The Red and Black

Issue date: 1/16/08 Section: Variety

Media Credit: ILANA McQUINN Members of the Classic City Rollergirls practice Wednesday at Skate-A-Round roller skating rink on Cherokee Road. During these practices, the rollergirls go over drills and scrimmage against each other. [Click to enlarge]

Athens' most unconventional sisterhood is looking for new members.

Today at 7 p.m., The Classic City Rollergirls continue the first-annual roller derby camp to knock skaters into shape.

Roller derby, a predominantly female contact sport, was introduced in Athens two years ago.

A "bout" is best described as a race versus two "packs" of skaters, with a point system based on passing certain players and knocking them down.

Once initiated, each girl acquires a roller derby name. Some include Carmen Slamdiego, Knockin' Bootsy and Demanda Rumble.

Head of Recruitment and League Secretary Sheila McAlister, better known as "Poke A. Dot," said that the boot camp is a way to ensure "newbies" receive equal instruction.

"There's usually this huge learning curve," she said. "With the boot camp, (new skaters) can get the individual attention they need through pairing with veteran skaters or small group work."

For those fearing rejection, McAlister said that the boot camp is not a form of "try-outs." If a prospective roller girl is dedicated and can grasp the skills, CCRG will be happy to have her.

"Most people experience skating at around age 10 or 11, and then never skate again," she said.

"They most likely never learned how to fall properly, whip someone around on skates or bootyblock. This is what the boot camp is for."

After the four-day boot camp, a prospective roller girl must attend at least four hours of practice and one to two hours of open skating per week.

Although derby takes a lot of energy, commitment and athleticism, it doesn't require a tough-girl appearance.

"It's a strength of mind. A bunch of girls do have wild hair color, tattoos, ripped fishnets, but there are lawyers and teachers, too," said Brett Buckelew, alias Carmen Slamdiego, of Dahlonega, who graduated from the University in December.

"Derby is the kind of sport where you need different kinds of athletes and body shapes," McAlister said. "A girl who is 160-plus pounds can easily knock over one who is 100 pounds."

But perhaps the most important thing to bring to the rink, aside from your mouthguard and helmet, is a sassy attitude.

"It takes someone who has a certain amount of confidence, but at the same time, derby is a huge confidence builder," McAlister said.

"(Carmen Slamdiego) is a sexy pinup girl, but she's a demon on skates."

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