State - Monroe Getting their licks in on the rink Group of women train to become roller derby league

By Michelle Swartz The Monroe Evening News MONROE, Mich. (AP) -- If the names Toxic, Medusa and Spartacurse sound intimidating, then you may want to stay off the roller rink. That's where you'll find local women -- using those nicknames -- whipping around the rink. Meeting a few times a week at Skateway, a group of six local women are in training to become the first-ever roller derby league in Monroe County. Longtime friends Amy Hopper, 27, and Amber Barron, 27, both of Monroe, came up with the idea. "We've been interested in it for a few years so we thought, 'Why not?,' " Ms. Barron said of forming an all-female local league. "Roller derby attracts a lot of people, and Monroe would be a perfect place because we could compete against leagues already set up in Detroit and Toledo." They are in the process of forming a local league under Women's Flat Track Derby Association, which sets the rules that govern sanctioned interleague competition among its members. The teams play against each other in regional matches. Some of the requirements include players must be at least 21, wear the proper equipment, skate at least two hours a week and compete in at least four games a year. Right now, the group has six players committed to the team but hopes for more players. They anticipate the league beginning in the fall. In the meantime, team members practice their skills at Skateway each week. "We go over the basics of stopping, jumping, falling and picking up speed," Ms. Barron explained of the types of maneuvers needed for the sport. "You need agility and speed, especially if you're in the start-up position." Roller derby is a contact sport based on roller skating around a track. Points are scored when certain players lap members of the opposing team. While the sport has been played professionally for a long time, it's become more popular in recent years through local and regional leagues. All-female teams and leagues have dominated the game. It was further popularized by a 2009 film called "Whip It," starring Ellen Page as a small-town teenager who joins a roller derby team in Texas. "It has a tough chick attitude because there is a lot of butt-kicking around the track," Ms. Barron said. "Even though it's physical, we're not trying to hurt anyone. We're just out there having a good time." Bringing a certain persona to the rink is another aspect of the sport. Players usually go by nicknames and wear clothes based on their aliases. Fishnets and '80s-style clothing are common among players. Jennifer Gilbert of Monroe, who goes by the name "Toxic," says the nicknames and outfits are part of the game. "It's supposed to be intimidating to the other team, but we have fun with it. We all use nicknames," she said. "It's all about going out and having a good time. I love it." It's also good exercise. "You get a good workout," said Ms. Gilbert, 25. "It really works your leg muscles and abs." The local players hope more players are willing to try the sport in Monroe. "We ask that you have basic roller skating skills and are willing to practice," Ms. Hopper said. "It's a good way to meet a lot of great people. We have a lot of fun." Published: Thu, Apr 29, 2010

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