Moving downtown
Mid Iowa Rollers take over Iowa Events Center
If the Mid Iowa Rollers had a motto, it would be “onward and upward.” Since Jamie “Dangerous” Daugharthy and Ella “Knock Around Suzie” McLandsborough co-founded the team in June 2007, the Mid Iowa Rollers have brought the sport of roller derby into the spotlight, and it’s one that still creates a buzz around the city each spring.
“The popularity of roller derby has really taken off,” said Jean Williams, director of Eastside recruiting and the team’s blocker. “We feel it’s going to be a great season with the mix of veteran leadership and new members.”
Although the sport has only been in Des Moines for a few years, the Mid Iowa Rollers have found success in each location they have played at. The team first played at Skate South, and during the second-half of last year’s season the team played at Buccaneer Arena. Now the Mid Iowa Rollers are making strides, as they will host their bouts at the Iowa Events Center — an accomplishment that had not previously happened. The team will have its first home bout on April 3 at 7 p.m.
“I certainly didn’t think we would be playing in downtown Des Moines,” Williams said. “Having our bouts there, it’s going to showcase the sport to a lot more people — people who don’t know how fun the sport is.”
Roller derby has attracted women of all shapes and sizes, featuring five players on a circular track. This year’s squad has approximately 35 players — up from 25 in previous years. Players range in age from 18 to 43.
“This is shaping up to be one of our best seasons,” said Caroline Strait, the team’s jammer. “We’re a talented group of ladies that love to play rough.”
As a way of gearing up for the regular season, last week the Mid Iowa Rollers hosted its “March Mixer” at Skate South. Participants said it was a time for other central Iowa teams to come together to play each other, but in light-hearted fun.
“The event wasn’t really us against anyone else,” Strait said. “It was just an informal bout where it gave us the opportunity to play with different girls.”
The team also has a Season Kick-Off Party scheduled at the Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., on Saturday, March 20.
The Mid Iowa Rollers will have some competition on their hands this season as the city recently welcomed its second team — The Derby Dames, which was founded in June 2009. Former Mid Iowa Roller Malay Bouaphakeo created the team.
“At first we were all wondering what was going on because a new team was in town,” Williams said. “But, it’s a testament to how the sport has grown. Malay had differences with the team and is trying to make it with her own team now. We don’t play teams just to play them, but we’re open to playing them in the future.”
As for now, the Mid Iowa Rollers are focused on what’s ahead.
“Practices have been going well, but we’re ready to get out there and face a team,” Williams said. “We’re excited to bring our game downtown.”
Locker Room note: The Rebuilding Haiti Committee will host a 5K run/walk on March 27 at Gray’s Lake, 1400 Fleur Drive. The event will raise money that will then be given Mission to Haiti, a nonprofit organization furthering to help those affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake. Packet pick-up is from 7 to 9:30 a.m., and the race begins at 10 a.m. Register at http://web.me/com/rebuildhaiti5k/RunWalk/Register_to_Race.html. Cost is $20. Call 402-5205 or e-mail rebuildhaiti5k@aol.com. CV
Caption: The Mid Iowa Rollers open the 2010 season on April 3 at the Iowa Events Center. Photo courtesy of Jean Williams
