Q-&-A with Kathryn Mann, one of roller derby’s fresh meat

gcsunade | gcsunade.com

A: At the beginning of the year we’re going to be practicing at the Fun Factory on Highway 441 because not everyone has equipment. Once everyone gets equipment, we’re moving our practices to the indoor soccer court at the Wellness Center.

Q: Who do you play against?

A: Not anyone yet. We’re just trying to build a team, so it’s good for beginners. We’re planning on seeing bouts – roller derby games -  this semester.

Q: How do you play?

A: There are five girls on each team on a surprisingly small track. Three are blockers, one is a pivot, and one is a jammer. Blockers make sure the opposing team’s jammer doesn’t score points. The pivot sets the pace for the bout and also acts as a blocker, and the jammer scores points. The jammer has to break through the pack of girls, go all the way around the track, catch up to the pack, and break through it again. However many girls the jammer passes is the number of points scored.

Q: Is it anything like the movie “Whip It”?

A: Vaguely. They have a lot of comraderie, and they do dress up into what are called “boutfits.” Professionals also have the nicknames like in the movie. The movie is a bit more violent, though. There aren’t any punches or elbows in real matches. Those are fouls, and you can get thrown out of the bout for that.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of team members?

A: No, but you have an actual core team. However, there are so many injuries that people need to be replaced in games so the more, the merrier.

Q: What are the qualifications to joining the team?

A: Really, enthusiasm, a want to join and a want to be involved. We’ll teach you how to skate.

For more information on GC’s roller derby team, upcoming practices and membership, contact the team at RDCClub@yahoo.com or join the Facebook group (Roller Derby). 

Posted by Constantina Kokenes on Aug 30 2012. Filed under A&E, Leisure, Spotlight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.