The Hit Comes and It Isn’t That Bad

In 2001, all-female roller derby returned to the mainstream with a vengeance in
Austin, Texas, with the TXRD (Texas Roller Derby). Two and a half years ago, a group
of dedicated and talented women in Fargo-Moorhead started a team of their own, the FM
Derby Girls, and a fabulous sisterhood was born.

North Dakota’s first league, the FM Derby Girls now have two home teams, the
Fighting Suzies and the Monkey Wenches, and also a travel team that competes
regionally in places like Duluth, Sioux Falls, and Winnipeg. The Derby Girls own and
operate all aspects of the league and are a part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby
Association, whose motto is “By the skaters, for the skaters.” The grassroots operations
effort creates a group of individuals who are personally invested in the success of the
league and have strived to make sure it functions properly.

Rhea Neuberger, aka Major D. Fect, is the captain of the Monkey Wenches and
also the travel team. Lisa Largent Anderson, aka Sgt. Largent, is the captain of the
Fighting Suzies. Their enthusiasm and love of all aspects of the sport and its fans and
participants shines through whenever they speak about roller derby. In order to
demonstrate the basic setup of the game and the functions of each position, Largent and
Neuberger excitedly grabbed packets of sugar and played a mock derby bout on the table.
They clearly have a passion that transcends that of a basic sports fan; they have a passion
for derby that borders on obsession and has become a way of life.

“I’m significantly more comfortable in my own skin now,” said Largent. “I finally
know where I fit in the world.”

Not only does Largent feel most comfortable on the track with some of the best
girlfriends in the world, but both women also agree that roller derby does wonders for
confidence and empowerment.

“You learn that you’re strong and beautiful,” said Neuberger. “You also get to be
outspoken and wear crazy outfits and let the inner teenager out.”

Largent loves the wardrobe freedom as well, while emphasizing that letting go of
the worries associated with a woman’s everyday life is a big advantage of roller derby.
“Every day women worry about money, relationships, kids,” said Largent. “While
you’re playing, you can’t worry about that. You worry about the hit, the hit comes, and it
isn’t that bad.”

The FM Derby Girls aren’t only a way for women to empower themselves and
participant in an exciting athletic event. They give back to the community at every bout.
Money is donated to a featured charity. Previous recipients include the humane society
and food bank, among others.

The group also includes women from all walks of life within the community.
“We have an age minimum of 21, but no end age cap,” said Largent. “We come
from every walk of the community. We’re the everywoman; your sisters, wives, and
friends.”

The Derby Girls have had astounding success and have sold out nearly all of the
bouts they’ve had at the Civic Center. Before their very first game, the line was down the
block. They actually had to turn people away.

Each bout features pre-bout entertainment, usually with a local band, followed by
the national anthem and the announcement of players. There are two 30-minute periods
with a 15-20 minutes halftime. After parties after the games are open to the public as
well.

“Our events are great for everybody – kids, adults, the elderly,” said
Neuberger. “They can all go and have a great time.”

Largent added that “it’s affordable, good, clean fun – nothing you wouldn’t want
Mom to see.”

Coming up, the Derby Girls are holding tryouts on July 20 from 6 to 9 at
Skateland. On August 13, they will have a bout at the Civic Center for Pride Week. If you
play to attend tryouts, it’s important to arrive on time, as skating will start immediately at
6.

All in all, as Largent pointed out, “You get sweaty, you smell horrible, but you
have two hours without worry.”

The FM Derby Girls are also always looking for volunteers to work as referees,
officials, scorekeepers, announcers, bench coaches, and more.

“It’s amazing to watch women work together for a common goal, no matter their
size, weight, shape, it doesn’t matter,” said Largent. “There’s a spot for everyone.”

Continuing to support the FM Derby Girls is a great way for us as a community to
support the strength and solidarity of women while watching an exciting athletic event.
The sisterhood of the derby shows how a for us, by us operation can not only survive, but
thrive.

To learn more about the FM Derby Girls, find out about upcoming events, or
volunteer to help out, check out their website at http://www.fmderbygirls.com.

If You Go

What:FM Derby Girls Tryouts
Where: Skateland
When: July 20, 2010, 6–9pm
Info: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)