, and revolutionary. It is worth people's time because they are supporting sports in the truest sense - not the sports organization, but the players themselves. It is a truly grass roots event.”
Since organizing in 2005, Houston Roller Derby has grown into a league of 50 skaters that sells more than 1,000 tickets for each bout. HRD is one of 78 member leagues that make up the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. HRD is ranked third in the WFTDA Southwest Region and was one of the top 12 teams in the nation to compete at the WFTDA national championships in November 2009.
Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Visit www.houstonrollerderby.com.

Good Luck, HaRD Knocks!

2010-02-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

This morning, Houston's own HaRD Knocks are in Austin and will compete in the Governor's Cup, a tournament to determine the best team in Texas! Tickets are sold out, unfortunately, but we'll post updates as the day goes on. HaRD Knocks faces the Dallas Derby Devils at 11:55am, so keep them in your thoughts. Updates to follow!

Tune In Right Now!

2010-02-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

In ten minutes Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives will be airing on the Food Network featuring one of Houston Roller Derby's sponsors, the Red Lion Pub. Watch for derby girl sightings! And it's not too late to head down to the Red Lion Pub to watch!

Diners, Drive-ins, Dives, and Derby Girls

2010-02-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

Back in June, Guy Fieri of Food Network fame dropped by Houston to shoot an episode of his show at one of HRD's sponsors, the Red Lion Pub. A group of HRD skaters had the privilege of eating some great food and being a part of the taping, which will air Monday, February 8 on the Food Network at 10pm EST. Guy Fieri and his crew were so excited about having derby girls in attendance that they repaid the favor and visited one of our travel team practices. Here are a few photos from the experience.

The Red Lion Pub will be having a viewing party in Houston on Monday at 9pm. Click here to visit their site for more information. And may I suggest the Chicken Tikki Masala and their bread pudding or chocolate cake for dessert--definitely worth a trip!

WFTDA Fan Survey!

2010-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

Calling all HRD and roller derby fans out there! The Women's Flat Track Derby Association and Houston Roller Derby need your help in better targeting our audience at large. Please take a few moments to click here and fill out a survey on the WFTDA site. This will help the roller derby community at large know and meet your needs!

Friends and Family: Fan Favorites and Fresh Faces

2010-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

If Sunday night's Friends and Family Exhibition Bout was any indication of what to expect from HRD this season, it's going to be a wild ride with a lot of fresh faces.

The triple header featured skaters from the Bosses, Brawlers and Sirens scattered amongst newly-added rookies into Pink, Black and White teams. While the 300 fans who flocked to the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink may have missed retired skaters like Death by Chocolate, Savage Rose, Panty Raider, Starr Doom and Nawty Dread Knocks, last season's rookies really flexed their muscles. There were explosive jams from Brandaid, Babyface Assassin, Sweet Commotion, Bobituary, Candy Codeine and, of course, Rookie of the Year Speed-O. Seasoned vets like Mistilla the Killah, Miss Lead, Becky Booty, Jekyll and Heidi, Chainsaw Chick and Rebel Ann were assets not only in hard hits and point scoring, but in helping coach the newest rookies, who were added at the tail end of 2009. This bout also marked the return from retirement of loved vets The Prosecutor and Beverly Kills.

The Black Team took two hard losses in a row: first to the Pink Team and then to the White, despite strong skating from vets Miss Lead, Jekyll and Heidi, Beverly Kills, Tex Offender, Tammityville Horror, Brandaid, Tony Smasheries and Blindside. Black Team rookies like Sexy Sniper, Blitzkrieg Bopper, Marianne Morgue, and Grrl Friday got a lot of time on the floor, literally and figuratively. In the end, Pink beat out Black 60 to 31.

The second game against the White Team was much tighter, as Black found their footing. White Team veteran blockers like Becky Booty, Sick Nick, and Creeping Beauty dished out hard hits, setting the example for rookies Kym KarSmashUin, Mary Queen of Skates, Lady Gag-Ya and Dutch Destroyer. With strong jams from Speed-O, Candy Codeine, The Prosecutor, Babyface Assassin and rookie Nightmare on Em Street, the White Team narrowly beat out Black 54 to 51.

The final match-up between the Pink and White Teams came down to the final two jams. Pink Team veterans like Sinista Sista, Copperhead, Princess Prozac, Tempestua, and Chainsaw Chick did their best to stop the White Team jammers along with help from rookies Lipstick Assassin, Alex, Bethie Mayhem and Cinder-HellYeah. Sweet Commotion and Bobituary led the way as jammers with Mistilla and Rebel Ann pulling double duty blocking and jamming. Despite a close match-up between the two teams, final jams by The Prosecutor and Speed-O for the White Team cinched the victory for White, 44 to 39.

The 2009 season saw a historic bid to WFTDA nationals, and the building of our league. The 2010 season promises the same competitive skating with new faces joining the old to bring excitement and flat-track derby action to Houston. Don't miss our season opener on March 20 at Kicks Indoor!!

To see the Houston Press write-up of the Exhibition bout along with a slide show, click HERE.

Houston Roller Derby on the News!

2010-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Tune in tomorrow to KPRC Local 2 Houston to see three Houston Roller Derby skaters. Jekyll and Heidi and Carmen Geddit from the Psych Ward Sirens and Sexy Siren from our batch of new rookies will be talking about our Friends and Family Exhibition Bout as well as all things Houston Roller Derby. The segment will air sometime after 7am tomorrow (Saturday) morning!

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

2010-01-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

Don't forget!

Upcoming January Events

2010-01-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

January 10th: Tryouts!!

Think you have what it takes to skate with Houston Roller Derby? Come out to the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink from 10am to 12 this Sunday. A new-girl social will follow at Big John's Ice House. For more details, please email recruitment at houstonrollerderby dot com.

January 17th: Friends and Family Scrimmage

Come get a preview of our upcoming season in this tournament-style bout at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink at 6pm. Tickets will be $7 at the door, and feel free to BYOB!

