By Robyn Quinn
Does Mrs. Mendham Township wear elbow pads with her tiara?
Shenoa Scullin, a.k.a. Lady Oh No, is a member of the Jerzey Derby Brigade, in Morris County’s all-female roller derby league. Her fans are used to seeing her whip around the rink wearing skates, elbow pads and a helmet.
But on May 19, Lady Oh No will be wearing a tiara and gliding down a runway at Monmouth University, where she will be competing as Mrs. Mendham Township in the 2012 Mrs. New Jersey United States Pageant.
There have been some questions raised regarding the validity of the title “Mrs. Mendham Township.” The Mrs. New Jersey United States Pageant is the organization that awarded Shenoa that title.
When an individual becomes an official contestant, she receives a local title, either on the “city, township, borough, region or county level,” according to the pageant’s website.
What will happen to Mrs. Mendham Township if Lady Oh No winds up with a black eye during a roller derby bout?
“Bruises are a guarantee in roller derby,” acknowledges Shenoa, who is hanging up her skates during the pageant competition. That could be an extended leave of absence if she wins the Mrs. New Jersey title. She then would go on to the Mrs. United States pageant in Las Vegas.
Shenoa has been married to her husband Liam for more than six years. She became Lady Oh No about a year ago, after attending one of the Jerzey Derby Brigade’s bouts. It looked like so much fun, she had to give it a try. Which persona is Liam most proud of–Lady Oh No or Mrs. Mendham Township?
“I think he is equally proud of both. He always encourages me to do things that make me happy,” Shenoa says.
Roller Derby is a contact sport that got its start in the 1930s. It’s under consideration for the 2020 Olympics. There are 1,208 teams worldwide, with 10 of them in New Jersey. The Jerzey Derby Brigade has two teams, Corporal Punishers and the Major Pains, with more than 50 members between them. Roles include skaters, referees, non-skating officials, and volunteers.
The Roller Derby season runs from April until November. This dedicated group of ladies put its all into a very physical sport. Members of the Jerzey Derby Brigade range in age from 20 to 50.
They welcome anyone interested in having a good time to come to a bout. What qualifications would you need to join the team?
“You need a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and be a part of not just a team, but a sisterhood as well,” says Jen Setteducato (Baked Beanz), co-captain of the Major Pains.
It’s a diverse bunch. Jen says team members “come from all professions: Teachers, lawyers, artists, mothers, hair stylists, writers, web and graphic designers, college and grad school students, members of military families, etc! The list goes on. It’s truly amazing to have so many people from different backgrounds come together for a sport we all love.”
The next bout at InLine Morristown is on May 19–the same date as the 2012 Mrs. New Jersey United States Pageant. You can be sure the Corporal Punishers and the Major Pains will be playing their hardest for Lady Oh No. Just don’t expect them to trade their helmets for tiaras that day; these ladies are tough!
