Photo: Phil Salvador
Between Jams: Stacie Wilhelm
Stacie Wilhelm, aka Midge Mayhem, started playing roller derby in 2010 with the Choice City Rebels in Ft. Collins, Colorado, then joined Denver Roller Derby to start 2013. She eventually made Denver’s elite travel team, the Mile High Club.
Known for her sense of humor, Wilhelm has also seen a lot of derby. Outside skating for Denver and Team Derbyville at RollerCon 2014, she also was a part of the Team Colorado that won first State Wars in 2014. In her words…
There’s a lot to love about playing for Denver. The twerking, a skill which I have yet to develop, is on point. Last year we made a synchronized dance routine in a pool to the song “I Will Always Love You.” We all have a different set of skills to contribute and while we’re really funny, we’re also really smart. I like that we’re well-rounded.
Weird things sometimes happen when you’re playing roller derby. One time at 2014 Champs when I was jamming in our game against Philly, I was pushing their wall forward into the apex and heard someone yell “My boob is falling out!” while someone else responded, “Who cares?!?”
I’m not one of the oldest players on my team, but not the youngest. Still, I look like I’m a junior skater. I really do look like I just turned 18.
Just by looking at me, you probably wouldn’t guess that I’m the tallest in my family. This is not a joke.
People who know me outside of roller derby would describe me as goofy and nice. Friends who I’ve known since I was a child are often surprised at how I am much more confident and outgoing, but still a little weird.
Since starting roller derby I’ve realized how competitive I am. I just thought seeing how many bags of groceries I could carry in one trip or trying to beat people at jump roping tricks was something everyone did.
The greatest thing I have learned playing this sport is how it is as much a mental game as a physical game. You can have all the skating and derby skills you want, but if you’re in a jam and have defeated yourself in your head, those skills don’t matter.
Secretly, I am a fan of Jackie Chan. Yes, his movies are as cheesy as you can get without being a clown, but the fact that he does his own stunts is inspiring. I’d love to learn his Hardcore Parkour moves.
My worst injury to date would be my finger being run over and sliced open in two places. It was during a home team game against a cross-town rivalry home team.
The jam started, I hit the pack and fell, but it wasn’t until I got through the pack (and got lead jam) that I realized it was bleeding. A lot. After circling the pack to call-off, I proceeded to urgent care for some stitches in my pinky finger, which now looks like a turtle’s back.
I have a good sense of humor. Sarcasm, awkward pauses and weird mannerisms are really funny to me. Sometimes I walk into doors instead of opening it because it’s funny. Other times, it just happens because I don’t open the handle fast enough.
The weirdest derby moment might include all of the times I was interviewed in person last year, along with making the S1 helmet commercial. I get distracted by things I’m saying and said, “I am Midge Wilhelm.” Up until that commercial, everyone called me one name or the other. But now, I am Midge Wilhelm.
When I’m not playing roller derby, one of my favorite ways to spend my time is watching a movie, cycling, working on DIY or programming projects. There are times, though, where I find myself getting lost watching everything from cat videos to Gizoogling emails.
If I wasn’t a roller derby player I’d make a pretty good Ellen Page stunt double. When “Juno” first came out, many people commented on how I remind them of her.
I also started derby not long before the movie “Whip It” came out, and I was on a poster for my first roller derby game just like Babe Ruthless was. The jury is still out on who has the better poster.
When people hear I play roller derby they often ask how old I am. Or, say something to the effect of “Don’t you have to be big to play roller derby?”
One of the best compliments I’ve received this year is someone asking if I used to be a junior skater. No I didn’t but I am totally flattered that you think so!
The first time I saw roller derby I thought “Man, I really want to play. But are fishnets and schoolgirl skirts required?”
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About the Author
Andy Frye Andy Frye writes about derby for Fiveonfive and has written for a variety of other sports publications. As LeBron Shames, he skates with the Chicago Bruise Brothers.
