The Roller Derby is Back
by David Hadlich
In what is becoming a national
resurgence, the TC Rollers all female roller derby league is calling
Cheap Skate of Coon Rapids home. Craig Gordon, league director, states
that the most recent edition of roller derby is much less violent
and much more family friendly than what many of us remember from
the 1970s. Leagues are popping up all over the country. States like
Texas, North Carolina and Wisconsin all have active leagues.
Gordon began planning
for this back in November of 2004. By January of 2005, he began
recruiting potential skaters, and in the summer of 2005, practice
had begun. In November of 2005, an exhibition bout was held in
Princeton, MN, with over 400 people attending. Bouts are expected
to run approximately 2 ½ hours, with a 30 minute
halftime. He also plans that after each match, there will be a post-bout
party, so the fans and skaters can meet.
On Saturday, January
28, the doors opened at Cheap Skate to an overflow crowd. Old and
young, men and women, they filled up the seats and then some. According
to attendees, it was a blast! “Something
for everyone,” “Family entertainment,” and a great
night of fun,” were just some of the comments overheard.
Why is Access Press
writing about this? Because after expenses are paid, the proceeds
of the bouts will go to local charities. “It
is a chance to give something back to the community, and for people
to get out and have a great time. The skaters are mostly married
with children and they practice on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings.” “We
are all volunteering our time,” says Gordon. Gordon has committed
to setting aside a seating area for people with mobility issues,
and has stated that with the security and staff on-site being linked
with radios, assistance is not far away. With tickets prices at $8
in advance, and $10 at the door, it is a great opportunity for people
of all ages to get out for the evening.
