Vicki McEwen
By Rich Besser
First of all before I begin I wanted to know what nicknames they gave you?
Oh, "Tricky vickI". In my younger years when I started skating I would skate under an opponents legs or crawl through the pack The pack announcer at the game came up with that name. I am 5 feet tall and weighed about 103 lbs.
Where and when were you born?
I was born on June 1, 1955, in Riverside, California which is approximately 60 miles East of Los Angeles.
When did you learn to skate?
When I was 16 years old, when I went to train. However my brother and I used to skate as kids.
Have you been involved in any competitions which you received awards, certificates of trophies?
None, whatsoever.
What made you decide to go into Roller Derby?
I've always been a tomboy and I liked sports. My mom used to watch Roller Games and every Thursday night, we went to see the T-Birds. This was called "the Orange Show" and they skated in the Roller Dome.
Do you remember watching your first game and who skated the games?
No, I can't remember. It was a long time ago!
When did you go into the training school and how did you get onto a professional team?
Let's see, I was 16 years old when I entered the training school and it was about 9 months until I went into the farm league or jet league. I skated in this league for about 1/2 year. They let us go and skate before the professionals came out. This was in 1972. Then in January of 1973, I skated my first pro game. I was with the Los Angeles Thunderbirds as a jammer for about 3 1/2 years!
In chronological order what teams have you been with?
After skating with the T-Birds which was for 3 1/2 years I stopped to have a baby Then in 1980 I went on to the Texas Outlaws as a jammer and a blocker. Then in the mid 80's I was a free agent and skated for many teams such as the Hawks and Devils. Then in 1989, I was with the Rock and Roller Games. This is where they had an alligator pit. My team was called the Hot Flash. We were the 3rd white team, but we also played like as a red shirt team. I prefer to be on a white shirt team. Then in 1994, Bert Wall had a training school, in Pomona, California. My team's name was "the Aztecs". This league lasted for 1 year. Then in 1995, Pam Schwab had a league and she had asked me to skate with the Bomber team. We skated in the Cow Palace in San Francisco. In 1996 - 1997 I skated again with the Bombers with John Parker. Then from 1997 to 1998 Dan Ferrari had a league and he asked me to skate with the Bombers again. Sherri Erich was my captain. In 1998 I went to Florida and skated for a TV show called RollerJam. I skated the first season with the Hot Dice. I skated with inlines but I skate much better with quads. I then left RollerJam and went onto the Bomber's again as captain of the women's squad until "Skinnie Minnie" came aboard. then she became captain. This is with Dan Ferrari's league, (ARSL).
How did you feel skating with inlines and do you think quads and inlines should mix in a game?
First of all I was awkward with inlines, and you don't have the maneuverability as you do with quads. Inlines get in the way with quads and also the inline skaters can trip themselves up.
Who do you admire the most as a derby skater and why?
I would say Ruberta Mitchell. She was and still is a beautiful person inside and outside the track. She was also a damm good skater!!
Back in the 70's and 80's who did you think was the top skater in your eyes?
For the men I would say, Larry Lewis. For the women, Judy Arnold. She was awesome!
In today's game who do you think takes top honors?
"Skinnie Minnie" and Harold Jackson. He is a magnificent skater!!
Who did you compete with the most?
Let's see...,hum... Lois Decker and Lynn Congleton. I had also skated against back in the early 70's, a New York Chief skater named, Shelia "Poki" Truman.
Do you consider yourself as a jammer or a blocker?
I was a jammer back then and now both.
What did you think of manager Georgia Hase?
She was a mean women on the Devils team I skated for. That's why I liked her!
What team made you a star?
I would say the T-Birds, of course! I had a great time on the T-Birds. When I started with the T-Birds, the team had lots of talent!
Do you like being on the home team or away team?
I prefer the home team. I liked to be liked by the fans!!
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to dance and exercise. I enjoy the tread mill and step aerobics. In addition, I like movies. I like action comedy, and science fiction.
What was the last movie you saw?
I would say Training Day, with Danzel Washington.
What do you do for a living now?
I am a billing clerk for a trucking company in California.
Are you married and do you have any children?
I am divorced and I have a son. I am also ready to become a grandma!
What do you think would it take to get Roller Derby successfully back?
I would say a lot of training for the skaters and give at least a year to get a return on the money for the backers who put up the money.
What was it like traveling on the road?
We traveled on buses, but when places were far away we took a plane.
What is your rule of thumb?
I live by treating others as you would like to be treated.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would say in California still working at my job here which I love. Also being with my granddaughter. I want to keep in shape for skating too!
Anything you would like to say to the fans?
To the fans: I appreciate the support the fans give and hopefully we skaters entertain all of the fans!
What was your favorite place to skate?
Oh Hawaii!!! They had the best track which was at a 45 degree angle. The fans were the best! I was 18 years old on the T-Birds.
What was it like skating in MSG in New York? Which by the way I got to see you skate live back in 1974.
The garden was huge!!
Well thanks Vicki for this interview and just keep up the good work!!