August Skater of the Month: Magnum, P.I.M.P.!

Our August Skater of the month needs no introduction, but I am giving him one anyway.

One of the founding fathers of the St. Louis GateKeepers, Magnum, P.I.M.P. has been a driving force that has directed the GateKeepers to national prominence in a very short amount of time. His leadership skills are plainly evident in the fact that each one of the GateKeepers has bought into the vision he and Bat Wing have laid out before them. Magnum and Bat Wing were able to take an idea and in just over a year turn that idea into a national power in men’s derby. Magnum also is currently serving as Vice President on the board of the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA).

Magnum, P.I.M.P. was a ref for the Arch Rival Roller Girls.

Why did you get into Derby?

I originally got into derby as a referee. Watching the A&E show Rollergirls back in the day showed how amazing the sport could be. I couldn’t get enough of watching them play. Eventually it transitioned into coaching and now playing. It’s the most fun and challenging thing I have ever done.

Who do you think has had the most influence on your style of play?

I try to take a little bit of each great skater that I come in contact with, almost like a Frankenstein of derby moves. My main influences are Quadzilla, Streak, Bonnie Thunders, Bat Wing, Varla Vendetta and Amanda Jamitinya..

What skates and wheels do you use?

My current skates are Riedell 1065 boots, Reactor Plates and Atom Wheels. Juke Alloys are my wheel of choice. I am sponsored by Atom Wheels so once their Vertigo boot comes out, that’s what I will be rocking. Can’t wait to try them out!

What was your favorite moment as a GateKeeper?

We have had amazing times with the GateKeepers. Things have really gone our way. My favorite moment has to be this year’s Spring Roll. We avenged our loss to Puget by over doubling their score and were the first team to ever beat the New York Shock Exchange in their four year existence. Walking away from Spring Roll knowing we were the #1 team in the Men’s Roller Derby Association was a great feeling.

What is your pre-bout ritual?

I usually bake brownies three times on bout day… Stretch a lot… Eat well… and take half a Five Hour Energy before introductions and the rest at halftime.

What advice do you have for other skaters?

Derby is a self-made sport. The more time you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

What is your favorite food?

Pasta Con Broccoli from Rich and Charlie’s. It’s like eating Christmas morning.

Magnum doing his best Burt Reynolds impersonation.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of Derby?

Snowboard. I lived in Steamboat, Colorado for two years as a ski bum. It was a great decision to live that lifestyle for a couple years after college. It taught me to appreciate having a good job and not forget to enjoy life.

If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be?

If you make contact while jumping the apex, it is a Major. Penalties should be based on the impact on gameplay, not the perceived risk.

How does it feel to have accomplished so much so fast?

Feels great! Though if we don’t win a Championship this year, it will all be for nothing. I won’t be satisfied with our year unless the GateKeepers take home the MRDA Championship.

Well, there you have it folks. Who will be our September skater of the month? Be sure to check back in September and find out!

See you at the bouts!
Star-Spangled Hammer

Star-Spangled Hammer is the announcer for the St. Louis GateKeepers!