Roller derby name and number: Baron Von Refthofen, #80
Roller derby position – on the track: I’ve had experience at all of the referee positions: OPR, JR, IPR, and soon, HR
Roller derby position – off the track: WFTDA referee representative. I’m excited to help GRR become a fully-sanctioned WFTDA league!
How long have you been involved with roller derby and/or GRR? Just a month short of two years already!
How did you come up with your name and number? Among historical badasses (some might say psychopaths), Baron Von Richthofen, a.k.a. The Red Baron, ranks pretty high. And “80” is a reference to his 80 confirmed “victories” (what a euphemism!).
Do you have any pre- or post-bout rituals? Pre-bout: eating too much Mexican food so I can regret it about 10 minutes into the first half. Post-bout: enthusiastically playing a very poor game of bowling.
What is your favorite thing about officiating roller derby for GRR? I heart making it possible for the amazing women of GRR and the other leagues in the Southeast to safely play the sport they love.
What is your most memorable GRR roller derby experience? Refereeing underneath the gigantic scimitars at the Shriner’s Temple in Atlanta.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell” by Das Racist.
Aside from roller derby, what are you passionate about? Latin American History, social justice, soccer, playing cello, and the TV show “Friday Night Lights”
What would GRR fans be surprised to know about you? I absolutely adore Masterpiece Theatre-type costume dramas. Then again, maybe that would surprise nobody…
What makes you a Rebel? Unlike all the other vaguely-hipster late-twenties white guys in the world, I have no particular problem with the font known as “Comic Sans”
Likes: Febreeze Sport for sweaty derby gear, the musical stylings of Carly Rae Jepsen, Croatia (I’ve never been there but I hear it’s lovely).
Dislikes: When a derby girl asks me “major or minor?” after I call a penalty. Did I blow my whistle? Am I pointing to the box?
Guilty pleasures: I actually take issue with this question. We like the things we like! Own that, and be proud! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an episode of The History Channel’s “Top Shot” to watch…