The Kezar Stadium in San Francisco is ready to erupt when history will be made July 29th, 2006 as 2 of the greatest teams in roller-sports history battle against each other for the first time in over 20 years! Any true fan of roller derby should appreciate a match-up of such enormous caliber. These teams possess a certain respect and fear within this sport, as many teams have fallen victim to the Los Angeles and San Francisco-based franchises. Unfortunately... this time one team must fall to the other. To understand the importance of this match-up, one must understand the history associated with the Los Angeles Thunderbirds and the San Francisco Bay Bombers...
One has to question exactly what the motive behind this competition is. Contrary to belief, this may not be your typical, friendly competitive game. The driving force for this encounter goes much deeper than what meets the eye...
To the promoter, this match-up could very well be one of the largest roller-derby turn-outs of all time! An event generating tons of public interest, oodles of ticket sales, merchandise and vender opportunities, as well as a media frenzy reminiscent of days when roller derby was at its prime. Tickets should sell out as roller derby fans (and even non-roller derby fans) will want to take a glimpse at history being written. An event so eagerly anticipated by many, even being compared to the witnessing of Halley's Comet, this is a match-up of grand proportions that should not be ignored. Most would be surprised if the Kezar Stadium does not house a sold-out audience.
To the fan, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch 2 of the most popular roller-sports teams collide in what should be a fantastic, athletically intense contest for the ages. We're talking "Magic VS Bird" and "Kobe VS Shaq." Events that the viewing public still remember over time. The San Francisco crowd has always been faithful to their Bay Bomber team. However, when you throw in a factor as powerful and as popular as the T-Birds, fan alliances will either be broken or grow even stronger. We're looking at a dangerous crowd situation. For the San Francisco fan, Home-Team support is a must... but how can you boo a team like the world-famous T-Birds?? Don't be surprised to see a split crowd reaction. Whatever the case, be assured that the action will be intense and exciting!
To the franchise, the question of "Who is the better team" will finally be answered. It's no secret that the San Francisco club and the Los Angeles club have had a silent rivalry for years. Both teams want the title of being California's number one team. Each have something to prove to their supporting fans... the ones who've watched them over the years develop into the high-profile teams we know them as today. Both the Birds and the Bombers want the bragging rights associated with being on top.
To the player, pure and simple: RESPECT must be gained. This is the easy part. The more complicated issue stems from just whose respect will be gained. As stated before, the San Francisco area and the Los Angeles area has a history between them. The areas themselves produce one rivalry; however, some of the larger rivalries come from the players themselves! There is a serious, heated animosity between most of the opposing players. The question is, will they focus on personal vendettas to settle a grudge, or can they perform as a machine to represent the team they're playing for? In fact, in some cases it's not even the team these players are fighting for! Territorial pride is definitely a huge factor, as many players are aligning themselves on teams that people wouldn't even dare to dream them on. Let's take a look at the current roster...
LOS ANGELES
THUNDERBIRDS
STEPHANIE GARCIA *CAPTAIN*
Weight: 118lbs / Height: 5'4"
Credited as the roughest female in Roller Sports today, "Sweet" Stephanie Garcia is actually donning a T-Bird's jersey! As a well known rule-breaker and highly aggressive skater, many feel she might be out of place on the wholesome and family-oriented style of game the T-Birds are used to representing. Only she knows the real reason behind joining a team she's despised for years.
BERNIE JACKSON *CAPTAIN*
Weight: 230lbs / Height: 6'0"
Yes, you are reading this correctly! The monster has awaken from retirement, and has his sights aimed towards the Bombers! For whatever reason he found it necessary to lace the skates once again, one thing is for sure, the Bomber's are in for something dangerous! As another odd addition to the T-Bird roster, Bernie Jackson may hold the secret weapon needed to defend Los Angeles' honor!
GALE BOWERS
Weight: 137lbs / Height: 5'2"
"The Bopper" is allowing her services to be used for this all too important game. The T-Birds are covering all crucial areas for a win, and what better individual to have on the team than one of the hardest blockers in the business! A no-nonsense competitor, Gale Bowers' pure intimidation alone may be enough to place the Bay Bomber females on alert! The "Mighty Mite" rolls on!
TONY TRUJILLO
Weight: 200lbs / Height: 5'9"
Tony "The Tiger" Trujillo will be enforcing his own brand of justice skating for the T-Bird team. The first inductee into our "Spotlight" section, Trujillo's brutality and crafty nature is well documented in Roller Sports. He will definitely be a head-turner as he skates as a member of the friendly T-Bird franchise. With the likes of Tony Trujillo as an ally, this T-Bird mystery is getting thicker...
DAVE MAREZ
Weight: 230lbs / Height: 5'8"
This former Midwest Pioneer is one of the most dangerous skaters to watch out for. Surrounding Dave Marez lies a dark tale. Legend states: "Dave Marez is the only man to have ever severed a man's "member" off with his skate during a jam!" This story is CONFIRMED by those associated with this sport. "How" is not the question. The fact is: "He did it." Coming July 29th... He may do it again.