We are closing in on our 2010 season, so grab your season tickets now!

A Time of Thanks

2009-12-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

We just left Thanksgiving for the Christmas rush, and we also recently took time at our end of the year party to thank everyone who participated in HRD. This has been a great year with our first ever trip to nationals, and we are excited about the future. Here is a list of the awards given out and of everyone who participated in the 2009 season. Thanks to everyone who took part!

Derby Brothers

1. Bla$pheny

2. Mr. Booty

3. Byrdman

4. Cary Porter

5. Chappy Davis

6. Conn

7. Dewitt Eton

8. Mr. Floorplay

9. Jack Camancho

10. Mr. Jeckyll

11. John Davis

12. John Wade

13. Johnny Diablo

14. Josh Balakonis

15. Kris Rosenkoetter

16. Maryssa Maize

17. Ozzy Zion

18. Poppa Morphine

19. Sir Loin

20. Special K

21. Steve Novotny

Referees

1. Ajax

2. Ally Basher

3. Asthmatika

4. Big Bad Voodoo Dolly

5. Boots Electric

6. Mr. Chainsaw

7. Chewcifer

8. Chicken

9. Mr. Clean

10. Head Referee: Corbin Cojones

11. Juana Destroya

12. Katie KO

13. Madame M

14. Mr. Knockahoe

15. Natalie Zelt

16. Needs Derekshun

17. THE PROSECUTOR

18. Randy Pants

19. Rick Jamz

20. Roadkill

21. Rushing Cleavage

22. SOB

23. Sweetie Todd

24. Wreckx-N-Effect

Volunteers

1. Annheuser Butch

2. Beth Threat

3. Beverly Kills

4. Bill Shirley

5. Bunny B Trouble

6. Captain Jack Sorrow

7. Chad Cornelius

8. Charles

9. Chip Queso

10. The Colonel

11. Crispix

12. Danny Nguyen

13. Debbie Fuentes

14. Dirty Sanchez

15. Double Treble

16. Doug Seabourne

17. Elle McFierce

18. Mr. Fearest

19. George Hasbrouck

20. Honey Man

21. H.O.T. Rink Sweeper

22. Mr. Hot Wad

23. Jay Lee

24. John McKay

25. Judo Bryan

26. Kane-D-Man

27. Kelly Mora

28. Kerry McClain

29. Lisa Williams

30. Madame M

31. MakoOffOnYou

32. Mama Mistilla

33. Mama Morphine

34. Matt Glover

35. Ozzy Zion

36. The Mangler Mario Marteniz

37. Mr. Platz

38. Phil Arnold

39. Rev. Bryan

40. Richard McCullough

41. Sir Jym

42. Spanky

43. Stig Daniels

44. Tawdry Hepburn

45. Tim the Techman

46. Tony Sodaro

47. UV Vixen

48. Veronika Venom

49. Wacky Jackie

50. Mr. Who

51. Will Oxley

Sponsors

1. 2 Be Free Bonding

2. 396 Studios

3. Bar Stool Magazine

4. Big John's Ice House

5. Bud Light

6. Chances

7. Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

8. ESPN 97.5 The Ticket

9. Kalibrate

10. Kicks Indoor

11. MardiGras Grill

12. Montrose Skate Shop

13. Red Lion Pub

14. Roller Girl Skates.com

15. SkateCourt

16. Stan and Lou

17. Wicked Skate Wear

Heads of Committees
1. AnnHeuser Butch: Head of Training

2. BabyFace Assassin: Head of Charity

3. Brand-Aid: Ticket Mistress

4. Carmen Geddit: Interleague Liason

5. Chainsaw Chick: Head of Recruiting and New Girls

6. DeMentia: Head of Art

7. Goldie BloXX: Head of Halftime and Afterparty

8. HellaBama: LeagueSecretary

9. Jekyll and Heidi: Web Mistress

10. Madame M: Rink Mom

11. Princess Prozac: Head of Production

12. Punitive Damage: Head of Legal

13. Rebel Ann : Head of Volunteers

14. Savage Rose: Head of Fundraising/Events/Band Booking

15. Scarlet O'Hurtya: Head of Media / Press / Marketing / PR

16. Sinister Sista: Head of Sponsorship and Charity

17. Starr Doom: Head of Fundraising/Events/Band Booking

18. THE PROSECUTOR: Head of Legal and Head of Training

19. Veronika Venom: Head of Merchandise and Head of Finance

Team Machete Bettie

1. Most Inspirational Bettie - Mary Choppins
2. Best Attitude Bettie - Bunny B. Trouble
3. Most Valuable Bettie - Elbow Grease and Jersey Girrrl

Bettie Skaters

1. Alexandra Vasquez

2. Anachronism

3. Beverly Kills

4. Blitz

5. Bombadee

6. CinnaBomb

7. CoCo Chanel

8. Demisha Manning

9. Domin8TRIX

10. Dutch Destroyer

11. Glam Reaper

12. Grrrl Friday

13. Janette Mereno

14. Jessica Jasso

15. Jessie Jams

16. Jorge Gonzalez

17. Kasey Bryan

18. Kathy Elliot

19. Katie Acosta

20. Kim Karsmashuin

21. Lipstick Assassin

22. Luna Styx

23. Coach - Madame M

24. Mary Choppins

25. Mechell Brown

26. Mommy Fearest

27. Nightmare on Em St

28. Pheonix Pistolero

29. Private BeenJammin

30. Scar Wars

31. Spite 'n Malice

32. Sweet Commotion

33. Sweetie Todd

34. Toni Smasheries

35. Wicked Sweet

36. Wreckx-N-Effect

Team Burlesque Brawlers

1. Best Blocker - Starr Doom
2. Best Pivot - Sinister Sista
3. Best Jammer- Speedo
4. MVP - Speedo
5. Rest of the Brawlers-

