Tony Santiago
An Interview
By Rich Besser
When did you get into inline skating sports?
When I was 6 years old my Grandma taught me how to skate. She gave me street skates. You know when the skates were metal/steel, and you put your shoes in them. When I was 10 years old I missed a season of football. During that time I saw a flyer saying they wanted inline hockey players. I decided to buy inline skates and practiced by myself on a court. I then went and skated at a local roller rink,(Universal Skating Rink) in Orlando, Florida. At this rink I got to skate on a hockey team called the "Dragons". However, they didn't want me to do much skating. They liked that I was their goalie. Yet I didn't! I wanted to skate! So I quit!!! I told my dad that I wanted my own team, so my dad formed a hockey team called, "The Piranhas". That 1st season we won our 1st tournament! After the tournament, my family moved to Mt.Dora, Florida. I skated for their team called, "The Rattlers". Then my family then moved to Sanford, Florida. I skated at a rink called Melonie Skating Rink. This was the rink that the WSL bought!
How did you get involved with Roller Jam? Also how old were you then?
I was 15 years old, almost 16. Skater Faith Urban came up to some of the hockey players in Sanford and asked if they were willing to try out for the TV show, Roller Jam. Some of the skaters, that were on my team were: Eric Slopey, Christian Salvia, Andy Wallace, and PJ Rossi. However, since Andy and myself were 15 years old Ross Boswell,(producer of Roller Jam) said we were to young. My dad talked to Mr. Boswell saying that in a couple of weeks I would be 16 years old. Ross said that he will let me skate for a 1 week trial to see if I was a good skater. Ross saw how I skated and said I could stay!!! While skating at Roller Jam the old man, Richard Brown came up to me and said,...."you want to beat my record for being the youngest skater to be in the Derby"? Richard then showed me the ropes and taught me about the game and the moves!! I really liked Richard Brown!!
What was your greatest moment at Roller Jam?
When I went to Vegas! My skills took me there!! I made it and I deserved it. Skating in Vegas reminds me of the day I became professional!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had torn my shin in Vegas, but when I see my scar on my leg, I felt real proud!
What was your worst moment in Roller Jam?
When the skaters had big egos! I didn't like that. I was here to skate. When the egos got so big I decided to leave! Those egos brought down Roller Jam! The magic was gone! Most of the skaters just wanted fame!
What teams did you skate for?
The Quakes and than the Enforcers.
Which team did you enjoy skating the most?
The Enforcers! I liked skating for the red team! You can keep hitting them!
Did you get any injuries?
Like I said before, in Vegas my shin was ripped open, but I skated the rest of the game! Then I went into the hospital.
What other careers have you been involved with besides skating?
I am a professional electrician.
What other sports do you like?
I would say football and hockey are my favorite!
After 2 years of Roller Jam gone, what is it like wanting to join the Derby again?
I feel I am ready to skate! Do you know what I am saying, they better watch out for me!
Are you interested in skating for the ARDL in California?
Yes, in a way. I have to figure out the details. I heard that in the ARDL there are more skating skills I have to learn, but I am willing to learn. I love to skate!!
Out of all the male Roller Jammers who now skate for the ARDL, who would you think be the toughest rival?
I think Brian Gallegher! He has the most skills out there! He has twinkle toes and he is fast!
Do you have anything you would like to say to past Roller Jammers or the ARDL?
Yes, watch out, because I'm coming!! I hope you guys are ready for me!!!!!!!!
Thank you Tony for the interview. You will be great in the ARDL. So watch out ARDL!