The Quad City Rollers, based in Eldridge IA, are holding a newbie boot camp over the next seven-weeks.
Recruitment Coordinator Roxanne Schlue, known as Roxi Balboa on the track, says any woman or gender non-conforming adults who can attend most practices on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings can put on skates.
“Definitely new adventures and new friends," Schlue said in a phone interview with WVIK on Thursday, Jan. 9th. "You know, I've gotten to know so many people throughout the years that I've been playing and going to new locations, traveling the Midwest, you know, traveling to Chicago area, St. Louis area to compete has been a lot of fun. And just the people on the team are really awesome.”
She says the recruits are learning basic skating skills like how to stop and slow down.
Schlue explains one of the current lessons is the process of falling safely to recruits, including not standing up tall on the track.
"You want to have a good squat position, keeping your body centered. So we try to tell people to get low and get in a squat," Schlue said. "And then, if you do feel like you're going to fall, try to fall on one of your knees or both of your knees. We don't want you falling over backwards and throwing out a wrist or having an ankle get caught up under your foot."
The Quad City Rollers compete across the country. Schule says with the increase in recruits, the group hopes to create competitive A and B teams.
"So our A level team will be traveling to Michigan for a high level tournament later this year," Schlue said. "And we're also working up on building a solid B team. So even though we have enough skaters to fill both those. We would want it to be a challenge to try to make those roster spots."
Schlue mentions that roller derby fans who don’t want to join the team can participate in other ways.
"We are always looking for volunteers for game day and non-skating officials, as well as referees that we have on skates that we can get you trained up on. So if you want to be a part of it, but the skating aspect isn't for you, just reach out to us," Schlue said.
The boot camp costs $30; loaner equipment is available for newcomers, including helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards. They have extra mouthguards but request people bring their own.
Practices and games are held at the Eldridge Community Center and Skatepark at 400 South 16th Avenue. The QC Rollers boot camp and practices are on Sunday mornings from 9 to noon and Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9.
Those interested can sign up on their website.
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