1. Brat Poison

2. Bushwacker

3. Chainsaw Chick

4. Claudia Van Damage

5. Creeping Beauty

6. Major Mayhem

7. Princess Prozac

8. Private BeenJammin

9. Savage Rose

10. Scar Wars

11. Tempestua

12. WreckHell Welch

Team Psych Ward Sirens

1. Best Blocker - Panty Raider
2. Best Pivot - Carmen Geddit
3. Best Jammer - DeMentia
4. MVP - Mistilla the Killa
5. Rest of the Sirens-
1. Brand-Aid
2. Candy Codeine
3. Copperhead
4. Domin8TRIX
5. Hot Rod Bettie
6. Ivana B Sedated
7. Jekyll and Heidi
8. Punitive Damage
9. Raven Knockahoe
10. Scarlet O'Hurtya
11. Sick Nick
12. Tex Offender

Team Bayou City Bosses

1. Best Blocker- Co-Captain Nawty Dread Knocks
2. Best Pivot - Goldie BloXX
3. Best Jammer - Death by Chocolate
4. MVP - Death by Chocolate
5. Rest of the Bosses-

1. BabyFace Assassin
2. Becky Booty
3. Blindside
4. Bo Bitchuary
5. Dailey Beatings
6. HellaBama
7. Holla Pain~Yo
8. KiKi Mojo
9. Legzibitionist
10. Miss Lead
11. Rebel Ann
12. Tamityville Horror

Team HaRD Knocks

1. Best Blocker- Miss Lead
2. Best Pivot - Becky Booty
3. Best Jammer - Death by Chocolate
4. MVP – Death by Chocolate
5. Rest of the HaRD Knocks-

1. Brand-Aid

2. Carmen Geddit

3. Chainsaw Chick

4. DeMentia

5. Goldie BloXX

6. Jekyll and Heidi

7. Mistilla the Killa

8. Nawty Dread Knocks

9. Panty Raider

10. Rebel Ann

11. Savage Rose

12. Sinister Sista

13. Speedo

14. Starr Doom

15. Tex Offender

16. THE PROSECUTOR

17. WreckHell Welch

18. Bench Support: Spanky

19. Bench Support: Chicken

HRD Fun Awards

1. Miss Congeniality Award: Our favorite rollergirl with a personality plus - KiKi Mojo
2. The TaTa Award: The rollergirl with the best rack - WreckHell Welch
3. After School Special Award: Our favorite rollergirl mom - KiKi Mojo
4. Purple Heart Award: Our favorite injured rollergirl- Panty Raider
5. Flair Award: Best Dressed Rollergirl - Mistilla the Killa
6. The Comeback Kid Award: Our favorite rollergirl coming back from an injury - DeMentia
7. Wash Your Mouth Out Award: Best Trash Talker on the Track - Death by Chocolate
8. Best High Five Award: Our favorite rollergirl with the most enthusiastic Derby Spirit - Carmen Geddit
9. Smarty Pants Award: Our favorite smart-ass rollergirl - Sick Nick
10. Best HRD Practice Attendance - Blindside & Copperhead (TIE)
11. Best TT Practice Attendance - DeMentia
12. Best Event Attendance - Scarlet O'Hurtya

HRD Awards
1. Rookie of the Year - Speedo
2. Best Referee - Corbin
3. Most Improved Skater - Rebel Ann
4. MVP of HRD - Death by Chocolate

December Tryouts!

2009-12-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

Have you always wanted to skate with Houston Roller Derby? Now is your chance! Houston Roller Derby has two upcoming tryout dates at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink--Sunday, December 6 at 6:30pm and Sunday, January 10 at 10am.

We are looking for solid skaters who are ready to give their all for Houston Roller Derby, even if you don't have lots of derby-specific experience. The tryouts will last for two hours and will include skating drills, time trials, and meeting with the captains. Afterwards, there will be a new girl social with great food at Big John's Ice House at the corner of Dairy Ashford and Briar Forest, where you'll get to mix and mingle with derby girls. You must be 18 years old to try out. A list of frequently asked questions can be at the bottom of this email, and please let me know if you have any other questions!

Please RSVP to recruitment@houstonrollerderby if you will be attending the December 6 tryouts. The cost is $25, which includes the rink fees and the new girl social. You will need skates, pads (elbow, knee, and wrist) and a helmet. You may also want a mouthguard, which can be found very cheaply at Academy or Walmart. If you do not have pads, helmet, or skates, please let me know if you will need these and we will do our best to have some for you to use. PLEASE arrive around 30 minutes before the tryout time so we can have you fill out paperwork.

We would love to have you out! Again, please email me if you plan to try out on December 6, or if you have questions about tryouts or Houston Roller Derby. There will be one Recreational League tomorrow, December 1st at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink at 7:15pm if you want to get some time on skates this week. Thanks and hope to see you there!

Tryout FAQs

Who is Houston Roller Derby?

Houston Roller Derby is a diverse group of women in and around Houston who share a common love for derby. We are a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and play all-female roller derby with quad skates on a flat track. Our league consists of three home teams and one travel team, which competes nationally.

What do I need to have with me to tryouts?

Please bring the $25 tryout fee, comfy athletic clothes, all the necessary equipment, and a great attitude. For equipment, you will need quad skates (not in-lines); knee, elbow, and wrist pads; a mouth guard; and a helmet. If you do not have all the necessary equipment, please let us know ahead of time. You may be able to rent rink skates and borrow pads or helmets if there are enough.

What is the minimum age to try out? What is the maximum age?

You must be 18 years old to join Houston Roller Derby. There is no maximum age.

If I make the league, what will the requirements be?

You will be required to make at least 70% attendance of three practices a week, cover your monthly skater dues (approximately $50 per month), and purchase WFTDA insurance ($40 a year). Each skater must also participate in league activities such as fundraisers and league meetings, and must be an active member of a committee.

What percentage of girls trying out will make the league?

There is no percentage. We will take as many girls as we feel meet the requirements and have the right attitude to skate with Houston Roller Derby. Some of our current skaters have tried out multiple times before making it. If you don’t make the league your first time, don’t give up! Work on your skills and come back to show us your commitment to derby.

