the b&w p.12
march 2011
entertainment
Derby Boys
words & layout Ian Dunshee Unless you happen to be the few and the proud
of the social outcast elite, chances are you’ve come across the latest issue of “Juice.” It will fill you in on
the original women’s Roller Derby in Iowa, how the game works, and the latest on what’s next for the
derby girls of Des Moines. But what could the professionals possibly have missed? Not much other than the blatant gender bias in the sport. Think
Roller Derby wouldn’t give off the same vibe if
the girls in fishnets were replaced by sweaty guys? Think again.
Des Moines’ men’s roller derby was
conceived as many great things and people are; by accident. “I have a bunch of friends that I play dodge ball with here at the rink every week,” Dante Muse, one of the
founding members said. His team, Your Mom, practices at Skate North, which
Muse also owns. “The Des Moines Derby
Dames
practice here (Skate North) and so we heard from them
from the stereotypes,” player Jason McDaniel said. He
so we researched and started it up,” he said.
time comes around. A women’s derby coach for four
ple as finding a group of guys that can skate around
the derby world, from foul play to fights breaking out
and at women’s tournaments that guys were playing,
is also known as “Sea Horses Forever” when game
Of course, starting a roller derby team isn’t as sim-
years in Missouri, McDaniel knows the ins and outs of
a rink. “Every team starting out has their problems,”
on the rink.
“There is always something you must overcome to be
knuckles and tattoos. Everyone had names like
want to know how the others skate so I can know what
these days, everyone is just trying to have fun with it.
to have as much fun on with the Roller Derby team
one is very happy with the new direction of the sport.”
task when playing on a team consisting of your closest
have to know someone to get involved with the top
Knowing they are new to the sport, Your Mom com-
roots sport, and anyone can be a part of it. The people
to some may seem like a silly sport very seriously. “We
hour of fame once a month and they let it all go. They
it’s a serious sport,” Muse said. This attitude is not
and then they go back to their job at the steel mill.”
emerging trend along with the rising popularity of the
changing all the time just because of the wide vari-
Sporting players with names such as “Sugarboots”
througout the country,” McDaniel says. “We are doing
teams throughout the nation to pioneer a new way of
be there to watch the transformation and the growth
James Olson, known as “Lilypad” in the rink said.
“In the beginning, it was leaning toward brass
better. For us, that’s getting to act as more of a team. I
‘Crusher’ and ‘Destroyer’,” explains McDaniel. “But
to do to be better when skating with them. We want
That’s why we chose frou-frou names instead. Every-
as we do with dodge-ball.” This may not be a difficult
“It isn’t like basketball or football where you really
friends.
players,” McDaniel said. “It’s a non-commercial, grass-
pensates by holding regular practice and taking what
that do it do it because they love it. They have their
have funny names, we have a funny team name, but
get all their anger and emotion out and just let it fly,
isolated to Iowa Roller Derby either, but is rather an
“The sport is constantly evolving every day. Its
sport both in the state and throughout the country.
ety of skill and knowledge of all the different players
and “Mr. Bubbles”, Your Mom is just one of the many
something that has yet to be fully defined and you can
living the derby life. “Derby is trying to get away
as a sport evolves knowing you are a part of it.”
How You Can Get Involved For further information on the offical rules and regulations of Roller Derby visit: www.wftda.com For information on one of Des Moines’ three roller derby teams, including try-out and practice information, visit: www.dmderbydames.com - Des Moines Derby Dames www.midiowarollers.com - Mid Iowa Rollers www.yourmommensderby.com - Your Mom