country.com
Welcome to the first-ever RollerJam chat!! In
less than a half hour we’ll be blasting off our LIVE chat from Universal
Studios with the new RollerJam skaters. Get your questions in now and stick
around!
country.com
Tune into TNN at 8pm ET/PT for the exciting premiere
of the latest Roller Derby craze—WSL RollerJam!!
country.com
A new book on the history of the Roller Derby
is in the making. Details will be coming soon to www.rollerjam.com!
country.com
In just 15 minutes we will begin our first-ever
RollerJam chat! Coming up will be WSL Commissioner Jerry Seltzer. Send
in your questions!
country.com
T-shirts, hats, posters and other Jam Gear are
coming soon! Right now, the only place to get this gear is at a RollerJam
game in Orlando, but soon you’ll be able to buy it all right here on rollerjam.com.
country.com
So you want to be a RollerJam skater? Organizers
are planning more tryouts for future teams. We’ll give you the details
as soon as they are announced.
country.com
We’ll begin promptly in 5 minutes!! Satisfy all
your curiosities about RollerJam and pose your questions to all your favorite
skaters! The Commissioner of the World Skating League, Jerry Seltzer, will
be chatting first!
country.com
WSL Commissioner Jerry Seltzer is here and ready
to chat! Send him your questions now!
puppy06
Will the documentary RollerJam: Roller Derby
Reborn be released on video? If so, when; if not, how can a library obtain
a copy?
Jerry Seltzer
That’s currently in discussion, we hope to announce
plans about the release of the video in the near future.
emmitt
Technology has changed a lot since the old days
of Roller Derby. How do you put this "new technology" to use in RollerJam?
Jerry Seltzer
The television production is far more elaborate;
the track is constructed with a new surface called polymax, which allows
for higher speeds. The skaters are using in-line skates, which completely
changed the game.
puppy06
Whatever happened to Charlie O’Connell? Will
he be a part of RollerJam?
Jerry Seltzer
Charlie has retired from his restaurant business
and lives in the foothills of the Sierra; hopefully we can convince him
to appear on a future telecast.
country.com
We’re chatting LIVE from Universal Studios in
Orlando, Florida. Skaters and officials involved with the new RollerJam
are here. Ask questions and find out all about this new sports craze!
Skatepro
Jerry, I used to watch roller derby in my younger
days. What are your fondest memories of Roller Derby?
Jerry Seltzer
The joy of the fans and the skaters at the games;
they were a family.
Helen
How would you compare great players of the past
with the athletes who are participating today? I imagine it’s a much faster
game with the in-line skates and composition of the track. Is it more dangerous,
too?
Jerry Seltzer
It is more dangerous; the basic skills of today’s
skaters surpass those of past years. However, the great skaters of the
past would do well in this game.
pepe01
What qualities do you look for when choosing
skaters for RollerJam?
Jerry Seltzer
A background in athletics; speed skating, hockey
or extreme sports.
puppy06
Why is the commissioner such a handsome devil?
Jerry Seltzer
Years of good grooming and a devilish face lift!
emmitt
How safe is RollerJam for the competitors? What
precautions are taken to help the skaters avoid injuries?
Jerry Seltzer
It is as safe as it can be. It is a very dangerous
game and requires great athleticism.
country.com
Coming soon to rollerjam.com! Look for a Frequently
Asked Questions section, along with a Mailbag. You’ll be able to hear some
of the answers from the skaters themselves through audioclips on the site.
Helen
Do referees ever get injured in games?
Jerry Seltzer
A referee was injured in tonight’s game; be sure
to watch!
Rollerfan
Jerry, What feedback have you been getting from
the fans?
Jerry Seltzer
Most old fans are thrilled with the return of
Roller Derby; the "new" fans will become enamored with the game as they
watch every week here on TNN.
Rollerfan
Jerry, how many people do you have showing up
tryouts? Jerry Seltzer At present the tryouts are held by invitation
only, so that we may be assured that the skaters are qualified, and to
protect the athletes.
gscud
where do the auditions take place
Jerry Seltzer
Auditions take place at RollerJam Arena.
country.com
We are chatting LIVE from Universal Studios Florida!
WSL RollerJam will be premiering on TNN at 8pm ET/PT. Tune in!!
mailer
Jerry: What’s the worst injury you have ever
seen in this sport?