What will be tested at tryouts?

We assume that most new girls will not come in with perfected derby skills. We want girls who have solid skating ability and the potential to grow. To get an idea of the minimum skills that we are looking for, click this link:

http://www.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/appendix_a___wftda_minimum_skill_requirements.pdf

Another important factor we will be looking for is attitude. We want to see skaters who have heart, commitment, and the ability to take instruction well.

And Like That...

2009-11-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

...it's over. After a 239-46 loss to the Rocky Mountain, Houston's HaRD Knocks has finished its season. It's been a historic year for Houston, and we are so proud of our HaRD Knocks for earning this spot at Nationals for the first time.

The score may look like a blowout, but Houston returned from halftime to continue an uphill fight. Speed-O appeared to grow even faster in the second half, but even scoring 41 points couldn't bring us back. If you want to read a recap or watch the archived game, click here.

Congrats, HaRD Knocks on a fantastic season and thanks fans for all your support!

Nationals! Right...NOW!

2009-11-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

If you want to watch Houston HaRD Knocks take on the Rocky Mountain Roller Girls in our first game at Nationals in Philly, go to www.derbynewsnetwork.com! The game was supposed to start at 4:15, but they're still in warm-ups right now. Go HaRD Knocks!

Friends and Family Day!

2009-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

Please come out and see us at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink tomorrow, October 25 from 6:30-9pm for an exhibition bout and fundraiser to help send the Houston HaRD Knocks to Nationals in Philly! BYOB if you're over 21.

Nationals, Watch Out for HaRD Knocks!

2009-09-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

We're going to nationals! Houston's HaRD Knocks beat out Dallas today 113 to 101 and secured a spot in Philly for the WFTDA National Tournament. This is huge for Houston, and we are so proud of our travel team!

Join us for a congratulatory celebration Monday September 28th at Montrose Skate Shop (3202 White Oak Dr ) at 7pm. We will welcome back our girls, bring signs and cheer the Travel Team as we parade them up and down 6th Street. Come on out and show our ladies some love!

Semi-Finals Starting...NOW!

2009-09-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Derby News Network is broadcasting the semi-final bout between the Houston HaRD Knocks and Kansas City Rollergirls starting in just a moment (5pm CST). We need to win one more game to make it to Nationals. If we win here, we fight for the top spot or the second spot. If we lose to Kansas, we can still beat a team tomorrow, coming in third and making it to Nationals. This has been a long, hard-fought season, and HRD needs your support. Go watch now!

HaRD Knocks Advances!

2009-09-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

Houston's HaRD Knocks beat No Coast (Nebraska) today 183-45. Congrats, guys! Our travel team now advances to the semi-finals and will be playing tomorrow. Please keep checking in or on Derby News Network for updates and live coverage of the bouts!

Houston v. No Coast

2009-09-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Right this very second, Houston's HaRD Knocks is beating No Coast 94-14 in the Southern Fried Smackdown. It's half-time as I write, but if you want to watch the rest of the bout, click here. Keep checking www.derbynewsnetwork.com this weekend for more live bout casts.

Updates and Whip It Tomorrow!

2009-09-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's officially the off-season for Houston Roller Derby's home teams, but there is still a lot going on! Our own travel team, the Houston HaRD Knocks will be playing this weekend in the Southern Fried Smackdown in Atlanta, hoping to secure a place in the national championship. I'll try to link to live feeds on the Derby News Network this weekend. We also have some fundraisers and an exhibition game coming up, plus three more tryout dates before next season. See? We're actually busy.

But the big news for the moment is that Drew Barrymore's movie Whip It comes out soon and very soon! If you have not heard the buzz about this movie, it stars Ellen Page as a Texas gal who finds her way into roller derby. If you can't wait until the movie officially opens, there are a few sneak peaks coming up, the first of which is TOMORROW, September 24, at the Edwards Grand Palace in Houston. The screening starts at 7:30, and if you want to get in, email recruitment at houstonrollerderby dot com for free passes. You'll want to be early also.

Please email if you want passes, and keep checking in for live feeds of the Southern Fried Smackdown and info on our other upcoming events!

Saturday Night Bout!

2009-08-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

The regular season may be over, but the Houston Hard Knocks travel team is still going strong. This Saturday night, August 29, HaRD Knocks will be hosting the Minnesota Rollergirls at 3-Star Ice, formerly Jopa (17951 I-45 South, Shenandoah, TX). The tickets will be $12 at the door and $10 online until 5pm today. Doors open at 6:30pm. Be there to support HRD!

Houston Roller Derby Tryouts!

2009-08-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's the end of our regular season, and we are looking ahead. That's where YOU come in--we need fresh meat!! Attached is an informational handout detailing skills requirements and league requirements for membership in HRD. Here are the details and the dates for tryouts. All portions of tryouts (other than the New Girl Social) will be at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink (www.skatedarr.com). You must attend ALL THREE mandatory dates to try out. The informational meeting on Tuesday is for any questions you might have for us concerning tryouts. The cost for trying out is $50, which includes the New Girl Social.

Tuesday, August 25- Informational Meeting with Q&A 7:30-9:30pm (optional)
*Wednesday, August 26- Tryouts 7:30-9:30pm (MANDATORY)
*Sunday, August 20- Tryouts 10-12noon (MANDATORY) followed by the New Girl Social at Big John's (12640 Briarforest Dr 77077)
*Wednesday, Sept 2- Tryouts 7:30-9:30pm (MANDATORY)

Please email me with questions or concerns, and also let me know if you plan to attend so we can get a head count. recruitment@houstonrollerderby.com

One Week Away: Championship Bout!!

2009-08-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday night, August 15th, will be the last bout of the season! As always, it will be a double-header featuring our own Burlesque Brawlers taking on the newly formed Spindletop Rollergirls of Beaumont and the Psych Ward Sirens and the Bayou City Bosses will battle it out for the championship title. You do NOT want to miss this game! And right now, if you buy your tickets online, you can get a special: $20 for tickets to both the championship and the August 29 game featuring the Houston HaRD Knocks versus the Minnesota Rollergirls. What a deal!

