Jammer

Another kick-ass roller derby bout last night. Our Team, the Salt City Shakers All Stars, were by far the stronger team, with the Other Team All Stars mostly less experienced, or less tested, skaters. One of the Shakers is a ringer, a jammer who outclasses the league, which is both a joy to watch, but feels unfair. Like a pro player on a school team.

The Other Team also lacked the mass to block. One small skater gave it all she had, and wound up on her own butt, the Shaker barely noticed the attempted shove, and kept going. Comical, but a little sad. They lost by about, oh 180 points. One of the Other Team got the breath knocked out of her, badly enough to stop the game and the EMT, there for the purpose, checked her out. EMT took a long time getting to her, and I was watching the ref who was on the spot immediately, trying to read his reactions to see if I I should run out to help. But she moved, and communicated with the ref, and I held onto my seat with difficulty. Just as I decided maybe I should go anyway, even if presumptuous, the EMT ran out with his bag.

I like that the announcers got the crowd to quiet, all the other skaters and refs got on their knee(pad)s, until she was able to get up. Skated off under her own power. I suspect she got herself in the chest or chin with her knee, or maybe another's skate got her in the throat, but she was stunned and had the breath knocked out of her.

Finally, I got to the edge of the tape, at the end, for the team hand slap. I felt part of a very warm, and physical event, good feelings all around, all shared. Better than applause for expressing gratitude, I think. The injured woman made it as well, at the end, and I managed something more like a real handshake for her, still very pale and clammy, and apologetic, but game. I felt reassured to be able to touch her.

I'm reminded of my own touch with breathlessness, and returning to the remains of the party. Everyone needed to hug me, gladly. Reassuring on both sides.

We took video, but have not done anything with it yet. Going next week, hoping for a bit more, then D will try to put it together into a movie project. Didn't even take the still camera, the light in that space is awful. ND has volunteered to be a scorer, so he's getting to know the teams personally. For some reason, he likes being around women in fishnets and short skirts who could deck him. He'll be very good at keeping the records straight for them, too. He's a good guy, I hope at least one of them takes a shine to him.