Here's the full write-up Lisbeth and I did which was slightly different to what ended up in the paper:
Roller Derby Hits H.A.R.D!!
Weeks of preparation had passed and the anticipation was flowing. The night had finally arrived for the Hawkesbury/Hills Area Roller Derby (H.A.R.D) league to officially commence training. There was a strong showing with over thirty people attending along with a large handful of skaters from neighboring leagues who had been invited to join in on the nights training.
Some of the H.A.R.D members had been in other leagues together before, so there was a wonderful array of both old and new faces gearing up to start this next journey of their lives. It was evident as you listened to these woman and men sit and talk that they are drawn from all different walks of life and were there for the common goal of Roller Derby. This has to be one of the most amazing aspects of such a strongly growing sport.
H.A.R.D runs with a military based theme for their league. So the skaters will rise up the ranks and earn their stripes before they are ready for competition. Beginning from ‘Private’ (beginner/fresh meat) and working up through ‘Corporal’ (level one), ‘Sergeant’ (level two) to end up a ‘Lieutenant’ (bouting level).
The night started with President of H.A.R.D, Poz O’Tiff, welcoming and thanking everyone for coming and giving a brief introduction to H.A.R.D. She introduced the fellow board members Squeaks (Vice President), Atomic Cherry (Secretary and coach), and FiFi BoxHer (Treasurer) – who in turn were all able to give a small welcome and a little information in regards to their positions.
Once the formalities were out of the way skaters were under of command of Lieutenant Atomic Cherry, the leagues Head Coach who has over 2 years of previous Derby Coaching experience with other leagues. Lieutenant Atomic Cherry took the skaters through the warm up which left more than a few of them already sweating and helped them discover muscles they never knew they had.
But the skaters soon found out the hard work had yet to commence as Lieutenant Atomic Cherry took them through various training drills. The more experienced skaters would try and help the beginners if they struggled with anything. Although there was various experience levels sharing the derby track every level was catered for so everyone was pushed to their limits and no one was left standing alone at the side of the track.
“There is more to roller derby than just putting on skates and taking out the opposition team. It is an actual sport that requires high fitness levels and mental strength, this point hit home during the endurance skating drill. Your body is begging you to stop but in your head you make yourself push on because when you start bouting you can't just stop during a jam and let down your team mates down.” – Private Lisbeth Slammed-Her
Those who weren't able to skate didn't miss out as Sergeant Squeaks, Frazzle and Corporal BumbleLing were providing a running commentary and answering any questions anyone had.
As the first training session came to an end there was a great feeling of satisfaction as well as relief sweeping across the room; as helmets were unclipped, skates were unlaced and protective gear was undone one loud velcro strap after another. The room was full of sweaty, tired, but happy faces.
“The strength of both body and mind will get you far in the world of Roller Derby and the members that we had training here tonight, leaving with such wonderful words of praise and thank for one another and big cheesy grins on their (albeit sweaty) faces – the training committee is confident that H.A.R.D will have a travel team come up through the ranks to rival the best in Australia!” – Lieutenant Atomic Cherry
“Roller derby is like one big family, everyone is always there to help out - It's a lot of hard work and fun but you also end up discovering a lot about yourself.” Private Lisbeth Slammed-Her
H.A.R.D currently train on a Friday night at the Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium in South Windsor and on a Monday night at the Bernie Mullane Sports Complex in Kellyville. Fresh Meat intake will be closing soon, so ‘Be Your Own Hero’ and send them an email at info@skatehard.com.au and join up today!
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