Featuring Jayne Maneater from Saint John Roller Derby
If you have been to a Razor girls game before you most likely have seen my next featured lady on the track, Betsy Grannan a.k.a Jayne Maneater being a big part of the wall stopping the competitor’s Jammer from getting through. Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down and ask Betsy a few questions and do a quick photo shoot of her at home.
Alicia: Tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do with your time when you are not in skates?
Betsy: In a perfect world with free time, I enjoy cooking and sewing, seeing live music, art, theatre and performance. At the moment I am enrolled in university studying biology so it doesn’t leave much time after work, derby and planning my wedding.
Alicia: Before joining the Saint John league what previous skating or derby experience did you have?
Betsy: I had no skating experience! I think the last time I had ice skated I was 14.
Alicia: You are a very statuesque woman, do you find that helps your games at all?
Betsy: Thanks! My height has its advantages and disadvantages, but roller derby is so versatile that I just have to know what I can and can’t do. It’s specific to the opponents and the situation at the time.
Alicia: What drew you to roller derby and what is your favorite thing about it?
Betsy: I love alternative culture, and feminism, and that is where roller derby has its roots. My favourite thing about it (other than how amazing it makes me feel) is the duality of comradery and competitiveness.
Alicia: What position do you like to play most?
Betsy: I really love blocking. It’s so powerful to see how a team of blockers can come together to be unstoppable.
Alicia: How did you pick your derby name?
Betsy: I wanted to pick something that sounded like a pinup girl and an Amazon at the same time.
Alicia: Do you have a favourite team to compete against? Why?
Betsy: My favourite team to compete against is any one who pushes us to be our best. It’s nice to see how teams I have played before have changed and grown, but a new to me team is exciting also!
Alicia: Is there anything that you would like your fans to know about you?
Betsy: I’m a much nicer person than I look on the track!!!! 🙂
Alicia: If you could say something about roller derby to the people of Saint John what would it be?
Betsy: I know it’s different, but give us a try and you might love it!
Thank You Betsy for taking a few moments to let us know more about Jayne Maneater, Player # 1337 for the Portside Pirates.
