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Written by D. RaSchell Moore
Whenever I pass by the local
roller skating rink the first thing I think of is my 13th birthday. I was a
ball of social energy and there was no better place to bring in teen hood than
the local roller rink. There, it was ok to flirt with the boys and put on
entirely too much make-up in the girls bathroom. Evidently I ended up breaking
my arm that day and yes, on my 13th birthday no less! You probably have similar
memories but it’s time to forget your prepubescent roller years because
Roller Derby is in town. The Slaughter County Roller Vixens have elbowed their
way into the rink. These girls are rockin’ it derby style.
Our
very own Wendy Lady helps to organize the group of over 30 women. You
won’t find a damsel in distress in this group. These ladies come from
every walk of life, everything from musicians and artists to 9 to 5ers and stay
at home moms. After watching these gals there is no question these ladies are
having a blast. The energy is up and they are ready to play. Admittedly
I’m even temped to bring out the pissed off little kid inside! |
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The Slaughter County Roller Vixens not only have brains, beauty and
obvious agility but their Kitsap roots are evident in the name chosen for the
team. In the mid 1800’s Kitsap was called Slaughter County after
Lieutenant William Alloway Slaughter of the US Army. He was killed during an
uprising somewhere outside of Seattle. Proving that not only are these girls
tough but they've
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got the smarts to back it up. If you’re thinking that’s a
scary combination just remember one of these girls just might be the teller at
your bank or even the nice lady you met at the park with the cute
kids. |
Roller Derby
dates back to the late 1920‘s. It was the brainchild of Leo Seltzer an
entrepreneurial man who intended the sport to be one of endurance. With a cash
purse worth two grand people impoverished by the depression were all too happy
to sign up. Hell, I’d do it for $2000! It was a huge success. The sport
lost popularity and might have been lost forever if it were not for the
enterprising eye of sports writer Damon Runyon. He figured out that the
spectators loved a nasty tumble. He and Seltzer went on to tweak the sport into
what it is today. Very little has changed. Derby was a source |
