LBK Now

Usually we would feel bad if we watched someone get shoved to the ground, but this weekend we had front row seats. I'm talking about flat track roller derby of course, where bad spills are common, but never dull.

The recent addition to Lubbock of this very unique sport has received a lot of attention over the last year.

I'm still not savvy on all the rules or the lingo, but that's alright, I was definitely entertained and got some great pictures. This weekend's bout between the Killer Kandy Stripers and the Scrappy Campers proved to us here at LBK Now, that there is something for everyone in this city. It was a bit like supercharging a roller rink and guzzling an energy drink designed by hockey fans. If you are a female and somewhere between the age of 18 and competitively active, this sport may be the answer to your routine lifestyle. It looks like a great way to get exercise and relieve stress and literally anyone can participate. If getting physical doesn't seem appealing, becoming a referee for the West Texas Roller Dollz League is just as exciting.

Ruudachris (yes that's her skate name) originally thought about becoming a derby girl and competing, but wanted to learn more about the sport and work her way into playing. She's an active participant and promoter of the West Texas League as a referee. But if you are the competitive type, just follow the lead of Marie LaRolle. She's been active in flat track roller derby for over a year and says, "It's the best thing that's ever happened to me-other than marrying my husband..." A bold statement, but apparently it's addicting. In fact, most of the girls that attend their first practice end up joining one of the three teams within the WTRD League including The Killer Kandy Strypers, The Poison Ivy League & The Scrappy Camper’s. As a whole, the leagues intentions are to gain more national attention and play a wider variety of teams, while the sport itself could be on the fast track to becoming an Olympic sport someday. So whether you feel like participating or spectating, there's one thing for sure: Lubbock is on the right track for entertainment.