6/24/2010 - West Side Leader
By Sean Patrick
Starting next month, spectators at Rubber City Rollergirls bouts can expect twice the fun.
“Our next bout, July 17, will feature a doubleheader, as will all remaining home dates this season,” said Tracy “Eighty-SixHer” Soulsby, director of public relations and marketing for the Rubber City Rollergirls. “We have grown enough to support two teams within our league, so the doubleheaders afford each player an opportunity to play.”
Currently, Soulsby said, the league features approximately 30 players — with names such as Lita Maround, Sicilian Slicer and Man D Monium.
“A roster allows for 14 players, and because we have so many girls now, we have added a second team within our league,” she said. “That’s where the doubleheaders come in.”
And, Soulsby said, more and more women are looking to take part in the sport.
“We have closed recruitment until October,” she said, “but our recruitment director receives at least five e-mails per week from interested ladies who want to get involved with our team.”
So far, the Rubber City Rollergirls are 2-2 at home and 3-2 overall this season. “We still have three more home bouts and two more away, so a winning season is still well within reach,” said Soulsby, adding that the Rubber City Rollergirls are averaging approximately 750 fans per bout — an increase of 15 percent over last season.
The home bouts are slated for July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18, and the away bouts are set for July 24 in Kentucky and Aug. 28 in Michigan. Home bouts are played at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St.
For those who have yet to experience a bout in person, Soulsby said they can expect to have a good time.
“They can expect to see a real sport — nothing is staged like the derby of the 1970s. In fact, we work hard to break that old stereotype,” she said. “They’ll see nonstop action from beginning to end, and they can expect to be hooked on roller derby after their first bout. Our bouts are also very family friendly. We actually have a lot of families at our bouts, and always make time at the end to give autographs to the kids — they love us.”
New this year, Soulsby said, is more space and bleacher seating “for a better viewing experience for fans.”
Tickets for bouts cost $9 in advance and $13 at the door for ages 12 and older, or $5 in advance and $6 at the door for children younger than 12.
“At each bout, we have intermission activities for the fans. We always do something with the adults, and something with the kids,” Soulsby said. “It’s especially fun to watch the adults because they will do the silliest things to win a T-shirt or sticker.”
Nationwide, Soulsby said, roller derby is “seeing a strong comeback.”
“Today’s derby is a real sport — there are hundreds of leagues across the country, and eight leagues just in Ohio,” she said. “Akron has a team right in its own backyard, one that offers inexpensive family-friendly entertainment that is close to home.”
The league also does its part for the community, Soulsby said.
“We designate select bouts to benefit an outside charity, primarily to those who serve underprivileged kids,” she said. “The Rubber City Rollergirls organization, however, is a 501(c)(3) charity itself, and is attempting to build its own charitable program called ‘Skate for Kids!’ Many roller derby teams donate to charities, but most are not 501(c)(3) organizations, which makes the Rubber City Rollergirls unique.”
Additionally, Soulsby said, the Rubber City Rollergirls have been accepted into the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s (WFTDA) apprentice program.
“WFTDA is the governing body for the sport of women’s roller derby, and the apprentice program is the pathway to becoming fully sanctioned,” she explained. “Once sanctioned, the Rubber City Rollergirls will be eligible for rankings within the sport. WFTDA also holds leagues to strict standards, so being sanctioned also elevates our league to a higher level within the sport.”
For more information about the team or to order tickets, visit www.rubbercityrollergirls.com or call 800-838-3006.
