Featured Skater of the Month - April 2014
Marilyn McCrusher #93
Started Playing Derby: April 2011
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Team: South Jersey Derby All-Stars, Bettie Rages, Bruised Beauties
How did you choose your derby name & number?
Outside of derby, most people know me by Ducky, but I really like my name real so I wanted to incorporate it in my derby name. And all other variations of Marilyn that I could think of were already taken.
What led you to roller derby?
I was doing an externship at a doctors office and was getting some info from a patient that came in with a concussion. I asked how it happened and the patient said it was from roller derby and suggested that I try it. After saving some money for skates, I did.
What was your biggest hurdle as a rookie?
My biggest hurdle was skating in quad skates. It had been about ten years since I last had on any pair of skates. I was always a roller blade person as a kid and could never quite get the hang of quad skates, until I had some awesome people from SJDG teach me how.
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What does being a South Jersey Derby member mean to you?
It means more than I can put into words, but I'll give it a try. Growing up I always felt out of place, with family, school, friends, ect. I tried different clubs/sports in high school but never really felt like it was where I wanted to be. I hung out with different groups of people but never really had that "I belong here" feeling. After the first practice I was hooked. After getting more involved and spending time with everyone I felt like I belonged where I wanted to belong, I was home.
What would you recommend for a new rookie joining the league?
You don't suck as much as you think you suck. Going from training wheels to skating with the big dogs can be intimidating, but remember the rest of them were all there at one point too. And they're still working on improving things just like you are.
What is your derby goal?
I would love to be able to jump the apex on a bank track!
Any notes you'd like to share?
The first time I tried to lay a hit on Punch Drunk Shove I fell right to the ground as she kept skating with the rest of pack.
Thank you to all the vets that helped me get where I am now.
​What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have webbed toes but am not a good swimmer. (And that's why people call me Ducky)