Tay Q. Down and the Windy City Rollers

Tay Q. Down is one of the many multi-talented women athletes of the Windy City Rollers. Wearing #33 while skating for Hell's Belles, she was a terror on the track and a real sweetheart off the track. I first had the pleasure of interviewing her a few years back and that interview can be found at On the Beat With Tay Q. Down of the Windy City Rollers. I have also learned that she is an awesome baker and a big fan of the Blackhawks.

TQD is one of the many reasons why I am still following the Windy City Rollers even though I attended my first bout just to cover something different. I found something different and something I really enjoyed.

I learned a lot. The Windy City Rollers compete in legitimate sporting events. Score is kept, rules are enforced and nothing is scripted, except perhaps their colorful names. I also learned how dedicated these athletes are, often practicing virtually all year.

Just as impressive is their dedication to their fans. Often, the stadium is split into fan sections. Everyone has a favorite team, although most cheer for all the teams in general. The fans are rewarded with hustle during the game and hugs and pictures after the bouts. These ladies are great with fans, especially the little ones (or even an older reporter, like me).

The next night of WCR action is Saturday, May 19. It is a travel team bout at the Broadway Armory in Chicago. For more info, head over to WindyCityRollers.com and always check here for recurring coverage.

Tay Q Down and me in Chicago, IL-February 2017.

On the Beat with Tay Q. Down of the Windy City Rollers

Last Saturday, Johngy's Beat saw our first Windy City Rollers action of the new year.  Along with the rest of the crowd that jammed the UIC Pavilion, we witnessed some very exciting flat track roller derby.

In the first game, the Hell's Belles beat the Manic Attackers 167-166!  This was a seesaw battle, which literally had me at the edge of my seat right up until the final second.  This game could have gone either way.  Both teams played their hearts out and deserved to win.  in an unusual move, the "Player of the Game" award was given to Hell's Belles Coach Howie Rollson.

The second game was not as close, but just as exciting.  The Fury defeated the Double Crossers 251-121.  The "Player of the Game" award went to SpartaKris, one of the captains of The Fury.

After the games, we interviewed a few of the athletes, including Tay Q. Down, one of the captains of Hell's Belles.  Stay tuned to the end to hear her explain her take on her #333.  It's gold.  I hope you enjoy learning about these women as much as I do.

Stay tuned right here for more coverage of the Windy City Rollers, as we will be featuring more interviews later this week.  To learn more about the WCR athletes and the sport of roller derby, check out WindyCityRollers.com.  Their next games are on Saturday, February 7 at the UIC Pavilion.