Tucson Roller Derby
Video: Roller derby tourney elbowing into TCC
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Angela Mullis/TucsonSentinel.com -
Angela Mullis/TucsonSentinel.comMembers of the Furious Truckstop Waitresses cheer on their team during a tournament at the Tucson Convention Center on Feb. 19.
Clad in spandex shorts and colorful uniforms, women of all ages furiously zoom around a track on roller skates reminiscent of the 1980s.
Formed in 2003, the Tucson Roller Derby league has four teams, including one tournament team. It all started with the Copper Queens, the first team in Arizona, said Sunni Sideup, who has been playing for five years.
With names like Barbicide, Pixie Axe and Carrie Gunns, the ladies give off a tough persona. However, the sport, which has grown to include 110 full member leagues and over 50 apprentice leagues, according to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, attracts women from all walks of life.
Lawyers, dentists, hair dressers, students and others don wheels at least twice a week for practices at the Tucson Convention Center and Catalina High School, said Barb Trujillo, also known as Barbicide. There are players who are still in high school, college students, as well as parents and working professionals, said Trujillo.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” said Georgia Taylor, a librarian for Pima County who will be placed on a team after she passes a rigorous skills test.
This year the Tucson convention Center will host the Dust Devil Tournament, featuring teams from around the country, this weekend. Tickets cost $25 for Saturday and $30 for Sunday, or a two day pass may be purchased for $40 and can be bought through Ticketmaster, the TCC box office, any derby player, or at the door.
For more information about Tucson Roller Derby and to see upcoming events visit www.tucsonrollerderby.com.
