Roller derby girls play for blood and guts
Tara Moreno
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Sports
Kymmburleigh Atherholt is a competitor on Flint's Derby Girls team. She loves the sport and speaks with excitement when she describes her sport.
"At first what I loved about it was the pure entertainment factor," said Atherholt, also known as "Mo Fugga."
"There are five girls from each competing team, three blockers, one jammer, and the pivot."
Each position has different responsibilities; the pivot sets the pace, the jammer's main responsibility is to score and the blockers' primary purpose is to prevent the other team from scoring and to help the jammer pass the opposing members to gather as many points as possible. The way a member receives points is by passing another member of the opposing team. The team with the most points wins the bout.
Competitions are held at Rollhaven in Grand Blanc. When the girls compete, each bout lasts 60 minutes. Each bout can either be three 20-minute periods or two 30-minute periods.
The sport is rough, according to Atherholt.
"Broken bones and bruising are a factor of the sport," said Atherholt, offering that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. "It keeps you in shape, but it makes you a stronger person.
"[Expletive] yeah I want to break some bones!" she added.
To be a member of the Flint Derby Girls, one must be at least 18 years old but there really is no maximum limit on age.
"The oldest competitor is 45," said Atherholt. All of the members are in professions that vary from nursing, journalism and physical therapy to stay-at-home mothers.
See DERBY GIRLS | page 11
DERBY GIRLS,
from page 9
"We try as hard as we can to get together on a social basis as well as at practice," said Atherholt.
Flint Derby Girls have just started their second season and have two practices a week. They have their first bout May 10 in Akron, Ohio, against Neo Rockin' Roller Girls. Each girl pays out of pocket to play the sport they love. Dedication is high with these young ladies as they also cover their travel expenses.
"We are always looking for new members," said Atherholt. To try out, it is a $20 fee for a 30-day trial period, during which Rollhaven Rink supplies the gear, except the mouth guards, to try out.
"One thing we ask is to be serious about it," said Atherholt. "Roller Derby is a growing sport and it is getting a lot more notoriety. We as a team hope to help the economy by raising awareness of this awesome sport," said Atherholt.
More information can be found at www.flintcityderbygirls.com or by calling 810-394-7761.
"At first what I loved about it was the pure entertainment factor," said Atherholt, also known as "Mo Fugga."
"There are five girls from each competing team, three blockers, one jammer, and the pivot."
Each position has different responsibilities; the pivot sets the pace, the jammer's main responsibility is to score and the blockers' primary purpose is to prevent the other team from scoring and to help the jammer pass the opposing members to gather as many points as possible. The way a member receives points is by passing another member of the opposing team. The team with the most points wins the bout.
Competitions are held at Rollhaven in Grand Blanc. When the girls compete, each bout lasts 60 minutes. Each bout can either be three 20-minute periods or two 30-minute periods.
The sport is rough, according to Atherholt.
"Broken bones and bruising are a factor of the sport," said Atherholt, offering that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. "It keeps you in shape, but it makes you a stronger person.
"[Expletive] yeah I want to break some bones!" she added.
To be a member of the Flint Derby Girls, one must be at least 18 years old but there really is no maximum limit on age.
"The oldest competitor is 45," said Atherholt. All of the members are in professions that vary from nursing, journalism and physical therapy to stay-at-home mothers.
See DERBY GIRLS | page 11
DERBY GIRLS,
from page 9
"We try as hard as we can to get together on a social basis as well as at practice," said Atherholt.
Flint Derby Girls have just started their second season and have two practices a week. They have their first bout May 10 in Akron, Ohio, against Neo Rockin' Roller Girls. Each girl pays out of pocket to play the sport they love. Dedication is high with these young ladies as they also cover their travel expenses.
"We are always looking for new members," said Atherholt. To try out, it is a $20 fee for a 30-day trial period, during which Rollhaven Rink supplies the gear, except the mouth guards, to try out.
"One thing we ask is to be serious about it," said Atherholt. "Roller Derby is a growing sport and it is getting a lot more notoriety. We as a team hope to help the economy by raising awareness of this awesome sport," said Atherholt.
More information can be found at www.flintcityderbygirls.com or by calling 810-394-7761.
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