SK8TOWN NEWS
Roller derby bout draws hundreds of enthusiasts!!!!!
Sk8town hosted its first ever womens roller derby exhibition last Sat night (Sep 8). With an extimated 500 people in attendance, the event was a huge success. Put on by the Slaughter County Roller Vixens, it was the league's first ever exhibition bout, and for most of the skaters, its been a year in the making.
As for the crowd attracted to the bout Saturday night, it was just as diverse as the group of skaters – families with small children joined twenty-somethings and leather-vested bikers to fill the rink to the rafters and cheer the Vixens, who were divided into teams of red and purple.
Announcer Jake Metcalf summed up neatly why hundreds had come out to watch women in short shorts elbow each other on roller skaters
.
“It’s the ultimate spectator sport; it’s just like NASCAR, only the tailgates are better to look at,” said Metcalf, admitting his answer was indeed a well-prepared response.
No matter why they came, Metcalf said it was safe to assume many in attendance did not know the particulars of derby, so the organizers took special care to explain the match to the crowd.
Before it started, the skaters gave a demonstration of a “jam,” the two-minute stretch of jockeying for place and points that the hourlong bout is based on.
The Vixens are always looking for skaters “of any skill level,” and any woman over 21 who is interested can call 871-4765.
