Skate Name & Number: illbilly 76
Years Skating:My entire life - as far back as I can recall!
Years Involved in Roller Derby:Nearly 4 years now
When did you first get into Roller Derby?Just before the inaugural men’s European Championships... approximately three months prior, to be precise.
Do you recall the first match you watched?Yes, the first match I was taken to see was in Liverpool where LRB played, but I can't remember who they played against. I just remember Liverpool winning, I believe.
Which League/s are you currently part of? Southern Discomfort MRD , Team England MRD and Central City Rollergirls
Brief history of your time in Derby:I began with the Crash Test Brummies and spent a significant amount of time with those fantastic guys until I recently transitioned to playing in London with SDRD. I also began my coaching career with the wonderful Evolution Roller Derby before relocating to Birmingham to join CCR.
How did you come to choose your derby name?Well, I honestly had no idea, and when my friend suggested we play men’s roller derby in Birmingham, I brought my old skate park helmet, which was a lazy legs rock splitter (essentially a properly padded builder's helmet resembling a skate helmet) and I wore it backwards. It was red and looked like a fireman’s helmet, so my friend Riley Coyote suggested I be ‘fireman slam’. But after my first session with the team, I attended a festival and returned for the second session feeling somewhat rough and was too “sick” to skate, so from then on, I became illbilly.
How would you describe your skating style?I'm not entirely sure, but if I were to sum it up in three words, it would be strong, fast footwork.
What is your preferred position?Blocker or Jammer
Tell us about your gear - what is your current setup?
Skates At the moment, I'm riding a Riedell 951 jam skate that I've been using for around two years. Powerdyne Arius plates , Moto bearings, and Reckless Morph wheels 88/95a
Protection: Deadbolt Blocker Elite knee pads, Atom elbow , Triple8 wrist guards , S1 Lifer Helmet and I’ve just received some impact shorts to test from the kind folks at Armourflex
What is currently on your 'most wanted' gear list?Oh wow! I've been eager to slip my feet into a pair of Antik AR1 boots for a while, especially now with the new AR1 boots about to hit the market, I really can't wait!
How do you prepare for a match?Well, I train. I train hard and smart — that's crucial. If you eat right and rest well, you're generally fine, but for me, it's all about the confidence that comes from putting in the effort firsthand.
What kind of off-skates training do you engage in?I train with a group of enthusiasts in Birmingham at the Ring MMA/Boxing Academy where we do all sorts of cross-training, weightlifting, and agility/explosive strength training. I also train at England's national sports centre in Lilleshall, where I can receive personal training with more specific fitness targets.
Has Roller Derby changed your life? If so, in what way? Absolutely, I started as a complete newbie, as we all do, and it quickly took over my life. The best part for me is the energy it brings into my life. I love my friends who play, and I love sharing all of that with them. It keeps me entertained, busy, and with goals to pursue. I like that my partner also skates, so we share that, which is fantastic! I also enjoy trying to give back in any way I can to the sport and the leagues I'm involved with.
What is your proudest moment in roller derby?There are so many! Eating an entire pack of ham at the first UKRDA men's game at Alexandra Palace (POWER HAM CHALLENGE!), competing at the first MERDC. Every time I coach Central City would be one. Also making the England men's team and competing at the first world cup, for sure!
Who are your derby heroes?TJ Blinkley, Quadzilla, Smarty Pants, Jurrasick Park, Haterade, to name a few, perhaps also Sutton Impact and Ballistic Whistle ;)
Do you have any upcoming matches you’re really looking forward to and why?Yes, SKOD 2015 and British Champs with CCR and the exciting season that SDRD has ahead of us! I can hardly wait!!
Besides playing, are there any other ways you engage with Roller Derby?I've probably mentioned Central City Roller Girls, who have just honoured me by appointing me head coach. All the girls are amazing, and I hope to make them proud. Also, I'm sponsored by GRNMNSTR.com, who are fantastic. They have truly taken care of me and are an incredible company to be involved with, and I'm so honoured to represent them because the products are groundbreaking and at the forefront of the sport.
What are your thoughts on Roller Derby as a sport "past, present, future"?From what I know of the past, it was all about a passion and love for skating and the sport, which has grown into what we see today — an ever-evolving and fun activity. I love that, and I will continue to watch it grow and grow.
Anything else you would like to share?
Please take a moment to check out www.grnmnstr.com as well as www.centralcityrollergirls.co.uk and www.southerndiscomfort.co.uk