Toopher Flinchin #143

What are your pronouns?

Any/All

What's the story behind your Derby Number?

143 has two meanings for me- if you say 143 Toopher Flinchin it sounds like one for free, two for flinching. I thought it was cute. There’s also a song that was released in the 2010’s that says “143, I la la la love you” and I we all need more love.

What do you love about derby?

I love how inclusive derby is- every body is a derby body! It’s also mentally and physically challenging.

What music would be your entrance music?

Dangerous by Akon

How did you get your derby name?

The first time I watched derby, I would flinch every time they hit each other. Someone suggested my derby name be Flinch Michigan and that was just a bit too politically charged for me. I flinched again and got hit in the arm twice and they said “hey that’s two for flinching” and Toopher Flinchin was dawned

Where are you from?

Appleton!

What is your occupation outside of roller derby?

I’m a traveling caregiver

What has roller derby taught you that you apply in your daily life?

Most of the time, you can’t get unstuck through braun alone, you need to think your way out of trouble

Do you have any game day rituals or lucky charms?

Bruce is a dragon that was given to me by someone who skates for Brewcity Bruisers, we dress him up in our team colors and my wife brings him to every game I skate in. We also have a Tiny Bruce that comes along for travel games. It’s silly, but seeing a dragon in the crowd gets me out of my head and reminds me that it’s just a game