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WCNC BLOG |
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September 2009
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I wish I could say that I skate like a girl, but after a night at Kate's Skate rink in Gastonia with the Charlotte Roller Girls, I can't even say I skate half as good as these girls. I have seen roller derby on TV, but trust me when I tell you it's a much different deal when your skates hit the hardwood and the bodies start flying. Usually when I go do a story, people thank me for coming out and for the coverage and so on, and the girls did get around to all that as I was leaving. But never before have I showed up to do a story and was welcomed with trash talk and a waiver that needed to signed. My team assigned guide was Cress Barnes whose derby name is "Lucy Kwipment." Lucy was kind enough to take me under her wing and guide me through this derby experience. She comes right out of the gate by asking me, "Do you have good insurance? I'm not kidding do you have insurance?" I would be lying if I didn't say that I had real thoughts of leaving at that point but the camera was already rolling so I was committed. In my 15 years as a reporter I have done my share of cool or dangerous things. I have flown in an F-16, driven a race car 150 mph around Lowe's Motor Speedway, but I have never had to wear a helmet and a mouthpiece until this night. Thankfully the mouthpiece wasn't necessary but just about every other piece of equipment, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards were put to good use. It's been at least 25 years since I have been on roller skates, but after a few trips around the rink it came back to me... a little. I remember having a very smooth crossover move in the corners but it was nothing but a memory. The girls kept yelling at me to stay low and bend my knees. I was just trying to stay on my skates. They explained all the subtleties of the sport to me, the goal of being a jammer or a blocker. After a short demonstration it was my turn. I don't remember much about trying to block, other than I'm trying to not get my skates tangled up in pack of women, and the jammers kept weaving through traffic with the skill of New York cab driver. My turn at trying to be the jammer, the girl who skates through the pack to score points, was by far the scariest. While the coach kept yelling things like, slow down, and be nice, my teammates kept offering their hands to me, slingshoting me up through the pack, with opposing blockers putting moves on me, like Brian Vickers put on Dale Jr. at Daytona this year that caused the big wreck. Only difference was on this night, I seemed to be only one to get taken out. In the end, I survived. Four falls have brought me some rink rash on my leg, and a very sore hip. I'm off to get some ice. I want to thank the girls for being so nice to me, and I know they were nice or I would be blogging from a hospital bed and not at my desk. Good luck on the season ladies and if you want to see some tough customers in action go check out the Charlotte Roller Girls at the Grady Cole Center this season. Blog you later, 5 CommentsLeave a comment |
Thanks for coming out, Ira! We definitely had a blast. We appreciate you coming out to play with us and supporting our league. Wait until you see how the sport is really played at our bout this Saturday...it's awesome. I hope you're not too sore! Thank again for your support!
Thanks for being such a good sport! We'll keep working on your derby name for next time!
Dude- Thanks a lot! It was fun and I hope to see you in the stands on Saturday.
XOXOXOXO
IRA! You were a blast to skate with! It takes courage to get out there and join us! Thanks to taking an interest! Be well and have a super day!
Sin~cerely,
Sadie
Hey Ira, I really hope you guys enjoyed the bout Saturday night. Thanks for all your support.