As a member of the South Grand Slammers local Team and both the B-Keepers and the Travel Team, Hand Rail has steadily developed into a solid jammer. His combination of speed and agility make him a nightmare for opposing jammers and he is only going to get better. He is the September Skater of the Month, he is Hand Rail!

Why did you get into Derby?

I was talking to gnat King Kill at a bar over some beers in 2012 during game 6 of the world series, and he had mentioned that he played roller derby. There were many things that happened that night, but only one thing stuck with me later on, and that was a curiosity about men’s roller derby. I think I gravitated towards it because it was a skating sport, with full contact, and also had a team aspect to it.

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

Early on I was only able to watch people in St. Louis play the sport, my team mates greatly influenced my style such as Bat Wing, Magnum, and Prime. Once I found out you could watch roller derby online I kept a close eye on Don Juan the Deveskater, Shreddy Mercury, and Peter Pan. So I feel like their is a combination of things I picked up. Definitely would like to skate like Jurraskick ark though… also really like On the Sligh…

What skates and wheels do you use?

I use Antic Skate boots AR-1, with rival plates, and Atom Juke alloy wheels. The bearings are not worth mentioning.

What was your favorite moment as a GateKeeper?

think it was taking my first big hit during a scrimmage from Neil Death experience and slamming into the boards, that and taking a shot of Dude vodka out of Double Excel’s belly button during WFTDA West coast regional viewing party last year.

What is your pre-bout ritual?

During local season bouts involving my team the slammers, I would cover a song on my guitar that was in some way relevant to roller derby. This was meant to both intimidate and pump up both sides of the jammer line.

What advice do you have for other skaters?

My advice to other skaters is to keep on changing your skating, and adapt to new styles of blocking and jamming. A big part of being a consistent player is about being able to keep your feet under you, while bodies fly around you. Also if you can’t keep your feet make sure you get back up with fury.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Lasagna, usually layered spinach with ricotta and some sausage on top. Garfield has it right…

What is your favorite thing to do outside of Derby?

My favorite thing to do outside of Derby is make music, and roll on other types of wheels like bikes or skateboarding. I like to strum my guitar a scream pop songs but replace all the words with potty talk.

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

low blocks - but not your typical low block just the one where you can’t stop in time and take out someones nuts or kick them in the groin (happened to Specs Offender). These trying times are very frustrating for jammers, and everyone can see that it is not on purpose, so the logical thing to do would be to not penalize them. Just make them go back a couple feet and start over, a slap on the wrist, don’t make them sit in time out.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Some people say that I look like Jared Ledo in certain light. He could play me but he would have to wear eye color contacts to get my eyes the correct color. Also I don’t really like him that much. I do like Bill Murray, he could do whatever he wants with the part.

There you have it folks, September’s Skater of the Month: Hand Rail!

Don’t forget on September 28th, the GateKeepers are hosting their very first Trivia Night! You can get all the details here!

Also keep your eyes peeled as soon we will be announcing our 2014 Turf Wars schedule!

See you at the bouts!

Star-Spangled Hammer

Star-Spangled Hammer and Magilla Guerilla are the announcers for the St. Louis GateKeepers.