Photos by Josh Meltzer | The Roanoke Times

Danielle Gonzalez (left) and Dallas Robson speed off together while working on skating drills during a recent roller derby practice.

TimesCast

• Star City Roller Girls Maureen O'Havoc, Frida Kilaho, The Ace Face and Janice Droppin' join us. Watch it!

Ariel Clark (top) and Angie Williamson (falling) learn how to jump over a small wooden rod, a skill that they'll need so they can jump over each other in roller derby.

Coach Mike Porter and team member Jill Carter help Jess Howell, who broke her ankle during practice.

In case you haven’t heard, roller derby, that peculiar form of American entertainment spawned in the 1930s, is back. For the past couple of decades, roller derby took a back seat to far inferior sports such as women’s professional wrestling and the WNBA. Today, all-female teams from the Sin City Neander Dolls of Las Vegas to the Surly Gurlies of Arizona are popping up across the country. Thanks to Siobhan Haines and Jill Carter, co-founders of the Star City Rollers, the derby has arrived in Roanoke.

The Basics

Though the term roller derby conjures up images of something akin to mud wrestling — scantily clad women mauling each other to the delight of cheering men — the current version is somewhat different from the derby of yesteryear. For starters, the Star City Rollers skate on a flat track rather than the banked track commonly associated with roller derby. In addition, the women wear protective gear, and the coaches stress physical fitness and safety, as much as that is possible in a sport that allows physical contact at high rates of speed … on wheels. A bout consists of three 20-minute periods, and points are scored when a team’s jammer breaks through the pack of skaters and laps the pack without being clobbered by the opposing team’s blockers. The Star City Rollers abide by the rules and procedures of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. If all of this sounds too much like a real sport, take heart: No amount of athleticism can negate the effects of the sexual undercurrent and titillating female aggression that rightfully accompany roller derby.

Think You Have What it Takes?

The team is still in its infancy, but practices routinely draw 15-20 skaters, ranging in age from 18-36. Right now, the women are concentrating on skill development and speed skating techniques before they take on other teams. Once they’re game ready, the Star City Rollers will compete against other teams in Virginia. Haines and Carter hope to attract enough skaters to form more than one team in Roanoke. Interested skaters of any level are welcome at practices Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at Star City SK8 and Family FunZone, 140 Hershberger Road.

WHAT YOU NEED

Quad skates: 4 wheels, not inline; can be rented for $1

Helmet

Minimum age of 18

$5 fee

High tolerance for strenuous activity and physical discomfort

Optional but RECOMMENDED

Pads: Wrist, elbow, knee

Tattoos

Clever nickname

Prohibited

Men

Whining

Here’s a random sampling of women who proudly call themselves derby girls. Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in.

Ashley Dodd, aka Frances Harmer

Age: 20

Occupation: Bookkeeper

Provenance: Roanoke

Why roller derby: To kick a-- and look hot doing it!

Lauren Ricci, aka Manthrax

Age: 32

Occupation: Administrative assistant, clothing designer

Provenance: Dallas

Kids/significant other/pets: 2 cats; 1 fiance, Josh

Why roller derby: It’s a wonderful way to get physical activity and bond with strong women.

Rebecca Patterson

Age: 25

Occupation: Housewife

Provenance: Roanoke

Kids/significant other/pets: 3 children, 1 husband

Heather O’Bryan, aka The Ace Face

Age: 30

Occupation: Massage therapist, receptionist

Provenance: Salem

Kids/significant other/pets: 4 cats, 1 dog, 1 husband

Why roller derby: I’ve always been a tough girl, and this is a great outlet for me. It’s great exercise and female camaraderie.

Jacki O’Rourke, aka Jackula

Age: 19

Occupation: Silk-screener

Provenance: Phoenix

Why roller derby: This is an awesome sport for women. I’ve never had so much fun in my life.

For more information, contact Siobhan Haines at 570-1100 and visit myspace.com/starcityrollers. For detailed information on flat track derby, visit www.wftda.com.