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The Chicago Outfit’s Trip to Fort Wayne
Every week as a derby player, you see one another at derby practice and skate together. Even though you see each other every week it takes time to really feel part of a team and truly trust your teammates. I feel that when you are a new player or transfer it is always that first away bout that makes you feel truly bonded with your teammates. That is exactly what happened for me at my first bout with the Chicago Outfit. From riding in the car watching bout videos, putting on war paint together, being cheered on by the Syndicate to the after party. I left Fort Wayne feeling part of a team and trusting in my teammates even more than before.
Photo by: Josh Allen
The Shade Brigade vs. The Fort Wayne S.W.A.T Team brought a lot of firsts’ for the Shade. It was my first bout playing with the Chicago Outfit. It was Thirteenth floor Hellevator, Sneer and Loathing, The Big Lebekski, and The Apostrofiend first bout with the Shade and it was Freudian Tripp first bout. Quite a few skaters expressed they were nervous before the bout but as soon as we started putting on war paint (which was really paint on are faces to represent for Elton John who had a show after are bout) everyone’s nervous seemed to go away maybe Elton John just has that effect on people. I also think watching the Syndicate play first may have calmed some nervous since they did win 109-72. Lola Blow got a Giant Trophy oh most as big as her for Best Jammer, Helsa Wayton got one for best Pivot and Lady K got one for best Blocker.
I would have to say that my favorite part of the Shade bout was hearing the Syndicate cheer for us as we were playing. At one point the announcer said,” the Syndicate is really cheering on their sisters.” I liked that because that is exactly what we need to be to be a good team, be like sisters. You might not always get along with your sister or even like them but you respect them and trust them, you know they are always their if you need them. This is exactly what you need to make a good derby team trusting and knowing your blockers and Jammers are their for you.
My second favorite part of the Shade bout was when they passed out the giant Trophy’s. Lexistential Crisis got best pivot, Annie War Doll got best blocker and Ottermatic Weaponand myself were tied for best jammer.
Photo by: Josh Allen
Only a couple of us were able to go to the after party but I have to say Thirteenth Floor Hellevator and The Big Lebekski really represented for The Outfit. They were defiantly the last ones on the dance floor and the DJ played Sweet Home Chicago for The Outfit.
Even though the Shade did not bring home the win with the score being 114-168. One thing I can say that the shade and especially myself took home from this game is bonding with our teammates’, which I think is going to show on the track.
Jenergizer Bunny
Bun Bun
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