With the mid-wnter thaw that has occurred in Ontario and my dreams of finally playing roller derby again in 2009, I had to think about wether I would have to change my name or not. It turns out, I'm still on the registry so I can keep Nia Capps and my number #74 and transfer to FCDG, but if I was going to change it, I've been playing around with names lately. Nia Capps was a quick choice that rhymed with my previous nickname (Tia), and was a body part like my first choice (Elle Beauzai), but doesn't really speak to me. But since I'm already known by it, I'll probably stick with it. So I'm now determining the name of the Derby Luv girl you see in these comics. I'll announce it soon!

Well nonetheless, in roller derby, our numbers are often tied to our names if not to our personal selves. Trash N Smash of Montreal chose 1.18L as the Quebec equivalent to Georgia W Tush's 40oz all tied to big drinks. Rae Volver chose .9mm. Meanwhile, I chose 74, but had my name related to hot rods, I would have said 1969 for my 69 Ford Mustang that was my first car. Or 1979 for my 79 Camaro that I adored. And in all the name and number debaucles, it comes down to numbers that have personal meaning to you, that are not already taken, and that will fit on your uniform, and on your arm!

Anyway, I just realized when I was name playing, that there are so many skaters now, it's harder and harder to come up with a name that's not taken, and numbers are already being duplicated. Will leagues like in pro-sports begin to retire numbers for players and founders? Will we ever start skating under our real names? Would you want to?

I wouldn't mind it. I haven't really developed a true split persona for Nia Capps, other than I wear glasses and Nia does not. I don't usually wear dark makeup, and Nia does. But I shove my way through crowds, swear, get angry, work hard... just like Nia does. What does Nia do that I don't? Ok, so Nia shows more leg than I do in her skirt, and more skin when she falls and her ass is in the air. But would it sound as fun when the announcer yells, # Seventyyyyy-Four, Tracy Brock as it is when they yell #Seventy-Four Niiaaaaaah Capps! ? Derby names just have more of a fun ring to them.

L8r,
Nia

Labels: Comic