HRD Is Going to Regionals!!

2009-07-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Regionals will be held September 25-27th in Atlanta, Georgia. The Southern Fried Smackdown will feature the top ten teams in the South Central Conference battling it out for a spot to Nationals. Houston's own HaRD Knocks has been working hard all season and won't settle for less than one of the three coveted spots. Our league is run for the skaters by the skaters, which means that all expenses for travel come from donations and money we make at our bouts. If you'd like to donate to help send HaRD Knocks to Atlanta (and hopefully onto Philly for Nationals), please visit our site and click on the button the main page that says Donate. We appreciate all your support!

Come Bowl with Us!

2009-07-24T21:18:00.001-07:00

Saturday, July 25 Houston Roller Derby will be having a fundraiser at Palace Bowling Lanes at 2pm. At our website, you can find out how to donate by sponsoring HRD in general, or picking a participating derby girl and making a per-pin pledge. At the very least, come out and see your favorite derby girls off their skates and in some bowling shoes!!

Congrats!

2009-07-20T20:40:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Houston's HaRD Knocks Travel Team who beat out Austin's Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, 108-105. It was a hard-fought derby battle that came down to the last, nail-biting jam, when HRD came back from a 12-point deficit to win.

In case you missed it, come out next month for the championship on August 15. The Bayou City Bosse$ will be defending their title against the Psych Warn Sirens, and the Burlesque Brawlers will take on Beaumont's Spindletop Rollergirls.

photo courtesy of Tony Sodaro

Tonight! 7pm! Kicks! BE THERE!

2009-07-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

What else could possibly be going on tonight? Houston Roller Derby will be bouting at Kicks tonight at 7pm. The Houston HaRD Knocks Travel Team will take on Austin's Honky Tonk Heartbreakers and two exhibition teams made up of other favorite HRD skaters will compete. Kicks has been re-permitted and if you have your ticket stubs from the last game, bring them to the door for a discount on your tickets for tonight.

This is the last bout before the championship--don't miss it!

The Running of the Bulls...Sort Of.

2009-07-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Skaters from Houston Roller Derby joined the Big Easy Rollergirls in New Orleans yesterday for the third annual San Fermin in Nueva Orleans--otherwise known as the running of the bulls. In the New Orleans version, people run through the street being chased by rollergirls with bats. To see some photos of the action, click here.

It's Official: July Bout back at Kicks!

2009-07-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here is the official statement from HRD and Kick's in regards to the unfortunate incident at our June bout:

The ladies of the Houston Roller Derby (HRD) will resume their 2009 season as scheduled on Saturday, July 18 at Kicks Indoor Soccer after ensuring the venue has been permitted to hold up to 1440 people for the last two bouts of the season.

“KICKS sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience to HRD's fans due to either the temperature in the facility or because of the premature end of the bout,” KICKS owner Tim Young said. “KICKS has since obtained proper permitting from the City of Houston for the rest of the season and has made upgrades in its air conditioning units. KICKS welcomes back HRD roller derby fans old and new to the facility.”

All patrons who present proof of purchase of any June 20 bout ticket at the door on July 18 will receive a discount of $7 off admission to the July bout

“We are committed to our sport, volunteers and fans,” HRD spokeswoman Scarlet O’Hurtya said. “We have had a great season thus far and hope that everyone will continue to support us as we continue to grow.”

The July 18 bout will feature HRD's all-star team, the HaRD Knocks, taking on the Texas Rollergirls' Honky Tonk Heartbreakers from Austin and two exhibition teams featuring non-travel team HRD members facing off.

For the August 15 bout, the Psych Ward Sirens (2-0) will challenge defending champions, the Bayou City Bosses (1-1), for the season championship title. The Burlesque Brawlers (0-2) will host the Spindletop Rollergirls from Beaumont.

Free parking with complimentary shuttle service is available in the High School for the Criminal Justice parking lot located a few blocks south of the facility between Dickson and Scotland Streets off Shepherd Drive. Valet parking for $10 is also available at KICKS, which is located at 611 Shepherd Dr., Houston, Texas 77007.

For more information on Houston Roller Derby, visit www.HoustonRollerDerby.com and KICKS Indoor Soccer at www.KicksIndoor.com

Houston Roller Derby Video Promo!

2009-06-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Check out our new promo!

Thanks to Deacon Delluci and his team!

Roll with the Derby Girls: Book Signing Tonight!

2009-06-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Come meet photographer Shelley Calton tonight at Loggia Sport Bar in Sugar Land from 6-8pm! She will be signing copies of her book Hard Knocks: Rolling with the Derby Girls. Mix and mingle with some of the Houston Roller Derby skaters featured in the book, and pick up your copy tonight!

Photos from June 20th Bout

2009-06-21T20:16:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to Tony Sodaro's Flickr shots from last night's bout. Enjoy!!

Playoffs Get Called Off

2009-06-21T07:58:00.001-07:00

It was quite a night! In case you missed it, HRD held its season playoffs last night where all three teams fought for a spot in the championship. The Bosse$ shut down the Brawlers in the first game, though the Brawlers did a fantastic job and made use of our newest rookies. The second match-up between the Sirens and the Bosse$ was an incredibly close game with both teams in top form. It was a nail-biter, one that you just knew was going to come down to the final jam.

And then it happened.

With no warning, an anouncement was made that the Houston Fire Marshall was shutting us down. Definitely a first in Houston Roller Derby history. Everyone was forced to evacuate the building, and the bout ended with nine minutes left on the clock and the Sirens/Brawlers game yet to be played. Talk about a disappointing end to a great night!

We sincerely apologize to all of our fans who came out to support us. If that was your first experience with us, we hope that doesn't turn you away--please come back! HRD is actively working with Kicks to resolve this, and we will have to figure out as a league what to do about our unfinished playoffs. Please keep your ticket stubs from last night and check back here, on the website, or our Yahoo fan board for updated information. We can't change the events of last night, but we hope to make it up to all of our loyal and loved fans! Thanks for sticking with us despite this unexpected bump in the road.