Jerry Seltzer
There have been many injuries over the years,
from broken bones to torn ligaments. In virtually every case the athlete
was able to return to the sport.
country.com
Thanks to WSL Commissioner Jerry Seltzer for
chatting with us! Coming up soon will be David Gletty of the Florida
Sundogs. Get your questions in! Right now—Richard Brown—captain of the
Florida Sundogs is here and wants to chat with fans. Ask away! One of his
teammates, Sam Martin is also here!!
newer
What is the age limit or range for players/skaters?
Richard Brown
There is no limit; must be 18 years old to start.
Keli
Richard Brown, as a former Roller Derby skater
from the mid-‘50s to early ‘60s, I want to know if any of the old Bay Bombers
are still
active in this new rollergame?
Richard Brown
No; however, Buddy Atkinson Jr is part of the
training staff.
chatmaven
Are skaters paid?
Richard Brown
Yes!
Keli
Sam, What are your favorite sports?
Sam Martin
Snowboarding and skating; I also play a little
golf.
Keli
Richard, How does the size of the RollerJam rink
compare to the Roller Derby rink of the past?
Richard Brown
It’s much larger; the tracks now are 65 ft. across
and 125 ft. long where the old tracks were 54 by 90.
BRAYLLE
Richard, didn’t you also skate briefly with the
Philadelphia Warriers?
Richard Brown
Most of my career was with the Philadelphia Warriors
from 1967-75; with two years (‘70-‘72) with the Baltimore/Washington Cats.
Keli
Sam, Out of all the sports you’ve participate
in, which has given you the most preparation for "RollerJam?"
Sam Martin
That would have to be my speed skating and aggressive
skating.
tommy
Richard, How did you earn your nickname?
Richard Brown
When I was younger I was very small, about 130
lbs., and I always went against bigger guys and got the nickname from the
announcers, of "Little Richard."
tommy
Sam: As a fellow Sag, I know your love of sports.
But, that aside, why do fans call you "The Flame."
Sam Martin
Because I skate so fast my red hair looks like
a flame.
gscud
Richard: do you ever hear from the T-Birds from
the roller derby days?
Richard Brown Yes, all the time; Ralphie Valladeres recently passed away.
gscud
Riichard how do i get a invitation to the arena
Richard Brown
To see the game come down to Universal Studios
and you can get in free.
country.com
Jannet Abraham of the New York Enforcers has
just stopped by! She’s ready to talk to YOU!! Jannet’s skating background
comes from growing up on roller skates and playing Roller Hockey. She gets
her kicks out of knocking people over, picking them off one at a time.
fly
Janet, being of your size, (no pun intended,
I’m a big girl) do you find it to your advantage?
Jannet Abraham
Yes, I find it to my advantage.
chatmaven
What types of jamming and blocking are not allowed
in the rink?
Jannet Abraham
For blocking, we’re not allowed to use our hands
or elbows, there’s no tripping allowed; otherwise anything really goes
on Jamming.
Richard Brown
And there’s no hitting Richard Brown!
country.com
Send in a question for your favorite skater and
we’ll track ‘em down to get it answered!
helper01
Janet, how would you describe your style of skating?
Jannet Abraham It’s my own unique skating style; I’m a power lifter so
I had to come up with own style, but I can keep up with the best of them.
My job is to block and block hard!
country.com
David Gletty and Sam Martin are still available
for your questions!!David and Sam are teammates on the Florida Sundogs.
tommy
Sam, What team is your brother Micah on, and,
why didn’t you skate on the same team?
Sam Martin
He’s on the Nevada Hot Dice, at the start we
were trying to be on the same team; but after I signed with Florida they
offered him more money so he went for the money instead of loyalty to his
brother.
fly
Jannet: Does your hair ever get pulled out there,
and is that it legal in the rink?
Jannet Abraham
It is illegal; and they know better than to pull
my hair!
fly
Jannet: Do you love the sport? What has prepared
you for all the knocks?
Jannet Abraham
I love this sport; and being athletic and competitive
has prepared me; I don’t take a lot of knocks, I give a lot of knocks!
fly
Jannet: What’s your position on the team, and
why did you decide on that one?
