Skaters bring ‘jam’ to Delco

From the Delco Times:http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/02/23/news/doc49a220bf7cd23718518432.txt

Skaters bring ‘jam’ to Delco

By CINDY SCHARR, cscharr@delcotimes.com

ASTON — A whistle blows and the jam begins.

For the next 90 seconds, a pack of men and women “blockers” skate around CN Skate Palace as two “jammers,” who start at the back of the pack, try to break through and pass. Points are awarded each time a “jammer” passes a member of the opposing team.

Kansas City Bombers, they’re not. But the enthusiasm of the participants in the second annual Smorgasbout Roller Derby is hard to deny.

“It’s awesome,” said Ashley Baker, aka “Breakher Baker” of the South Jersey Derby Girls, taking a break from skating.

“Being on a team with awesome girls, its great,” said the 29-year-old Voorhees, N.J., resident. “It’s a real release from school and work.”

Baker has been skating in the South Jersey Derby League for about one year, though her skating experience goes way back.

“I actually was a waitress on skates for Sonic when I was in high school,” she said.

Although co-ed roller derby hasn’t been around Delaware County in more than two decades, the sport is catching on again in New Jersey. Judging by the fans at CN Skate Palace Sunday, there are some new fans on this side of the Commodore Barry, as well.

Juanita Emmens, of Chester, said she saw the Smorgasbout Roller Derby write up in the Daily Times and decided to go to the event to see what it was all about.

“It’s exciting,” said Emmens while watching her first roller derby in person. “I’d come back.”

The skaters range in age from 18 to their mid-40s.

The skaters all wore their numbers on the back of their T-shirts, along with their skating names: Classy Chassis, Sloppy Jo, Mrs. Chicken and Wags to name a few. They practice once a week and have a game two to three times a month.

“It’s really not as rough and tumble as the ’80s professional leagues made it,” said Jeff Finger, of Somerdale, N.J., watching as the skaters made their way around the rink. “Nobody gets hurt, although a couple of times a player or two has had to come off to ice their knees.”

Finger’s girlfriend, Kelly Sukovich, is training with the South Jersey league.

While she wasn’t skating, she was there helping to raise money for the league.

“It’s still very competitive though,” Finger said, smiling, as one of the skaters took a tumble and slid into the fans.

February 23, 2009 | Posted in: Games, Press | Comments Closed

Derby skaters roll from Jersey

From the Delco Timeshttp://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/02/20/entertainment/doc499d7ae217f95551824479.txt

Derby skaters roll from Jersey

ASTON —- Two local New Jersey Roller Derby leagues are crossing the Commodore Barry Bridge this Sunday to duke it out at the CN Skate Palace.

Some of the area’s best male and female skaters will be rolling in the second annual Smorgasbout, described as “an after-holiday derby feast with a side of whoop-ass” that is hosted by South Jersey Derby.

The food-themed event will feature two mixed-league teams, the Salad Bar Brawlers versus the Line Cutters, and will not only host non-stop roller derby action, but will also incorporate a large bake sale.

SJD, a co-ed roller derby league featuring local men and women, will be bringing fast skating, hip checks and lots of adrenaline to area derby fans, who haven’t seen co-ed roller derby in the area since the Philadelphia Warriors disbanded in the late 80s.

Part of the Old School Derby Association (OSDA), SJD is quickly gaining a reputation for hard-hitting blockers, and fast-dodging jammers. Their game is a fast-paced, no theatrics wallop.

The game will consist of three, 20-minute periods, and will feature contests at half-time.

Skaters from the Penn Jersey She-Devils, as well as, visiting league, the Richmond (Va.) Derby Demons, will also be participating.

The Penn Jersey team is coached by derby legends, Judy Sowinski and Arnold “Skip” Shoen, who are sending 14 skaters to the event.

Teams will go skate-to-skate at 5 p.m. with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. at the skate center at 471 Concord Road. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.sjderbygirls.com for $10, or for $12 at the door. Children under 6 are free.

February 20, 2009 | Posted in: Games, Press | Comments Closed

CCRE Press Release

Contact: Melissa Morera FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel. 804-306-8179

Email: ccrollerexpo@yahoo.com

ROLLER DERBY TAKES OVER WILDWOOD.

The Colossal Coastal Roller Expo brings skaters from throughout the country to Wildwood, New Jersey May 8-10, 2009.

Wildwood hosts its first official Roller Derby Weekend May 8-10, 2009 complete with hard-hitting games, a parade on the boardwalk and various other skate-inspired festivities. Male and female roller derby skaters from throughout the country are expected to attend the Colossal Coastal Roller Expo (CCRE) hosted by the Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood Harley-Davidson and the city of Wildwood.

“It looks to be all-out derby mayhem,” said CCRE Chair Billy Rae Siren, “with many different styles of play showcased.”

Tournament play is open to spectators. Tickets will be available March 1 at www.ccrollerexpo.com or through www.ticketmaster.com. Please visit the website for a complete list of events and schedule. Any aspiring or current roller derby skaters should also visit the website for registration and additional information on attending the event.

The Colossal Coastal Roller Expo hopes to bring roller derby to a new audience in South Jersey and pull together skaters from different backgrounds and experiences for one fun-filled, adrenalin-fueled weekend.

For more information on this event, please contact Melissa Morera at ccrollerexpo@yahoo.com or visit the website at www.ccrollerexpo.com.