7/2/2009 - West Side Leader
DOWNTOWN AKRON — A year after officially forming, “things are going very well” for the Rubber City Rollergirls, according to team members.
“We’ve played three bouts so far [and] our record is 1-2,” said Tracy Soulsby, director of public relations and marketing for the roller derby league. “Our turnout has been great, and that has been more rewarding than whether we’ve won or lost.”
According to Soulsby, having the team’s bouts at the John S. Knight Center has proven to be successful.
“We’ve been extremely pleased with our turnout,” she said. “At our first bout, on April 18, we had 700 spectators and officially sold out two days prior to the bout. Fortunately, John S. Knight is flexible, enabling us to open up additional space when we need to. That’s exactly what we did in order to allow additional fans to get tickets at the door. And while our turnout in May and June was closer to 500, we were still very pleased.”
Soulsby said the league, which officially formed in July 2008, is steadily becoming a part of the community.
We’ve worked tirelessly to spread the word about our organization and our sport, and the Akron community seems to have taken notice,” she said.
So far, Soulsby said, the league has been working on a “threefold” mission: to promote the sport of roller derby; to inspire a renewed interest in roller skating; and to give back to the Akron community by supporting charities who serve women and children.
“Twenty-plus years ago, roller skating is what kids did for fun,” she said. “There are fewer roller rinks now and kids don’t skate as much as they used to. We’d like to get people interested in skating again. It’s a great way to exercise and have fun, especially in the middle of winter, when you are cooped up in the house all the time.”
A nonprofit organization, Rubber City Rollergirls is on a mission to support charities.
“We’ve already done that through our Annual Skate for the Kids last November, which we will host again this year,” she said, “and through our collaboration with local charities, such as OPEN M, Project RISE and Women’s Network.”
Soulsby said the league also is trying to change the perception of what roller derby is really about.
“When people first hear the words ‘roller derby,’ they liken it to pro wrestling,” she said. “We are really trying to change people’s perceptions of it being a bunch of gangly women throwing each other over the rails — that was the derby of yesteryear. We work hard to educate people and to promote the sport and our organization.”
In fact, Soulsby noted, the game is played by a diverse group of women with families and careers.
“Yet, despite these obligations, everyone who is involved with the team devotes a lot of their time to it,” she said. “We practice three times per week, two hours per practice, not to mention all of the outside events we do in the community.”
And because roller derby is an amateur sport, Soulsby pointed out, the players are not paid to play.
“On the contrary, everyone pays to play,” she said. “So given the time and financial commitment our players make, it is something they all strongly believe in. We all want to see the league succeed and to be around for years to come — continuing to have good people in our organization, and a community that supports us will make that happen.”
Soulsby said the team has 20 players on its roster.
“Everyone is doing very well, and I always tell the players to ‘do what they do best,’” she said. “The smaller girls are fast skaters and can often out-skate and out-maneuver the bigger girls. The bigger girls hit harder and are therefore good blockers. So each player has a valuable skill that they bring to the mix, and everyone uses what they have to help the team.”
And, Soulsby said, the team is always looking for more players to participate.
“Our home season runs through August, so as soon as the season ends, we’ll begin training for next season,” she said.
“Now is a great time to get involved with the league. Although new team members likely won’t get to play this summer, they can still begin learning the game and getting involved behind the scenes at our bouts. It’s a great way to get to know the other players and to kick-start your understanding of the game, because it takes several months to really get up to speed once you join the team.”
The team has two home dates left: July 25 and Aug. 22.
“Then we are off to Pittsburgh in September, and Knoxville in October,” Soulsby said.
Tickets for the two remaining home dates are $8.50 for adults and $5 for those 12 and younger in advance; or $12.50 for adults and $6 for those 12 and younger at the door.
“Ticket prices are reasonable, which makes for an affordable Saturday evening out that is close to home,” said Soulsby. “Our events are alcohol free and family friendly, and we really encourage people to bring their kids.”
Attendees can expect to get a lot of “bang for their buck.”
“Bouts are just nonstop action from beginning to end,” Soulsby said. “But, unlike the roller derby of the 1970s, today’s derby is 100 percent real. As with football, it’s an aggressive contact sport, but it’s not violent. There is a lot of camaraderie between players and between opposing teams. It’s fun for all ages, and we really encourage families to come to our events.”
Soulsby said the bouts feature something for everyone.
“Our fans range from small children to older adults,” she said. “Many people remember watching roller derby on Saturday mornings back in the 1970s, so for them it’s a bit nostalgic. The young kids like meeting the players and playing the intermission games, and the older kids and younger adults love the action of the game. So there is something for everyone.”
At each intermission, Soulsby said, there are interactive games and activities for the fans.
“We like keeping the fans engaged during our breaks, and we also find it entertaining to watch,” she said. “We give away fun prizes, and the fans really seem to enjoy it. We also encourage fans to stay after the bout to get autographs and pictures with the team, and the kids especially seem to like that.”
Tickets are available at www.RubberCityRollergirls.com or by calling (800) 838-3006.
“We also have group rates available and special offers for companies wanting to host a fun event for their employees,” said Soulsby.
For more information, e-mail tickets@RubberCityRollergirls.com or call (330) 256-4101.