Jannet Abraham
I’m the big blocker; I didn’t decide on that;
they gave me that position because I’m the biggest, strongest woman on
the team. I’m known as the "Minister of Pain."
helper01
Janet, do you think you’re the strongest lady
on the tour?
Jannet Abraham
Yes, I know I’m definitely the strongest!
Lee/Ann
is it fun to be involved in the roller jam?
Jannet Abraham
Yeah, it’s fun, I really like it a lot!
oldwheels
David, why do they call you "Gator Gletty"?
David Gletty
Because in high school, living in Christmas,
Florida, there’s a gator farm (Gator Jungle), they used to pay me to wrestle
the alligators. I’ve never wrestled anything bigger than 9 foot, 400 lbs...now
every year in Florida I go into the Gator Lottery, to be able to get a
license to be able to hunt alligators in Florida. I still wrestle
alligators illegally at certain times of the year!
country.com
RollerJam is hosted by Ken Resnick and Lee "Hawk"
Reherman, with Nicole Katz as your trackside reporter and Broadway Danny
Wolf as your Jam Center host.
oldwheels
David, Is skating your career? If not, what do
you do?
David Gletty
Skating is my career now; I own a tree service;
I’m a tree surgeon, that’s what I went to college for. My cousin and uncle
run my tree business now and I do this full time.
floridian
David: What caused your love of the outdoors
and hunting?
David Gletty
I’m a natural Floridian, I was born and
raised here in Florida and was taught to respect the land and environment;
I grew up in the woods.
toughman22
David, have you ever been put in the penalty
box?
David Gletty
I’m a clean skater and respect the rules, but
sometimes you get pushed to the limit; unfortunately, yes I have.
toughman22
David, who is the toughest competitor you’ve
faced on track?
David Gletty
I can take anyone on the track; I’m not afraid
of anybody. Nothing compares to wrestling an 8-ft. alligator or taking
down a 300 lb. wild hog.
luvskates
WHEN IS ROLLER JAM GOING TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE
COUNTRY SO WE CAN SEE A LIVE GAME?
David Gletty
I’m not sure yet, stay tuned to find out!
C
ountry.com Brian Gamble, Tim Washington and Fred
Eichorn have just stopped by. They want your questions!! Tim Washington
is a former American Gladiator!!
toughman22
David, what is the biggest deer you’ve ever got?
David Gletty
A 10-pt. buck, right outside my back door, I
live on 40 acres of woods, connected to hundreds of acres of woods.
country.com
John Morrissey of the New York Enforcers is here!
pinball
What one of the other roller derby competitors,
such as Skinny Minnie, have inspired you?
John Morrissey
That would be Tony Roman and DeWitt Quarles.
country.com
Chellie Rossell of the Enforcers has joined her
teammates at the keyboard!! Send in those questions!!
pinball
Tim, what was your American Gladiator name??
Tim Washington
I was called Titan.
gator
Brian: I’ve read that you are fluent in the Spanish
language; when do you use your Spanish skills?
Brian Gamble cuando yo estoy hablando y patinando com mis amigos aqui en orlando (Translation) When I’m skating and talking with my friends here in Orlando!
TackyElvis
Fred, what do you do to keep in shape?
Fred Eichhorn
A rigorous training of indoor and outdoor skating;
along with skating with my team.
TackyElvis
Brian, which team do you most like to beat?
Brian Gamble
The Florida Sunfrogs, oops, that is, Sundogs!
bullrider1
Chellie, have you watched any of the old Roller
Derby shows? If so, who were some of the skaters you looked up to?
Chellie Rossell
Yes, Joanie Weston! She’s the best and the most
famous.
questioner
Chellie: What is your favorite part of the sport?
Chellie Rossell
Knocking others over, being able to get the lead
and knock over the opponents and score to win!
Questioner
Chellie: How much training and fitness is required
for RollerJam? And, how do you become a member of WSL?
Chellie Rossell
We skate seven days a week; we had to try out
to become a member, only the best skaters were chosen. You have to be rough
and tough to hang with the big boys!
bullrider1
Chellie, what do you like best about skating
in RollerJam?
Chellie Rossell
Just being able to skate!
bullrider1
Chellie, would you consider yourself a thrill-seeker?
