Timothy T. Justice
Location
Altoona, PA
Hometown:
Altoona, PA
Derby Since:
2006
Awards & Notables:
2008 Volunteer of the Year
Member Types:
Athletic Background:
I played a little of everything when I was young. I lettered in tennis my freshman year in High School. Since I was one of the fastest boys in my class the track coach kept pushing me to run track. Little did he know that I had soured on track after running a 100 yard dash on the football field in gym class against a girl who would later go on to become an American Gladiators Grand Champion, and I believe competed in the Goodwill Games. I literally had dirt and grass hitting me in the face from her shoes as she sped away!
Favorite Derby Story:
Honestly my favorite derby moment is the next one. Derby has led me in so many different directions- writing recaps for a newspaper, meeting many interesting people, head reffing my first bout, achieving certification, even winning a gold ADDY award for photography (thanks to the talented X-Tron!) that I can't pick a favorite from the past and instead look forward to the next future amazing moment.
One moment I do keep in mind is during a scrimmage after I had just started learning to referee. I had been off skates for over 25 years and was working inside and I kept falling on my backside coming out of the turns. After falling for the third time I looked up and Pippi Ripyoustockings shot me this look of pity like "you poor fool, do you really know what you have gotten yourself into?" I have never seen that her give that look since so it keeps me motivated- no matter how good I think I am doing it only takes a second to be right back down on my butt.
Derby Heroes:
Anyone who has the determination and willpower to be involved in this sport. It takes a huge amount of time and effort and sacrifice since this is all volunteer, do it yourself. That amount of character should always be recognized and respected.
Other Heroes:
Mark Martin is a big hero of mine. The man that shows how willpower and guts can triumph over adversity. He is in his 50's and still can compete and win at the highest level. I got to meet him in Atlanta some years ago and despite his success he is still the most humble guy.
Also Vinnie Colaiuta, Neil Peart and Dennis Chambers. I actually play one of Dennis Chambers drum sets, I wish he would have left some of his incredible talent in it for me!
Favorite Derby Gear:
Easy- my Fox 40 whistles! I wear 2- one wrapped on my left wrist so even if the primary whistle gets knocked out of my mouth I will still get that naughty, offending player off the track quickly!
Other Hobbies:
Spending time with my wife and 2 daughters. Drumming for fun, reading and studying WFTDA rules. I admit I do sometimes just like to sack out for a day and catch up on movies/ TV shows I have DVR'd.
Favorite Meal & Drink:
Wow, thats a hard one. A good hamburger and fries is never turned down although a steak, or salmon dinner with a glass or two of a Washington State vintage Riesling is also a favorite.
Favorite Book:
I am an avid reader and have lots of favorites but one of significance is Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. That one resonates because I gave my copy of it to a friend before going to serve in Iraq. The book met a quiet end at the hands of the desert and the conditions in Abu Ghraib prison but my friend made it back home.
Favorite Movie or TV Show:
Homicide- Life on the Street remains one of my all time favorite TV shows. Amazing cast, amazing stories. I have the entire series on DVD.
I also have quite a few favorite movies, Runaway Train, with Jon Voight, Eric Roberts and a very young Rebecca DeMornay still gets alot of play.
If you could be an animal, which one?:
Great White Shark. Haven't you ever imagined what it would be like to be the Apex predator in your environment?
Favorite Derby Move:
Whip It, just because I have met/ know several of the skaters in it. Its neat to see how they are portrayed in the movie compared to their real life personalities.
Derby Name Story:
Its a tribute to Jackie Gleason and the character he played in Smokey and the Bandit. i am pretty straight laced and quiet so that personna seemed a little better for derby.
