The Hit List: Skater Spotlight for 3/13/2015: Bob Fowler #28

Photo by Sean Childs

What is your derby name?
My derby name is The RagingHomo but I skate under my real name now.

What is the story behind your name?
I chose that name in the hopes of becoming a positive role model for teens and young adults who maybe struggling with their sexual orientation by showing them that they can be a part of a team and accepted for who they are. I still believe that there is a place in roller derby for everybody.

What number do you wear?
28

Why did you choose it?
I chose that number to honor my step sister. She taught me how to skate when I was young. She died in a tragic accident when she was 28 and her birthday was Dec.28th. There were other factors involved that kept bringing up that number so, rather then fear it or look at it as some kind of curse I chose to honor her with it..

What is your role in the league?
I'm a blocker

What is your preferred position on the track?
Upright and next to a teammate.

What’s your pre-derby athletic background?
 A lot of farm work.

What would you say are your greatest strengths as a skater?
I feel as though I am a team player and can work well with anybody out on the track weather they be a vet or someone new to the team.

What is your proudest accomplishment in roller derby and why?
Well, its not really 'my' accomplishment but my proudest event/moment was playing in a bout with my son against the Connecticut Death Quads. It was amazing to be able to share the track with him and to see him holding his own and doing so well. I couldn't help but feel proud.

Which one of your teammates do you look up to most, and why?
The ones in orange and black because they have my back. I respect all of my teammates for different reasons and for all the same reasons.

What is your best memory of the 2014 MRDA season?
Playing the Twin City Terrors at MVC. I want a rematch. Derby Monster is a beast of a jammer.

What is your motivational quote?
"5 SECONDS!!!" it gets my blood pumping.

How did you get involved with roller derby?
I used to watch roller derby as a kid and would hit up the local skate rink on the weekends with my friends. I had always want to play roller derby and then one day several years later while at work a coworker told me that she was going to go check out roller derby after work. I didn't believe her and we went back and forth about it and she eventually invited me to go along with her. She is now known as my wife in roller derby. Thank you Becky.