Chellie Rossell
Sure! I’ll do anything once.
country.com
Lindsey Francis of the Florida Sundogs is at
the keyboard and ready. Send her your questions! Third generation Roller
Derby skater Sean Atkinson is here from the California Quakes, and Denise
Loden of the Florida Sundogs can take your questions!
TackyElvis
Tim, are you the strongest athlete in RollerJam?
Tim Washington
OF COURSE!! What are you stupid?
questioner
Tim: In the old Roller Derby I hear there was
a piviot or pivot man (quarterback type), blockers and jammers. Why is
there no pivot man in Rollerjam?
Tim Washington
That’s just not the way the game is set up. There
isn’t one needed in RollerJam.
gator
T. Washington: How many injuries have you
experienced?
Tim Washington
Two—a torn knee ligament and broken kneecap.
user1
Lindsey: Being a country music lover and a part
of TNN: The Nashville Network, have you been to Nashville, or have plans
to visit.
Lindsey Francis
I hope to visit the Nashville area soon—possibly
to attend the Country Music Awards!
luvskates
DO YOU HAVE TIME TRIALS ...WHO HOLDS THE RECORD
FOR THE MILE..AND HOW MANY LAPS ON YOUR TRACK TO A MILE?
John Morrissey It’s about 16 laps to a mile; we’re skating a 90 meter track and we’re skating 9½ (or less) second laps.
luvskates
WHAT TYPE AND BRAND OF INLINES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Dan Gavagni
For this kind of skating, you need a solid shell
boot, either a Rydel or Solomon seems to work the best.
user1
Denise: Headlines say you’re the most talented
female athlete on your team -- are there training camps similar to other
pro teams for this sport? If so, where?
Denise Loden
To my knowledge there aren’t any training camps
except for the one here in Orlando. I believe at the end of the show they’ll
have info on where you can call to find out more.
user1
Denise Loden: I hear you’re a long-distance spitter.
Is spitting allowed in the rink? I’ll bet that could cause an opponent’s
blood pressure to rise.
Denise Loden
Well, anything to get a rise out of an opponent...I’m
not going to say it’s allowed, but I won’t say it doesn’t happen.
JonB
Sean, what is tougher, being in the military
or RollerJam?
Sean Atkinson
The military, because you have to abide by the
rules!
tvtuner
Sean: Is it true that you and your wife compete,
and WIN, together!!!
Sean Atkinson
I’m not married! You must be thinking of Sean
Marshall.
country.com
RollerJam is hosted by Ken Resnick and Lee "Hawk"
Reherman, with Nicole Katz as your trackside reporter and Broadway Danny
Wolf as your Jam Center host.
luvskates
SEAN...WE ARE FROM CALIFORNIA...WE LOVE THE QUAKES...WHEN
ARE YOU COMING TO CALIFORNIA TO SKATE?
Sean Atkinson
Within the next 2 months!
country.com
Sean Marshall of the Florida Sundogs is here
and wants questions!!
Sean Marshall
I’ll answer the question about being in the military:
RollerJam is harder, because in the military we’re trained what to expect...also,
my wife and I have competed together, in the 1997 Southern Regional Champions.
pinball
Sean, who do you admire most in life??
Sean Marshall
No one here knows him, but his name is Greg Dailey.
country.com So you want to be a RollerJam skater? Organizers are planning more tryouts for future teams. We’ll give you the details as soon as they are announced.
JonB
Lindsey, how would you describe your skating
style?
Lindsey Francis
I’m an aggressive skater, but I allow room to
have fun.
pinball
Lindsey, do you watch wrestling, and if so, who
is your favorite wrestler??
Lindsey Francis
My favorite wrestler is Stone Cold (Steve Austin).
country.com
A new book on the history of the Roller Derby
is in the making. Details coming soon!
JonB
Lindsey, is RollerJam the toughest sport you’ve
been in?
Lindsey Francis
I’ve had a background in equestrian jumping,
and out of all the injuries from that, RollerJam is definitely more strenuous!
luvskates
SEAN ... WHAT TYPE INLINES DOYOU USE—BOOTS AND
WHEEL SIZE?
Sean Marshall
I use Solomon boots and Verduci frame; and 76
millimeter hyper wheels.
user1
Sean: I’ve read so much about generation after
generation of skaters—are you teaching your children to follow in your
footsteps—or "on
your blades?"