Playoff Structure

2009-06-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

With the re-purposing of the Machete Betties (the Betties are now the Rec League, not a fourth league team), our bouts this year have looked a little different. They are still double-headers, but now two HRD teams play one another, and the third team plays an interleague team from another city. Tomorrow's bout (June 20) will be our playoffs, which means that we're having a triple-header: each HRD Team will play another in a series of three forty-minute games.

You will get to see your favorite teams fight it out for a spot in the championship. First up, the Bosses and the Brawlers, followed by the Bosses and the Sirens, and the Brawlers and the Sirens will finish out the night. As it stands, the Sirens are undefeated, the Bosses have one loss, and the Brawlers have two losses. Tomorrow night, anything could happen! Come wearing red, purple or black to root for your favorite team! Doors open at 6pm, bout starts at 7.

What to Do with Your Friday Night!

2009-06-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

It's Friday night, and I KNOW you're not doing anything, so how about catching some great derby as a preview for tomorrow?? Derby News Network will be broadcasting a killer bout: Gotham City vs the Texas Rollergirls. The game stars tonight at 5:30 CST, and there will be live broadcasts Saturday and Sunday as well, so you can have a derby-filled weekend!

And don't forget, you can still buy tickets online (until 5pm) or from your favorite rollergirl to save a few bucks and a wait in line!

Houston's 55 Interviews Private BeenJammin

2009-06-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a great segment from Houston Channel 55's Sports Off-Center where Craig Roberts talks to Private BeenJammin from the Burlesque Brawlers. We love derby in the news!!

Respect the Colonel

2009-06-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Another great derby site belongs to The Colonel. A dedicated HRD supporter, The Colonel does great recaps and previews of HRD bouts, plus a few extras here and there. Be on the lookout for a preview of this week's bout, which is in five--count 'em, FIVE--days!! Do YOU have your tickets in hand??

Need a Derby Fix?

2009-06-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

Man, doesn't a month between bouts seem long? Then you need to be checking out Derby News Network. Keep up with derby across the country and even watch live and archived games! HRD, though awesome, is not the only derby out there. We are a part of the WFTDA--Women's Flat Track Derby Association. There are derby leagues all across the country skating for the love of derby. So, for the next week and one day until the June 20th HRD bout at Kicks, stay tuned to the Derby News Network to keep you going.

An Interview with Shelley Calton

2009-06-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

The wait is over: one week from today, Shelley Calton's book Hard Knocks Rolling with the Derby Girls will be available for purchase. For several years, she followed derby girls from Houston Roller Derby, creating unique and revealing portraits of the women behind the sport. You can buy your copy at the next bout on June 20th, or through her website. This week, Shelley was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about the book and her work.

How did you become interested in derby girls as subjects for your photographs?
I first heard about the revival of Roller Derby on a radio advertisement while I was visiting Austin in 2001. I had a fleeting thought then about starting a new project; I loved the idea of photographing a diverse group of women athletes in risqué clothing! However, I thought the distance would be a problem. Several years later I read an article in the Chronicle about the start up of a league in Houston. I called up April Pesillo, aka Knocky Balboa, who was interviewed in the article and asked her if I could come out to a practice session. This was the start of my long relationship with the Houston Roller Derby.

-You got to experience some of the behind-the-scenes moments with the skaters that few people get to see. Talk a little about what it was like to see both the public and intimate view.
I really appreciate the liberties and freedom the skaters gave me with my camera. Over time we developed a trusting relationship, which allowed me to capture the more intimate behind the scenes moments, not just the tougher exterior in the rink shots. Being a woman photographer did give me some advantages that male photographers might not have. The private moments just before the start of the game and just after the end of the game were my favorites times to shoot and some of my best shots came from within the dressing room walls.

How do you feel like Hard Knocks fits in with your overall body of work?
Hard Knocks Rolling with the Derby Girls is my first truly documentary photojournalistic body of work. My latest body of work Invisible Thread is a studio still life project of women’s vintage lingerie pinned to a white backdrop. The two projects although quite different do have some similarities. The premise of both bodies of work centers on femininity. I wonder if part of the skater’s costumes, i.e. the fishnets and bustiers didn’t subconsciously lead me into the Invisible Thread work. There is a yin and yang, the feminine yet tough appearance of the women of the roller derby and the fragile side of the lingerie.

Look for Shelly Calton and Hard Knocks Rolling with the Derby Girls at our next bout, June 20th at Kicks! There will be book signings around Houston coming soon--more info to follow!

New Kicks Banner

2009-05-31T07:10:00.003-07:00

Check out our fabulous new banner at Kicks! Thanks to Stan and Lou for design and 396 Studios for the printing!

It's Not Too Late!

2009-05-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

If you've been thinking it over, debating, or hesitating--the time is now! Tryouts for Houston Roller Derby begin tomorrow night at 7:30pm. There are three days of tryouts (May 26, 27, and 31) and you must attend all three days. Why three days? HRD is a serious time commitment, so it's a nice way to welcome you to the family. Plus, there is a lot to do. You will have skills assessments, interviews, and time trials. Don't be intimidated! If you have questions or want to know more, email me asap for details: kirstenoliphant at gmail dot com or check the HRD website for more info. We'd love to see you there!

posted by Kiki Mojo

Do YOU Have What It Takes?

2009-05-20T20:59:00.001-07:00

Ever thought about trying out for Houston Roller Derby?? HRD is holding mid-season tryouts on May 26,27, and 31. (You must attend all three days.) Check out more information here.

Derby in the News

2009-05-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

As a rapidly growing sport, roller derby has been featured more and more on television and in the news. You may have caught derby-themed episodes of Psych, Kath & Kim, and Wife Swap this past year, or heard about Drew Barrymore's upcoming film Whip It starring Juno's Ellen Page (based on the book Derby Girl by Shauna Cross). In a sport run for the skaters by the skaters, this kind of publicity is always welcome! Check out this great article featuring Maryland's Mason-Dixon Roller Vixens that highlights the athleticism of derby.

