Written by Scary
Dear reader,
Let’s turn back the clock and take a walk down memory lane: the year is 2006 and you’re in a crowded roller rink out in North Tonawanda, New York. There are no skates on your feet, no glittery lights spinning overhead, and no endearing but off-key birthday songs coming from the concessions area. There is, however, an absurdly charming master of ceremonies winning the hearts of everyone in the room with jokes and clever commentary a plenty. The vibe is electric, silly, even, and you can’t help but feel like you’re witnessing the beginnings of something great. In this moment, you are at one of Queen City Roller Derby’s earliest bouts and you are watching as Libby Lantz, aka Lip Service, introduces the sport of Roller Derby to a room full of eager spectators. The beginning of something great, indeed, because though Libby started out as announcer extraordinaire, she inevitably jumped into the fray and became a long-standing, well accomplished, beloved member of the league, playing for the Lake Effect Furies, the Devil Dollies, and the Alley Kats over the span of ten years.
Spoiler alert for the interview below: she is a delight and I am lowkey distraught we never got to play together.
SCARY: Now, I did a little snooping through the QCRD interview archives – you’re a long way from your hometown! What brought you to Buffalo, New York? And as someone who also grew up in the South, do you too, get asked that question a lot?
LIBBY: Hello fellow Southerner! I am constantly asked what brought me to this tundra! I actually moved here with my ex-husband. He originally was from Niagara Falls and wanted to be back north. Little did I know that I would fall in LOVE with WNY and all things Buffalo! From the food to the culture and sports and especially the change of season, WNY is my home. I have raised my sons here and I am proud to say that.
SCARY: Well hey there, neighbor! I know exactly what you mean – the idea of trading all that relentless sunshine for icy doom seems understandably unfathomable for some folks, so the question inevitably pops up. But life is pretty good in this little corner of the world; there’s just something beautiful about Western New York that makes one want to linger. Maybe it’s the pizza?
SCARY: You weren’t always a blocker extraordinaire, instilling fear into the heart of jammers everywhere – your origin story starts with competitive roller figure skating, right? Are there any skills that transferred over from that training that were surprisingly handy for roller derby? Conversely, were there any derby moves that you had a hard time adapting to?
LIBBY: So yes, I was a figure skater. That is very true! My mom and I started skating together. I had the luxury of joining derby and not having to learn how to skate! HUGE ADVANTAGE. That being said, I think all of my figure skating skills helped me adapt to derby and avoid so much pain, lol. However, it became evident pretty fast that there was a lot more to derby than just being able to skate. I wanted to really focus on the rules and strategy. I remember when I learned how to block skating backwards and figure skating 100% helped me to do that fluently. I was able to use my edges to cut across the track and pivot quickly, while maintaining strong tack awareness. I do not feel like figure skating hindered my play in any way.
SCARY: Figure skating on quads is fairly niche, it’s pretty cool that your mom got involved and you followed her lead! And that’s some great insight! Track awareness is every bit as important as the more physical side of derby. Being able to flow out there, to trust in your edges without a whisper of doubt is an amazing advantage and it sounds like it allotted you precious time to strategize on the track.
SCARY: That last question may or may not have been me fishing for some tips and tricks. For individuals that are new to the sport and are trying to find their place on (and off) the track, what words of wisdom might you share with them?
LIBBY: Haha, I am happy to share tricks anytime! That being said, I think that everyone has their own path in derby and that is all part of the experience. I would recommend soaking up as much knowledge as you can, skate all of the time, and skate some more, WATCH ALL OF THE FOOTAGE, learn the rules, be open to feedback, fall down and get back up on repeat.
SCARY: Haha, never underestimate the power of good footage review. Everyone’s derby journey is different, absolutely! So long as you keep doing it, keep loving it, the rest is gravy.
SCARY: One of the best parts about roller derby is the community it builds; we sweat together, sometimes bleed together, but mostly, we laugh together. Or well, there’s a lot of sweat, actually. Maybe that part is tied with laughter… Which is to say, QCRD is something like a family in a lot of ways. Is there a particularly fond or prideful memory that comes to mind when you think of your league? How has being involved with this sport and its community influenced your everyday life?
LIBBY: You’re right. Derby is like family. I miss that part immensely. Also, glitter. I miss the
glitter and dance offs.
I think one of the most prideful moments was seeing the Furies advance and earn their way to D1 Playoffs. So CRAZY GOOD! I was not a member of the Furies at that time, but enjoyed seeing my leaguemates succeed and accomplish world recognition on that platform for four consecutive seasons. It was just so amazing!
I also loved being a skater still when the first round of juniors transitioned up into the adult league. It was great to skate with them. I only wish that I was able to skate with She Devil. It was so nostalgic to see them all grow into strong athletic women and to skate beside them. I loved being able to help them transition into the adult league.