Sean Marshall Yes, I have a 6-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl who skate.
luvskates
SEAN...MY MOM AND DAD ARE OLD ROLLER DERBY FANS
AND THEY SAY IF YOU CAN SKATE HALF AS GOOD AS YOUR GRANDDAD AND FATHER
YOU MUST BE F A N T A S T I C!!!!
Sean Atkinson
Oh Daddy, hold on to your seat!
country.com
T-shirts, hats, posters and other Jam Gear are
coming soon! Right now, the only place to get this gear is at a RollerJam
game in Orlando, but soon you’ll be able to buy it all right here on rollerjam.com.
JonB
Lindsey, do you have any pets?
Lindsey Francis
Yes, I have my best friend in the world, my dog
Bear. He travels with me everywhere, he’s a Lab and pug mix. I call him
a "Lug."
TROUBLES
HELLO THERE my question is how long is it before
the skaters have been fully trained to do an all around good block out?
Sean Marshall
It’s been eight months and we’re still working
on it!
pinball
Chellie, would you jump on the track with alligators
like in the 80s???
Chellie Rossell
No, I’m not stupid!
country.com
We’ve got mail! Look for a Frequently Asked Questions
section, along with a Mailbag that answers more specific questions. You’ll
be able to hear some of the answers from the skaters themselves through
audioclips on rollerjam.com.
StoneCold
Lindsey, what is your favorite TV show?
Lindsey Francis
RollerJam, of course!
gator
Do you study old films for tips from veteran
skaters?
Lindsey Francis
Yes I do, for 8 months that’s all we watched.
JamBoy
To anyone: Will the "match race" be used as a
way of settling disputes, or ties....as with the old Derby?
Karen Magnussen
It is a possibility, but we have no plans right
now.
country.com Karen Magnussen of the New York Enforcers is also here!
luvskates
WHY DOESNT WSL PRINT STATS ON GAMES (IE) INDIVIDUAL
POINTS SCORED ...ETC
Karen Magnussen
We just got started! Check out rollerjam.com
after the game to see scores and stats.
luvskates
DO SOME SKATERS USE 4 WHEELS AND SOME 5 WHEELS
IF SO WHY?
Jannet Abraham
One person, Mark D’Amato of the Enforcers, uses
quads, but the rest of us use 4 wheel.
Karen Magnussen
5-wheel skates don’t offer us agility.
spiderman
how many teams are in the league and how long
is the season?
Karen Magnussen
There will be about 52 games scheduled in this
season. There will be 6 teams eventually in the league. tvtuner Does
the hype ever distract from the sport?
Karen Magnussen and Jannet Abraham
It helps us focus more on the game.
Lindsey Francis
It makes me work harder!
cooldude1233
I think that the Sundogs are the best!
Karen Magnussen
Bite me!
Jannet Abraham
They’re the best at showing off what they don’t
have!
Lindsey Francis
I think that’s the best news I’ve heard all night!!!
KarensCousin
Karen Magnussen: who is your favorite cousin?
Karen Magnussen
That would be Sharon, Erin and Christine!
StoneCold
Denise, What does your family think about you
skating in Roller Jam?
Denise Loden
My family loves it except for when I get knocked
down and hit in the face.
SunDog fan
I love Denise Loden!
Denise Loden
Aw, thanks! Where are you from?
JonB
Denise, what was it like being a contender on
American Gladiators?
Denise Loden It was a unique experience; the Gladiators were pretty big and scary (like Jannet Abraham!) but it was fun going up against them.
Jenni
How can anyone be in Roller Jam?
Denise Loden
You have to audition; there will be more
info given at the end of tonight’s show.
TROUBLES
Are the skaters being paid a salary by there
skating abilty?
Karen Magnussen
Not really, but we can’t discuss salary!
Country.com
Many of your favorite skaters are hangin’ around
the chat area watching the chat action—Debbie Rice, Gina Lombardo, Pasi
and Susanne Schalin and Sam Martin are ALL still here!!
JamBoy
Sean....is the chance of injury significantly
greater with the use of the inline skates, or is there no difference from
using the "quad" skates?
Sean Atkinson
There’s no difference; the only chance of injury
is when you’re getting hit by bigger people.
cooldude1233
I am also a rollerblader and how much training
does it take to reach high speeds?
