St. Louis-based Arch Rival Roller Derby (ARCH) aims to reach a historical benchmark this weekend – an inaugural international championship.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The quad-skate athletes compete at the global tournament for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) that launched Friday morning in Portland, Oregon.
No doubt, the team is ready for the ensuing challenges from the best in the sport and claim the governing body’s coveted trophy, “The Hydra.”
If the undefeated All-Stars (9-0) collect three straight “W’s” by Sunday’s end, their goal will be achieved.
“We deserve the Hydra,” said ARCH co-captain Bricktator.
That’s not boasting, folks. Their path during the WFTDA’s regional post-season yielded results that made the league an instant “trophy contender” by many that follow the sport.
The All-Stars achieved automatic Champs’ placement with their trifecta at May’s WFTDA North America-Northeast regional championships in Pennsylvania. In their three games skated over that weekend, ARCH collectively outscored their opponents, 992-129, and easily collected the gold medal.
By claiming the top prize, ARCH immediately earned Champs’ placement into Saturday’s Quarterfinal round and faces the winner of Friday’s Angel City vs. Nothing Toulouse play-in tussle.
The opening whistle for St. Louis’ first game blows Saturday at 2 PM (Central). If successful, they would advance to the semifinals later that night for 10 PM (Central) showdown.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Having a quarterfinal bye gave ARCH an edge in the bracket, but by not being on the flat-track on the event’s first day might have a minor drawback.
“Watching the first day gives us time to get settled but can also stir nerves,” Bricktator said. “The good news is that as soon as we wake up on Saturday, it’s time to get ready for our first game.”
Alongside Bricktator this weekend, ARCH jamming is paced by a plethora of veterans with championship experience. In the mix are Annie Swanson, Loki Doki, Jedi Knight-N-Gale, Vicious Van GoGo, Hart and Pork T’Choup Slamwich.
Just as imposing are ARCH’s tenured collective of blockers K. Woodward, Bolt Action, Cloak N’ Drag-Her, LuxFurious, Shear-Ra Powers, dadbod, Eirinn Go Brawl, Pegasass, Cruella, Birdsong, Sheesh, Slaythoven and Splatter.
“Our past success against top teams puts us in a position as a top contender and we are even better than we were at this time last year,” assessed Bricktator. “We continue to innovate and work as a unit.”
That ongoing philosophy has been ramped up over the past few weeks as the team prepared at their South City St. Louis practice facility.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
“Practices leading up to Champs have been very focused,” enthused Bricktator. “Everything we do strengthens our bodies and our minds so we can weather any challenge.”
ARCH’s Saturday quarterfinal meeting will be against the winner of Friday morning’s play-in game between Angel City Hollywood Scarlets (6-7) or France’s Nothing Toulouse (11-1).
One must feel confident for the All-Stars heading into Saturday. In April at home, St. Louis faced, and pummeled, Angel City (201-49). If ARCH faces Nothing Toulouse, who finished second at June’s WFTDA post-season European tourney, it will be first-time meeting.
Regardless of opponent, Arch Rival plans to play confident but not cocky.
“Take it game by game,” assessed Bricktator. “It’s easy to skip ahead to the final game but we will most-definitely need to earn it. Our opponents are going to make us work.”
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
If ARCH wins in the semifinals, they will be competing for their first Hydra Sunday in the 8 PM (Central) championship finale.
Bricktator is excited for the league’s opportunity to achieve newfound success for themselves and share it with their fanbase, both locally and globally.
“We can’t wait to make you all proud!” the co-captain said.
One can purchase watch pass of the entire event by visiting this link.
For more information on Arch Rival Roller Derby, go to their officials website.
Litehouse Media will have full coverage during the weekend.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Litehouse Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews. Finally, he prefers Diet Ski over coffee.
