Interview: Rose City's Scald Eagle
November 8, 2011
West Region MVP Scald Eagle on Aggressive Jamming and Rose City’s Chances at Championships
Interview by Shelly Shankya
Photo by Jules Doyle
How long have you been skating for Portland’s Rose City Rollers?
I made it [into the] Rose City Rollers Fresh Meat program on Aug. 12, 2010, got drafted to a home team in January of this year, and have been skating with the RCR All Stars [Wheels of Justice] since Feb. 7.
How long have you been skating? Do you have a background in skating?
My skating background can be summed up in two words: ice hockey. I've been playing competitive ice hockey since I was 10, and ice skating well before that. I think my years on the ice go a long way in explaining my skating style, footwork, and juking ability on the flat track. July 2010 marked the first time I had ever worn a pair of quads in my life, though. I still occasionally do things on quads thinking I have a nice sharp digging edge to work with -- not!-- and usually doesn't work out to well.
Rose City has been vying for a trip to Champs for the last several years. What about this year made things click?
I've been involved in athletic teams long enough to recognize that it's our mental game and solid team dynamic that is making, not breaking, this team this year. We've got the skills and the strategy, and now we have the teamwork, trust, and mental fortitude to take us all the way.
You're not afraid to take risks as a jammer (i.e., jumping the apex). How do you balance risk like that? What motivates you to be such an aggressive jammer?
I don't think I really see them as risks. I see them as opportunities. For me it’s never a question of "should I jump it," but rather "I get to jump it!" Jamming is 50% reaction and 50% pro-action in my head. I try to be as explosive, yet elusive, as possible in taking available gaps and lines in a pack. I will manufacture them,
no problem, if I have to. Plus I have been told before that I can be a wee bit competitive. Any opportunity I have to get me out in front of that other jammer...BOOM! No hesitation, I'm taking it!
In the 3rd Place bout at 2011 West Region Playoffs, you scored 57 points against Rat City Rollergirls. What was the highlight of the game for you?
Firstly, I'm proud to say that we forced Rat to play our game. The key word there being "play.” Secondly, I am proud that I was able to follow through and produce for my teammates. Sully Skullkicker's 30-point jam was totally rad and was a major momentum swing for us in the game.
Which was the hardest game for you as a jammer during Westerns?
I was battling some serious nerves during the Rose versus B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls game. I didn't really settle down until well into the second period. My first jam out of the gate had Demanda Riot lay me the hell out, and it was great. That game was the hardest-hitting and most intense bout of the weekend for us, as well as most gratifying, in my opinion. I had a lot of respect for Bay Area coming out of that game, because it was obvious, like us, how much time and effort they'd put in since the last time we played them in April.
Photo by Jules Doyle
How do you feel about being named MVP of West Region Playoffs?
I feel like I owe my blockers some serious props! I wouldn't have scored any points or gotten lead nearly as often if they hadn't been doing what they do best. It’s an honor that I feel is equally bestowed upon them. High Five Wheels of Justice! Ciiiaaaaawww!
What personal goals have you made for yourself this year?
I'm no good to my team if I'm in the box; therefore, I’m working to have the patience in finding that line between playing as cleanly as possible and still “releasing the beast!”
How does Rose City plan to take the momentum from the third place win at Westerns into the Championships in Denver?
We're going to build on what we learned during Westerns, put our noses back to the grindstone, and hit the ground skating come Nov. 11.
Any predictions about how the Wheels of Justice will fare at Championships?
We're gonna win the whole thing, duh! No. Seriously, we are.
2011 Big 5 Links
Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.