A lot of people don’t realize just how much goes into roller derby. There are the skaters, of course, the officials, but there are so many more people behind the scenes that make derby happen. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with one such majestic person, Mama Chops, a pillar in the QCRD community for over a decade. She filled me in on what it was like when she was the Events Chair and some pretty special moments in QCRD history.
Box: I want to thank you for taking the time to share your experience with QCRD with us! What is the Mama Chops origin story? How did you come to find QCRD and what led you to choosing your name?
Mama Chops: I found out about QCRG from one of my customers while bartending at my family’s bar in Tonawanda. The lovely Jess/HerAssHer would come in with her workmates. She gave me a flyer which I passed along to my daughter, Megan/Lambchop (2007). I also shared with my son, Tristan/Señor Wiener and, at the time, my boyfriend, Jeffrey Parker/Shockher. My daughter joined bootcamp and the boys signed up to referee. I got involved in 2008 when my daughter asked if I could help with a Halloween Party, and voila! The family that QCRD’d together.
The name came from my daughter; like all the mamas we acquired our skater child’s name.
B: Ohmygosh! I LOVE that journey for all of you! So, when you started your QCRD Career, did you become a skater? How long were you active with the league?
MC: I was the mom cheering from the sidelines. I became Events chair in 2008 and was active with the league through 2017. I gave up events in 2016, but continued to travel with Furies slinging merch and being league mama.
Our after parties and events were so fun-as events, we planned parades, did all the after parties, the awards dinner and other fundraising events all over Buffalo and Niagara County. My favorite was the championship game-in NT, we held an annual art show at Carnegie Art Center, got QCRD Day from NT Mayor, did the smallest parade two blocks from the gallery to the rink, and after the bout, after party back at gallery. It was amazing. We also did two Beer & Beards-facial hair contest with local beard clubs and teams got to brew beers with local brewing clubs, as well as it being an official NYS brewing contest.
B: You are incredible! Those events sound like they were so much fun! This is a true testament to the roller derby community. Not only were you there to support your kids, but you supported an entire group of people like they were your kids. A true family. I cannot thank you enough for your support and dedication to this league.
Have you ever thought of coming back to Derby since you’ve left? What are some things that you’d like to see us bring back in our 20th anniversary season and beyond?
MC: I’m really excited that my son is coaching the Furies!!! We live in Las Vegas or we’d be there!
We’d all love the bread toss! Ha!
Honestly, all the new folks will be able to bring QCRD into the future-new people, new ideas. I’d be happy to mentor from afar, if events folks need anything.
B: Senor Wiener is definitely a wonderful addition to the Travel Team coaching staff! We expect only amazing things to come from them this season!
We’ve heard so many great things about this bread toss! We are looking to see if we can make it work at all this season!
I honestly believe that all of your ideas would be a spectacular addition to our Events toolbox of ideas.
As a final wrap up, do you have a favorite anecdote that you could share with us?
MC: Love to all my QCRD folks-alumni, players, refs, volunteers, they are part of something amazing.
Thank you!! Enjoy your time with the league. It’s something you’ll never forget.
B: Roller Derby is definitely an experience that we will always remember! We are truly grateful for all of the members of our league. Every job and role is important and without everyone, we wouldn’t be able to bring QCRD to life! Thank you so much for sharing with our readers all of your experiences!