There used to be a saying ‘Roller Derby Saved My Soul.” It certainly saved mine. As you stated earlier, I am not from WNY. QCRD was here for me everyday as a single mom, to network and as a woman who still wanted to be an athlete. I was young and lost and didn’t know a lot of people in WNY. QCRD helped me grow and find strength and support during that transitional time. I am thankful for that growth and being able to fall down and get back up with grace and friends to support me. It was a no judgement zone and it was needed.
SCARY: I mean, hey, it’s not derby if you don’t accidentally inhale a bit of glitter at least once. I had no idea that Queen City was competing on the world stage like that! That’s a whole lot of hard work against stiff competition, wow! The juniors league is the future of QCRD: they’ll keep going when we no longer can and that’s really comforting. Also, She Devil is a dream to skate with, an absolute delight on the jam line. Shout out to She Devil!
People might chuckle at that saying, but it really is a lifeline in a lot of ways! The people you meet, the places you go, all of that stays with you whether you’re skating or not.
SCARY: This one might be a bit tricky, but…what do you miss most about being out there on the track, being a part of all that sweet, sweet chaos?
LIBBY: I would say the feeling of camaraderie and being a part of a team. I loved showing up for my team, and I miss that the most. But every once in a while I get the hankering to pop a can opener and miss that kind of smackdown. Ya know, like in the grocery store, lol.
SCARY: Listen, Wegman’s is basically a battleground on Saturday. You have to do what you have to do, CAN OPEN THEM ALL! No, but really, having somewhere to go, having a group of people who want you there? Nicest feeling in the world. Derby is only so fun because of the people you share the track with.
SCARY: From the time you first picked up that mic and announced your first QCRD bout to the day you pulled on your team jersey one last time, what has been the most impactful/most noticeable change within the league? I know a lot has changed and there are some things that have stayed the same, but what stands out to you the most, personally?
LIBBY: I am going to say there were two impactful changes and both were necessary. First the decision to add Junior Derby. That was such a wonderful addition to our league and was the future of QCRD. I mean look at those stellar Juniors! They rock! Secondly, to scramble the in-house teams. I feel that was necessary for the growth and camaraderie of the league. At the time both changes seemed to really be a point of contention for folks but look how that turned out. We brought the Juniors up and they are laying the foundation for the next generation of roller derby and are definitely stronger players than we were with a ton of knowledge and athleticism. The scramble created parity and helped foster positive relationships within our league. We ended up all cheering for and supporting each other. It was beautiful growth, and it’s what derby is about in my opinion.
SCARY: The juniors are absurdly talented and have such an obvious love for the sport! Also ouch, they can hit hard. I can see where it would be a difficult decision to split up a team that’s been together through thick and thin, but it’s such a fun challenge, learning to skate with new people! I very much agree with you there; we’re all in this together, y’know?
SCARY: How’s it going? What hobby have you been focusing on in order to survive this most recent bitter cold winter?
LIBBY: Things are good. I have taken up hatchet throwing, and think I am a Viking. Also, my friend Maggie de Sade and I won Champs at in Bocce Ball. We are not competitive at all! Currently most of my hobbies are on hold since I like to be outdoors. I am just following Mother Nature’s advice and hibernating to the best of my ability! Practicing all my fur pupper snuggles. When the warmer weather comes I’ll be golfing, kayaking, hiking, camping, tubing, and tailgating and enjoying Bills Games.SCARY: Dominating the Bocce Ball community – you two totally don’t sound competitive about that, not at all, hahaha! Yes, yes, right now it’s bear time; holing up in the warmth of one’s house, cuddling the fur children, and sleeping until the sun finally returns…this is correct. You weren’t kidding about favoring the outdoors! If you and Maggie are back at killin’ it at Bocce Ball this summer, I would be 100% down to cheer y’all on!
SCARY: Very important, extremely serious question: what’s your horoscope?
LIBBY: UNICORN and all things Glitter and Gold!
SCARY: THE UNICORN! The other 12 signs could NEVER.
LIBBY: Scary, thanks for reaching out. I am curious now. Where are you from? What brought you here?
SCARY: Haha, fair is fair! I’m originally from New Orleans, Louisiana! I was born in Rochester though, so though my moving up north was done on a whim, it wasn’t entirely random. I came out of curiosity and stayed for the people and the places.
P.S. from the one, the only, LIP SERVICE!
LIBBY: “I would like to add that the friends I made over the years are what was so impactful for
me. The relationships I made will last forever and I am grateful for that.”
Needless to say, once a member of QCRD, always a member of QCRD. We love you.
📸 Photo Credits: Midnight Mantinee, Joe Mac, Jim Bush, Rene T. Van E, Chris Kalisiak, and Brie Eloise