Karen Magnussen
You train every day and it would help if you
joined a speed skating team!
country.com
We’re only scheduled to be on for another half
hour folks! Keep sending those questions! The response has been incredible
and we’ll get to as many as possible. Stick around!!!
Harold
Sean isn’t there a Buddy III (your brother) who
briefly skated a few years ago?
Sean Atkinson
My brother, Ian, did briefly skate a few years
ago. If I find the right woman there might be a Buddy, III!
country.com
Cathy Evangelo of the Sundogs has just made her
presence!
luvskates
ARE THE ROLLER JAMMERS TAKING LESSONS FROM WRESTLERS
....WE HOPE NOT. WE ENJOY THE GOOD HARD SKATING THE BEST!
Cathy Evangelo
We don’t take lessons from wrestlers, I enjoy
the skating too. The speed and the jumping are my favorites.
KarensCousin
is Karen Magnussen there?
Karen Magnussen
Yeah, I’m here! Who’s this?
TWard
T. Washington kicks major ass! What do you plan
to do about Sun Dog’s #20?
Tim Washington Dave Gletty is nothing but a dumb redneck, and I’m gonna skin that gator boy!
guest396
Tim, do you like the Roller Jam?
Tim Washington
Yes!
country.com
Team Coach AND Captain of the New York Enforcers—Mark
D’Amato is available for questions.
JamBoy
Sean....did you always want to compete in the
sport that your father competed in, or did you have other plans?
Sean Atkinson
I had other plans, I was golden gloves champ
in boxing in Philadelphia, but I broke 6 bones in my hand, retired from
that and became a skater.
Jets
Mark, will you be taking Little Richard out to
dinner any time soon?
Mark D’Amato
Little Richard’s been on food stamps for years!
accounter
Mark D’Amato: Have you ever witnessed a referee
being injured during a game?
Mark D’Amato
I actually break the ref’s arm in the game we’re
watching now!
Jam-Fan Jim
Enforcers are AWSOME!
Mark D’Amato
Yeah, man, yeah, man!
luvskates
THE GROUP HERE OF SKATERS ARE GOING TO PRACTICE
ROLLER JAM ON SUNDAY WITH A GAME ON A FLAT TRACK TO GET IN PRACTICE FOR
A TRYOUT...
Mark D’Amato
Get in line!
country.com
Only 15 more scheduled minutes left!! Keep the
questions coming!
MJfan
Mark, do you like being called "the toughest
guy in RollerJam"?
Mark D’Amato
I AM the most dangerous man on skates!
accounter
Mark D’Amato: Being your team’s captain, how
do keep everyone motivated and in that ‘winning mood?’
Mark D’Amato
Well, they have to win or they don’t get paid.
country.com
Pasi and Susanne Schalin of the Florida Sundogs
are here!
MJfan
Pasi and Susanne, would you still skate if you
weren’t on the same team?
Pasi and Susanne Schalin
NO!
toolman
More of a comment....I love the show tonight
...the women look good!
Sandman
Since it’s the WSL, is there a chance of some
international teams showing up soon?
Susanne Schalin
I think so—they’re talking about it. Maybe it
will end up in Finland.
country.com
Only 5 more minutes remain to interact with RollerJam
skaters!
lolita
Pasi, Has the Roller Derby been popular in Finland?
Are your friends concerned for your safety or excited about the fun the
game will be?
Pasi Schalin
It’s not that big in Finland, or I never heard
much.
LittleRichard
Pasi, where did you meet Susanne?
Pasi Schalin
In Finland, we’re both from there.
monsterkiller where is the wall of death?
Sean Atkinson About the wall of death, no there
isn’t one, but what we do have is the Enforcer team, who uses a blockade
where it involves 3-5 other skaters making a wall that usually stops all
opponents from skating.
country.com
Thanks for the GREAT response to our first-ever
RollerJam chat!! We hope to have more of these LIVE chats in the
future, so keep checking back to rollerjam.com for the latest action news.
country.com
The skaters have had a fantastic time interacting
with you fans. They also thank you for the incredible response and
hope to talk to you again soon here on country.com.
country.com
Remember—you can go to the RollerJam Fan Chat
Room now and anytime—‘24/7’—to chat with fellow RollerJam fans.
country.com
Goodnight and tune into TNN for RollerJam every
Friday night!!