A Night of Honeys and Sirens

2009-05-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delayed post--it always takes me a few days to recover after a bout. Especially this one...

If you missed it, you really MISSED it. The house was packed with more fans than we had at our season opener. Was it to watch HRD's Burlesque Brawlers take on the Hot Rod Honeys from Austin's TXRG? Or to see the Bayou City Bosse$ defend the championship title against the Psych Ward Sirens?? Both were heartfelt and hard-fought games.

Final scores:
Hot Rod Honeys 173 Burlesque Brawlers 28
Psych Ward Sirens 109 Bayou City Bosse$ 90

The 2009 championship is still up for grabs, and next month's playoffs on June 20 will help decide which two teams will be vying for the top spot. The bout will feature a round-robin style playoff with three forty-minute games. What could be greater than watching all three HRD teams battle it out? Get your tickets now from your favorite skater or on the Houston Roller Derby website!

Do You Have Tickets??

2009-05-15T21:09:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow night at this time, we will all be heading to the afterparty. BUT. In a little less than 24-hours, you will all be sitting on the edge of your folding chairs, watching HRD's Burlesque Brawlers take on Austin's Hot Rod Honeys and the 2007 Champion Psych Ward Sirens take on the 2008 Champion Bayou City Bosses. There will be some surprising yet familiar faces out there...be warned. I don't know what else in Houston could possibly rival this action. (Don't worry--the Rockets aren't playing until Sunday night.)

Tickets are no longer available online, but you can buy them at the door tomorrow--Kicks Indoor, 611 Shepherd. Doors open at 6pm, bout starts at 7pm. Half-time provided by Dogz on Parole. After party at Christian's Tailgate Bar and Grill, 7340 Washington @I-10. Don't miss it!

Only a Few Days Left....

2009-05-13T09:27:00.001-07:00

....to buy your cheap tickets online for this weekend's bout! You know you're going to be there--why not save three bucks and then treat yourself to a beer while watching an amazing double-header?? Click here for all the info about this weekend!

Want to Hang Out with a Derby Girl This Weekend?

2009-05-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Houston Roller Derby has a TON of events going on this weekend. Here's the low-down on where we will be and when. Come out and see your derby girls off the track!

Friday night 8pm-Midnight: Calvin Murphy's Birthday Party at DARR, $20
Come join Calvin Murphy and your favorite HRD girls for the "You're Never Too Old to Roll" party. 97.5 The Ticket will be broadcasting live! Entry includes a T-shirt, skate rental, and food from Blake's BBQ and Burgers. For more info, click here.

Saturday afternoon 1-3pm: Art Car Parade, free!
HRD will be skating with the Art Car Parade. You don't want to miss this great event from Houston's Art Car Weekend! For more info, click here.

Saturday afternoon 4-8pm: Laser Tag, $9.75
This is another 97.5 The Ticket event with Greasemunkey, sponsored by the US Army, Marines, the Houston Dynamo, and Area 21 Laser Tag. Anyone can enter and there will be a tournament with great prizes! Find out more here.

Saturday night 7:30pm: Houston Aeros Game
Come out and support the Houston Aeros and you'll get to see HRD skaters on the ice during half-time. See how derby girls fare on the ice! For ticketing info, check here.

That should be enough to keep you going until next weekend's bout! Don't forget to buy your tickets for the May 16 game at www.houstonrollerderby.com !

posted by Kiki Mojo

Congratulations, HaRD Knocks!!!

2009-05-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, Houston's HaRD Knocks put the smackdown on Atlanta's Dirty South Derby Girls 127-101. It was an exciting game, and we were so happy to host Atlanta. The previous WFTDA rankings had Houston at #3 in the region and Atlanta at #5, so we'll have to wait and see if this will have an actual impact on either team's standings. If you want to read a great recap of the bout, click here to read Phil Arnold's thoughts.

post by Kiki Mojo

Eat Out for a Good Cause!

2009-04-30T05:31:00.001-07:00

Today Houston Roller Derby will be participating in Dining Out for Life, a benefit for AIDS Foundation Houston. All day, participating restaurants will donate 33% of all food bills. That's huge! From 5-9pm, the HRD girls will be hosting at Niko Nikos, Barnaby's on West Gray or Shepherd, Pink's Plaza on 14th, or Dragon Bowl Asian Bistro. Come out and join us! If you want more info, check out the Dining Out for Life site.

posted by Kiki Mojo

HaRD KNOCKS Wants YOU!

2009-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

There is nothing going on this Saturday that could possibly be cooler than THIS. Come out and support your Houston Roller Derby travel team as they continue their journey towards nationals by defeating Hotlanta!

posted by Kiki Mojo

Rule of the Week: Ending of the Period

2009-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

If you were at the bout last weekend, you know that the Sirens' huge win over Austin's Hell Marys came down to the last thirty seconds of the last jam, which finished AFTER the clock ran out. Announcers and the crowd counted down with the clock to zero and yet the jam continued on, allowing Mistilla the Killa to secure the win. Confused? Here is a brief explanation of how the period ends in derby, based on the official Women's Flat Track Derby Association rules.

-The period ends when the last jam ends, NOT when the clock runs down. The jam ends when the referees blow the fourth whistle, either because the lead jammer called it off (hitting her hands on her hips), because the full two minutes of the jam elapsed, or because of injury/interference.

-If there is more than thirty seconds left on the clock, a new jam will begin. If there are less than thirty seconds left, there will ONLY be another jam if either one of the teams calls a time out. If neither team calls a time out, the clock will run down and the period will end.

So the next time you're sitting in Kicks waiting for the last jam of the game to end, don't just watch the clock. Watch the jam--it may change the outcome of the game!

posted by Kiki Mojo

Recap: Brawlers v. Bosses

2009-04-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

How do I write a recap when the whole night was a blur of adrenaline and awesomeness? Let's see...

