It’s All in the Derby Family | Cookie Rumble & Elle McFearsome

Posted on January 21, 2012

All in the Detroit Derby Girls Family. It’s a new segment on our blog highlighting how roller derby in Detroit is a family affair for many skaters and volunteers. This week we’re showcasing Cookie Rumble and Elle McFearsome. Sisters. Teammates. And supported by their parents – the McRumblesomes.

How did you get involved with Detroit Derby Girls?

Cookie Rumble: I was hanging out at the 2500 Club with AK40oz (known then as Adam) when the DDG had their very first fundraiser party. A friend had said we should sign up, but because I didn’t know how to skate (and I was very shy) I said no. She signed us up anyways. Even though she never tried out, I went to the very first “official” practice at the Bohemian Social Club and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Elle McFearsome: I had been a figure skater when I was very young, but had moved on to other athletic endeavors, until I heard about derby from my mom (after Cookie had gushed about the first practice). Since I was between sports, and I already knew how to skate, I figured it was worth checking out, and I’ve been playing for DDG ever since.

 

Did you both join at the same time or did one join before the other?

CR: Elle called me on my way home from the first practice and proceeded to yell at me for not telling her about it. She was at the second practice.

EM: After Cookie talked up derby to my mom, I heard about it from her, and proceeded to berate Cookie for not telling me about it before the first practice…so naturally, I had to come to the second one  After all, I didn’t want to let her have all the fun without me!

 

What’s it like playing with your sister for the Detroit Pistoffs and DDG Allstars?

CR: I love her on my teams – I always know that she’s got my back (and I’ve got hers). Plus, Mom says we’re not allowed to be on separate teams. We would kill each other (literally).

EM: I’m not sure what I would do if we didn’t play together…I think we’re both very protective of each other, and I love playing with her! I think we complement each other well, both on and off the track. And as Cookie has mentioned, there’s no possibility that we could ever play against each other…I don’t think either of us would survive that experience!

 

You’re parents (the “McRumblesomes”) are season ticket holders. How has their support helped you in derby? 

CR: My parents are the best fans to have! They consider the entire league as their family and are always cheering everyone on. They make sure to be at every single game they can (both the league and DDG Allstars games). It’s great when we’re traveling to have at least two fans in the crowd who will cheer for us and defend us from the not so nice fans of the competition (I’ve seen my mom give the finger waggle to an unruly fan before). Plus they’ve been know to get the team cupcakes and snacks! YAAY!

EM: I don’t think anyone could ask for better fans! Both of our parents have always been very supportive in whatever activities we’ve been involved in, but having them there to support us on the road, especially on the national level, has been invaluable! They have supported not only Cookie and I, but our teams, and the league, and truly embody the essence of the sport.

 

What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear “Pistolwhippers” (who you play tonight)? 

CR: Well, I was going to comment on how I love them and that they are always a tough team to play – but after reading Cool Whip’s comment, all Im going to say is “stinky.”

EM: The first word that comes to mind is “rivalry.” I love to play against the Pistolwhippers as a team, not only because I enjoy the rivalry with the Pistolwhippers  that we’ve developed over the years, but also because we now get to fight for bragging rights with Cool Whip and Boo D. Livers for best sister-team duo!

 

Need tickets to the Pistoffs vs. the Pistolwhippers? Buy them at the door tonight at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. Doors open at 6. Whistle blow at 7. See you then!

© Copyright Detroit Derby Girls • Powered by Wordpress