A taste of Meals on Wheels to come - January 21st PreVoo

I rarely write bout previews. Sometimes, on special occasions, I've got things on my mind prior to the event that I think others might like to hear. Other times I have things that I just have to say. Writing them helps me organize my thoughts.

January 21st will be a monumental event for the Carolina Rollergirls - for me and for the organization. As we enter into 2007, my family is coming up on the one-year anniversary of when we were adopted into the larger, CRG extended family. I had no idea what I was getting myself into a year ago. I've played recreational sports for years... but the relationships I built with the people in those leagues are absolutely nothing like the bond that's formed with this organization. I know my family isn't alone in this - for most of us (and maybe all of us), the people in the Carolina Rollergirls have become the brothers, sisters, and cousins we never had. Some of them are more like the crazy cousin no one talks about, but still... family. I had no idea this past year would be what it was and no idea I would become so close to so many people through this sport and this organization.

Back to the monumental event of the coming week.

Next Sunday we'll see the three home teams of the Carolina Rollergirls bout each other in a round-robin tournament with the profits being donated to our new season charity, Meals on Wheels. The fans will get to see all of their favorite Carolina Rollergirls skate and a few rookies who are ready to test their mettle against the grannies. Who will come out on top? The Tai Chi-tahs were the 2006 season champs, but have lost a few key players. The Debutante Brawlers have been bitten by the injury bug of late... but can they persevere? The Trauma Queens, winless in 2006, are sporting a new line-up... maybe this is their event, as they seem to have all the right tools to win. Regardless, the bout should be incredibly fun, and showcase the full talent of the Carolina Rollergirls... and with the matching grants we have lined up, every ticket sold will give twice the profits to charity. You get to watch great roller derby and feed hungry people. I think that's called a win-win situation.

That makes the event something you'll want to see, but not quite monumental. If you're anywhere near here and what I've typed so far isn't motivation enough, let me add one more thing to the list.

...this is difficult to type, so I'll try to get straight to the point.

Bruz and Teflon during our first bout at Dorton Arena.
Teflon Donna will be sorely missed. We are heartbroken to lose her, but grateful to have had her as a strong, loving sister. We wish her all the best in her future.
photo: Ray Black III

2007 will have a different look than 2006 for the Carolina Rollergirls. There are a host of new faces... and a good handful of rookies will see their debut on the 21st. Roller Derby is here to stay in North Carolina. Sadly, some familiar faces are no longer with us. A number of skaters from the 2006 season have retired, moved away or otherwise left the league. Perhaps it was an injury, perhaps it was a job in another city or maybe simply a number of small reasons. Julie Jawbreaker, Kristie Kreme, Anita Mandalay, and Concrete Blondie - key skaters from the 2006 home season - are no longer skating with the Carolina Rollergirls.

I'm sad to report the 21st will mark the final bout of another Carolina Rollergirl.

On February 5th, one of our board members, MVP jammer, and winner of the stinkiest pads award two years running, Teflon Donna, will be moving. She's got an opportunity to make a great move ahead in her career, but it will take her out of the state. Tef plans to continue derby in her new home, where I'm sure she'll be recognized, as much there as here, as one of the greatest roller derby players in the world.

So, if you're anywhere near Raleigh on January 21st and a fan of Roller Derby, I encourage you to make the drive and see the bout. Help the Carolina Rollergirls raise money for Meals on Wheels and watch some all-girl flat track derby action!

http://www.carolinarollergirls.com/events.htm

voodoo

Discuss this on our message boards: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/NCrollergirls/

Don't miss the next bout!