More Than Just The Superbowl

And what do you expect from Roller Derby? The sport has been on the lips of the local scenesters since A&E launched and then canned their Rollergirls series. My pal Christie, a long time skater, was jumping up and down in her seat whenever she talked about the sport several years ago and set out to get organized with like minded people.

I lost some touch with the creation process, and in the wake of the excitement, suddenly there were teams and leagues popping up all over the city and state. I believe Christie's group eventually became the Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls of the Cross Roads Roller Derby league (as seen in INtake). The Crossroad's leauge may have split to form the Naptown league... it's all very fuzzy. But here's hoping that Christie gets her wheels spinnin'!

Enough back story! Saturday night saw the second match for the Naptown Roller Girls and their competitive squad the Tornado Sirens. After selling out their first match in January (dubbed the Cherry Stomp - heh), and beating the Nashville Music City Rhythm and Bruisers, the girls were eager to follow up with a win against Fort Wayne's Bomb Squad.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen. It was a tough match, with The 'Squad's Pushycat squaring off against the 'Siren's Jane Ire numerous times to put the numbers on the board. But the Fort Wayne gals out-scored Indianapolis by 2-1, with a final score of 122 to 57. If you have no idea how play or scoring in roller derby works, look somewhere else. It sounds complicated at first, but once you see a match, you're quick to pick it up. Next thing you know, you're screaming... what? Knock that bitch down!

The match Saturday night took place at the State Fairgrounds. Risers bordered a flat track, sided by an announcers table, which was backed by a projection screen scoreboard. Family seating was available, assuming that meant "no one cusses here" and for the brave, "suicide seating" could be had at the edge of the track. Yes folks, there were no padded walls, only masses of people to stop the skaters as they took spills into the crowd.

"Spill" is the operative word there, as spectators scramble to save their five-dollar cups of beer from flying in the rough and tumble match.

Period ending entertainment was provided by Lord of The Yum-Yum, who combines beat-box, scat and real time vocal looping for a bizarre blend of harmonics, chaos and vocal composition. The Lord really needs to be seen to be believed. Also in the house was Mister E, who has DJed so many damned events around town, it's not funny. He started off the match playing Le Tigre's Deceptacon.

Well I thought it was kind of cool at least. What? It's a great song.

For a first time experience, I had a great time. Advance sale tickets were ten dollars, which puts it on the side of pricey for an amatuer sporting competition that not everyone may be familiar with. But what the hell - everyone involved was there because they love what they do. You won't find overpaid steroid pushing celebrity egos - just a lot of heart.

Enough with the typing - on with the photos...

The Sirens take their introductory lap.

Fort Wayne warms up, with Kitty Killjoy looking intent.

Sirens Diane Beatin' and Joan of Dark rounding turn two.

Lilly Whip and Rosemary's Baby dish it out.

The Lord of The Yum-Yum.

The next home match for the Tornado Sirens is scheduled for Saturday March 24th at the State Fairgrounds.