There was a little bit of this.
With a little bit of that.
And, of course, some of this.
Each team had several injured players from the get-go: Claudia Van Damage, Savage Rose, Major Mayhem and Scar Wars for the Brawlers and Goldie Bloxx, HellaBama and Holla-Pain-Yo for the Bosses. Private Been Jammin' went down in the first half with a shoulder injury, leaving the Brawlers hurting for jammers. Rookie Speed-O Racer did an amazing job racking up the points, pulling the Brawlers ahead. But by the end of the first half, the Bosses were back in the lead. Death by Chocolate and Miss Lead widened that gap in the second half with the help of rookie jammers like Tammityvillor Horror, who had a fifteen-point jam. The final score: Bosses 146 to Brawlers 67.

It was my first bout, so I'm probably not the best person to write a recap. From my perspective, it went by so fast! I loved every second of it, except when I was making stupid rookie mistakes. (Or just stupid mistakes.) Being on the winning team was great, but it sucked seeing the Brawlers skating short...and then shorter. Injuries, ugh!

Speaking of winning, did you see the Sirens whip the Hell Marys?? (Look for a recap shortly!) Next month with the Sirens and Bosses meeting up, I smell blood...

*Photos by Kerry McClain

posted by Kiki Mojo

$3 Goes a Long Way

2009-04-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

In today's economy, the three-dollar difference between pre-sale tickets and at-the-door tickets to HRD's bouts can really go a long way. I've done some research, and here are ways you might spend that three dollars if you buy your next ticket online or from a skater.

$3 Will Buy You:
-a beer at Kick's concession stand
-an HRD sticker for your favorite team (with a dollar to spare!)
-an HRD coozie in pink or black to keep your beverage chilled
-most of a tall Starbucks frappuccino
-three items from the dollar store
-a grilled chicken wrap, small fries, and Frosty from Wendy's value menu
-this T-shirt from Old Navy

I think I've proved my point. Think smart. Buy your bout tickets online (until 5pm the night before the bout) or from your favorite derby girl.

posted by Kiki Mojo

It's 5:00 and That Means...

2009-04-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

...you missed your chance to buy online tickets for tomorrow's bout! Don't worry--you can still buy tickets at the door. OR, try and catch your favorite derby girl today to buy a ticket direct.

Either way, don't miss tomorrow's bout at Kicks Indoor (611 Shepherd). Doors open at 6pm and the bout starts at 7!!

Saturday Night: Your Questions Answered

2009-04-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this blog, chances are you're a fan of Houston Roller Derby. You have already purchased your tickets for this Saturday's bout. You will be at Kicks when the doors open at 6pm to park your folding chair right outside the crash zone, wearing your team shirt for support.

But just in case you're new to this whole derby world, I thought I'd post the top three questions I get asked when talking to people about roller derby.

Is there a ball? No. There is no ball of any kind in derby. Points are scored as each team's offensive player (known as the jammer) makes her way through the pack of defensive players. She scores a point for each player on the opposite team she passes legally.

Are there, like, fights? Hopefully not. Skaters who engage in fighting will be expelled from the remainder of the bout. Roller derby is a contact sport with hard hits and falls. But to keep its integrity as a sport, fights are strictly prohibited.

Do you have to have a tattoo? Um, no. You will find a wild cross-section of women on the derby track. There are a lot of tattoos out there, but having one is not a requirement for skating. And contrary to urban legend, tattoos do not make you skate faster.

Is there a banked track? Houston Roller Derby is a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). This means that we skate on a flat track, which actually takes more athleticism, as you have to use your skill to stay on the track. It also keeps the skaters that much closer to the fans. If you want to really get up close and personal , sit in the crash zone where you might catch a derby girl in the lap!

Can I bring my kids? YES! Houston Roller Derby loves its younger fans. We are a little more of a PG-13 sport: there are short skirts and and you're sitting close to the track, you might hear some language. But are the skirts any shorter than those of your favorite football team's cheerleaders?? Probably not. As a testament to kid-friendliness, my one-year-old son will be there, sporting his Mini Mojo onesie.

To see these questions (and more!) answered in action, come out Saturday night, April 18th, at Kicks Indoor to see some genuine flat-track derby action! Doors open at 6pm and the bout starts at 7pm. Get your tickets from your favorite roller girl, at the door, or at the HRD website. See you there!

posted by Kiki Mojo

March recap

2009-04-09T16:23:00.001-07:00

Wow, forgot to update after the last game... sorry!!

Just to recap-

March 21st bout
Our new venue, KICKS, was a little warm... I think they may have underestimated how hot roller derby really is! This was our first time running a full bout at our new venue, so there are some obvious kinks to be worked out, but we have taken note of the many suggestions and have a lot of improvements in the works. We're working on a trial-by-error basis here!

Kicks isn't as big and fancy (or expensive) as Verizon, but it really brought back that grassroots vibe we had during the first season at the Arabia Shrine. We had some great music from Beryl Grady, a funny corndog eating contest at halftime courtesy of Miramax's movie "Adventureland" and Moroch entertainment, and ESPN radio 97.5 "The Ticket" held a live broadcast from our after party, as they will for every game this season. All in all it was a good night.

Bayou City Bosses 269, Hurricane Alley (Corpus Christi TX) 8

The Bosses, defending HRD champions, took on a relatively inexperienced all-star team from Corpus Christi and well, it was rough. But everyone learned something from that game- on both ends! New Bosses had some great opportunities to show they can hang with the rookies and even veterans got the opportunity to play positions they normally wouldn't. No major injuries- that's the best of all!

Psych Ward Sirens 161, Burlesque Brawlers 126

The ladies in purple put up a hell of a fight, but the two-time HRD champion Sirens proved they want their title back. Unfortunately the only major injury of the game was sustained by Brawlers' captain Claudia Van Damage- who took a nasty spill, was carried off the floor and ended up with a minor concussion. She is recovering well and we can't wait to have her back on the track...

More to come, including photos, videos and other goodies from the first game... stay tuned!