WHO: Jaclyn Fischer, aka “Flava Train”
WHAT: Chippewa Valley Roller Girl and event committee member (organizing the bouts)
LIVES: Eau Claire
IN THE CITY FOR: 9 years

I moved to Eau Claire for school and decided to stay around Eau Claire afterward. In the past year I have become a member of the Chippewa Valley Roller Girls: the Valley’s first flat track roller derby league. When I am not working I spend a lot of my free time skating and doing stuff with the league. I have fallen in love with roller derby and can’t wait for our first official season this fall!

What’s the best cultural experience you’ve had here? I love going to the showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on campus every February. There is always a mix of interesting people there.

What frustrates you about the Valley? I feel like a lot of people complain about the lack of things to do here. I used to be one of those people. But when you take the time to actually look around the Chippewa Valley you can find there is a lot of stuff going on.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Most people think it’s weird, but I love a grilled cheese grinder with pickles on it from Mancino’s and a cup of the minestrone soup.

What’s something very few people know about you?  When I was in middle school I was in a circus. My school hosted Circus of the Kids and all the students got to learn and try out to be in different circus acts. I was a circus stunt roller skater. 

Water Street or downtown? Lately I have really been digging the downtown area. I really like all of the new development in the area.

As toughness goes, how is the position you play? Well any skater is gonna take hits and give hits regardless of whether you are a Jammer (the person who scores) or a Blocker. So either way a roller girl learns to be tough.

How would you describe your roller girl fashion choices?  My derby fashion can be a little crazy although I have definitely seen crazier. I wear a lot of tights, booty shorts, and knee-high socks. Occasionally I will wear a tutu or some ruffly butt panties. I occasionally get funny looks from people if I am wearing my derby clothes while running errands either before or after practice.

How accurate was the movie Whip It?  A lot of the stuff they did during the bouts were totally illegal and would get you penalties if you were to do them during an actual bout. Punching and clothes-lining other girls is totally not allowed. Roller Derby is a sport with rules and referees who enforce the rules. I will say that the camaraderie shown in the movie between teammates is very accurate.

You were injured for a bit. What was it like on the bench? It was so hard. I got injured a couple weeks before our first scrimmage against the Mayhem in La Crosse and wasn’t able to skate. While I was able to help my team out by being a bench coach, it was hard to watch and not be able to skate.

You had your first “bout” with LaCrosse. Were there any hiccups? Oh definitely! It was a learning experience for sure. Except for one girl, our whole team was newbies. It was the very first scrimmage for us with another team. We also did not have enough skaters for a full team (due to injuries, etc.) So the other team had to lend us a few skaters. But I think we learned a lot and are now better prepared and know what to expect for our first home bout.

What do your elders think of roller derby? When I first told them I wanted to do this they thought I was crazy. They told me I wasn’t large enough to play and would get injured. They watched derby on TV back in the 70s so I had to explain to them how derby has changed since then. Now my family is getting more used to the idea and I am excited for them to be able to come watch me skate.

Do guys dig it? Of course! Girls in fishnets and booty shorts? What’s not to like?