Men's Roller Derby in Teesside

The Skate Invaders have landed………in Teesside?

Skate Invaders are a brand spanking new Men’s Roller Derby Team in the North East. Founded on May 3rd 2012.

 
It seems The Middlesbrough Milk Roller’s Milkshake has brought all the boys to the yard! We are now the proud sisters of the ‘Teesside Skate Invaders’ League who have now had two successful practices. We’re super excited to get some co-ed on the go in the near future. Watch this space.

If you wanna skate with the boys then get in touch on the Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teesside-Skate-Invaders/398531626858532

Glenmore Reservoir Dogs: Poppa Chubby

Name: Cal Jesky aka Poppa Chubby
Number: 7 1/2
Position: Skilled in all positions, but this is a derby questionnaire, so I mostly play pivot or blocker. I do jam on occasion as well.
Age: My body reminds me I’m 41 but my mind tells me I’m in my twenties!

“Was that as good for you as it was for me?”

Off the track, he’s a doddering old man. On the track, Poppa Chubby laughs while he lays you out. A gifted blocker, this agile menace brings hard hits, booty blocks, and smart strategy against his opponents. Poppa Chubby is one of the Dogs’ most dangerous veterans.

How did you get involved with roller derby?
A friend was always inviting me out to Lloyd’s Roller Rink. So I dusted off the old suede roller skates that I’ve had since I was 15 and went skating. He approached me after and said that I never told him I could skate. He then told me about roller derby and the men’s team.

What do you love about the sport?
What’s not to love about the sport? Amazing people, great times and a physical challenge.

How long have you been playing?
I have been playing for almost 2 years.

Did you have any athletic experience before roller derby?
Back in the day when it got too cold for chariot races I would strap on the blades and play hockey.

What do you do for a living?
I am the owner of CJ’s Towing here in Calgary. Seriously, people go break your vehicles. I need new plates for my skates!

Tell us a little bit about your derby name.
It has a nice double meaning. It came about one night while hanging out with some great derby people. They were teasing me about being old and I was saying I’m too chubby to play derby. Thus Poppa Chubby was born. I’ll leave it up to you, dear reader, to figure out the other meaning.

What’s it like to be a Glenmore Reservoir Dog?
Take all of your emotions, throw them into a blender and leave the lid off. Fire that thing up and on any given day all of them will fly out. Really, it’s amazing. Every guy brings something unique to the team. Bradass and Riceball with amazing jamming skills. Flustercluck with his small stature but amazing heart and drive. Hollywood, Dev Null and Buttons with punishing hits. The rest of the guys who never give up always inspire me to step up my game.

Do you have a derby hero?
My son, Skin and Bones. Watching him evolve and grow as a player into a future leader of the sport is a privilege.
 
What are your strengths as a player?
The amazing La Hussy Endya describes it as “tiny wide”. I am pretty good at getting in front of jammers and making myself as wide as possible to give my line mates a chance to engage the jammer.

What skills are you working on right now?
All of them. Balance, agility, speed, endurance and most of all patience.


How do you like to prepare for a bout?
For legal reasons my agent has advised me to go with this standard answer: I relax and focus on the goals I have set out for that bout.

If you had to describe your style of play using one song, which song would it be?
Cocaine Blues by Johnny Cash. Wild and crazy at the start. Manage to shoot down the jammer but always seem to get caught by the law!

What advice would you give to someone considering roller derby?
Go to Lloyd’s on a Wednesday night. Skate with derby people and ask questions. Have fun. Go to Nerd Skates and get your gear. Come to our Fresh Meat practices and fall in love with our family. Play derby.

Want to block, jump and jive like Poppa Chubby? Give roller derby a try! Check out our website to get involved!