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Lifestyle


Roller derby's rebirth: a race with lip rings and attitude

by WKSU's M.L. SCHULTZE


News Director
M.L. Schultze
 
Twenty northeast Ohio women are forming the newest flat track derby league -- something most people know as roller derby. They say their sport is not the exaggerated version of the 70s, but acknowledge it has an attitude. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more ...
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Tracy Phillips, known as Agent Skullie, co-founded NEO Rock 'n Roller Girls last spring.
Workouts Sundays in North Canton and Wednesdays in Springfield begin with donning pads and doing stretches.
April "8-Ball" Reichel is a veterinarian's assistant in her non-derby life, and says roller derby helps her relieve stress.
Elise Koontz goes by the derby name of "The Payback."
Michele Whitmer attended the Women's Flat Track Derby Association regionals in Columbus last weekend, where wedding guests at the convention center came to watch the show.
Susan Freitag hopes at least one of her three daughters follows her into roller derby.

Related Links & Resources
Visit the home of the NEO Rock 'n Roller Girls

Listener Comments:

thanks for coming out and listening to what we have to say. good job everyone!


Posted by: blackhalo (north canton, oh) on August 26, 2007 3:03AM
So happy to be part of this league! And thanks to M.L. Schultze for giving us the chance to say who we are and what we love to do!

ROCK!


Posted by: Scarlet GoDancin (Kent, OH) on August 25, 2007 4:46PM
Wow! I'm so excited that something this cool is growing in Ohio. April, I'm so proud of you!!!


Posted by: Debbie Nash (North Canton, OH) on August 25, 2007 12:12PM
You Go GIRLS!


Posted by: The Validator (Cleveland, OH) on August 25, 2007 11:59AM
Can't wait to come to one of your bouts! Keep up the hard work.


Posted by: Moe (Akron) on August 24, 2007 8:05PM
YEAH!?!? GO NEO?!?! WAY TO GET YOU NAMES OUT THERE!?!!


Posted by: KELLY A.K.A. XRAYTED (BRRG ROOKIE) on August 24, 2007 5:59PM
Nice job ladies! Way to represent OHIO!!


Posted by: Ivanna Destroya (Burning River Rollergirls (Cleveland)) on August 24, 2007 3:55PM
Looking forword to playing you ladies next season!!!!


Posted by: Halochic-BRRG (Cleveland, OH) on August 24, 2007 3:27PM
Have a great year, skaters! Wear those bruises with pride. We'll be watching the growth of your league with great interest -- especially once you start looking to scrimmage with other leagues!


Posted by: Vix Smackey, BRRG (Cleveland, Ohio) on August 24, 2007 3:12PM
great job ladies! i too felt the pride!


Posted by: Coach Stirfry - BRRG (Cleveland, OH) on August 24, 2007 2:41PM
Great Job! I actually felt a new sense of pride from hearing this story.


Posted by: April Eightball (Massillon,Ohio) on August 24, 2007 11:38AM
Beautiful Work!

Covered in Contusions,
The Payback


Posted by: Elise Koontz (North Canton, OH) on August 24, 2007 10:10AM
Thank you for coming out. Hope to meet you again with updates.


Posted by: Agent Skullie (Massillon Oh) on August 24, 2007 9:37AM
My hat's off to M.L. Schultze. Thank you so much for taking the time out to meet some of the girls from our league. I'm sad I didn't get an opportunity to meet you. I was in Columbus supporting our sisters from other leagues at the East Coast Regionals.

Anyone wishing to join us, please visit our sight at www.nrrgirls.com.

Love and bruises,
Taking Names


Posted by: Taking Names (Massillon, OH) on August 24, 2007 12:18AM
Love the Roller Derby segment!


Posted by: Nancy M Smith (Massillon, OH) on August 24, 2007 12:04AM
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