THE COMPLETED T-BIRD ROSTER
*MEN*
GREG ROBERTSON
RAYMOND ROSE
ANDREW TAYLOR
DAVID GERRY
HENRY SELF
*WOMEN*
SUGAR THOMPSON
MARNI SMITH
LORY WEIKEL
TAMMY McINERNEY
NANCY HARPER
TARA HOLCOMB
JO'NA SEWELL
JOYCE HALL
SAN FRANCISCO
BAY BOMBERS
GWEN MILLER *CAPTAIN*
Weight: 110lbs / Height: 5'7"
"Skinny Minnie" Gwen Miller is taking on the very team her heart belongs to as a member of the Bay Bomber franchise. To the Bay Bombers, the experience of a Gwen Miller will definitely come in handy when taking on "Sweet" Stephanie Garcia. She'll certainly be welcomed by the San Francisco crowd as usual, but to skate against the T-Birds has to warrant concern by all on-lookers.
RICHARD BROWN *CAPTAIN*
Weight: 195lbs / Height: 5'7"
Another former T-Bird at one point, "Little" Richard Brown has securely grounded his roots for the San Francisco-based team. Richard Brown is still one of the most skillful skaters Roller Derby has ever seen, and perhaps the best pure skater on the track come July 29th. Being a crafty man in his own right, he'll know every trick of the trade supposing the T-Birds use any clever game-plans.
PATSY DELGADO
Weight: 114lbs / Height: 5'4"
Remembering back a year ago, she donned an L.A. jersey for the game in Industry, CA. Does this mean something? Trust me... "Frisco" has nothing to fear. Her track record shows that she gives 100% of her body to uphold the value of her team... ANY team. The Bay Bomber franchise should be gracious to have the "Latin Spitfire," such a dedicated and talented athlete, by their side!
RAY ROBLES
Weight: 140lbs / Height: 5'8"
"Rockin' Ray" gears up for yet another battle of epic proportions. As one of the most dependable skaters today, he will uphold the "laws of his land" and will skate 110% to do it. There's no telling what arch-rival, Tony Trujillo, has in store for him. Rest assured that Ray Robles is waiting, ready, and willing to dish out the punishment necessary to defend the honor of his team and name.
MAVERICK
Weight: ???lbs / Height: 5'7"
One of the signature names of the Bay Bomber franchise, Maverick is a sure-fire heavy hitter. His solid weight and low center of gravity keeps him steady on the track, oftentimes becoming a brick wall to jammers. He's no stranger to the masonite and is usually calm until provoked. Once enraged, his anger can get the better of his opposition.. as well as himself.
THE COMPLETED BAY BOMBER ROSTER
*MEN*
DAVE MARTINEZ
BOB CENDEJAS
MAKANI
JIM SMITH
GREG PEARSON
RICK JOHNSON
MIKE LOGAN
*WOMEN*
VICKI McEWEN
MARY-ANN CARR
LALI OUTHOUMMOUNTRY
KAREY MARENGO
PAM SCHWAB
MEGAN MARTINEZ
JACKIE HOLMES
LIZ BARBER McKLOSKI
DAZZLYNN FREDERICO
It is highly possible that territorial pride have factored into several players "jumping ship" to align themselves with teams unheard of. The most thought provoking allegiance has to be that of "Sweet" Stephanie Garcia skating for a team she once loathed. Though not her first game with the legendary team, one has to wonder why they've opted to hold on to such a naturally violent player. She may be the complete opposite of everything the T-Bird name has ever stood for! Factor in the likes of one of the dirtiest men in the game, Tony Trujillo, one of the most dangerous players in the sport, Dave Marez, and an even less understood alliance with the Jackson brothers, Bernie and Harold, and you'll have possibly one the scariest T-Bird rosters ever composed!! Many roller-fans have found themselves scratching their heads due to the current decisions made in Los Angeles.
What this will do to the San Francisco Bay Bombers is a mystery. As a Bomber, you must understand and calculate each of your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. The goal here is NOT to out-power the Los Angeles-based team, but to outperform them. If The Bay Bombers want any chance of a victory, they MUST put on an A+ game. To out-skate their opponents will shift the odds back into their favor. They must work together like never before to topple the T-Bird empire. Also, one should note that the San Francisco team has an advantage by having more "cool-headed" players. A hot-tempered team is usually more prone to mistakes. If the Bombers can capitalize... they CAN get an edge... and with it, a victory.
The DerbyDog was in attendance to a decent house showing. The game itself was skated in 8 periods. The crowd, already hyped from their autographs from Bay Bomber legend, Delores Tucker, was in for a great match-up. The crowd, to my surprise, opted to stay faithful to their hometown team by showing little if NO support for the T-Bird franchise! I have never seen such support. These fans practically bled orange!
SAN FRANCISCO
BAY BOMBERS!!!
