The latest calculated rankings by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) were released mid-week and the news was tremendous for the primary travel squad of St. Louis-based Arch Rival Roller Derby.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
ARCH placed third globally out of 366 international Leagues eligible for rank, which marks the highest placement historically for the 15-year-old flat-track franchise.
“Breaking into the Top 3 is an incredible accomplishment for Arch Rival,” said ARCH co-captain Bricktator. “We definitely deserve to be there, but after losing the bronze medal game at Champs last November, we didn’t get the satisfaction of wearing a medal around our neck.”
The squad finished fourth at last November’s WFTDA International Championships after a 12-point setback to Victorian Roller Derby, who currently sits second in the rankings, in the third place game. The tight differential against the Australians, combined with a mighty effort against defending Hydra Cup champ Rose City at the same tournament, helped boost St. Louis’ stock.
“These updated rankings provide some delayed gratification and proof that we continue to be one of the best teams in the world,” said Bricktator. “To quote my friend Bolt Action, ‘I can only think of two things better than this.’”
The team recently held tryouts for the upcoming charter and the line-up will be released publicly before the end of the weekend.
The squad launches their new season by competing at the Sibling Rivalry invitational at Queeny Park in Ballwin, Missouri May 15-17. During the event, ARCH will play #6 Montreal, #7 Angel City and #8 Texas.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
“The bar is set very high for 2020 and we’re determined to stand on the podium at Champs this year,” Bricktator said of the future.
Arch Rival currently continues their local season in a Saturday, March 21 event that has the M-80s meeting Rebel Skate Alliance in a “winner advances to local champs” storyline. Advance discounted tickets are available at this link.
For more info on ARCH, go to their official website.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
