Don't mess with these dames.
The Abilene Sugarbombs roller derby team is in it to win it this season.
"We're hoping to kick some but, we're hoping to win every game," said team captain Caitlin Mackensen.
The team started just two years ago with three and has grown to 23 players. They compete with teams from around Texas and other states and say its definitely a contact sport.
"A lot of bruises, broken bones, it can happen," said Mackensen.
Sarah Sweeney and Melody Gonzalez, known by fans as "Phoenix Down" and "Bonnie Black & Blue", have been skating for Abilene from the beginning when the team began through a conversation at I-Hop. They're excited about the tremendous growth and the opportunities with it.
"We're actually trying to get two teams going for inter league play this year. This is actually the first year we've had enough girls for two teams in one league and that's really exciting", said Sweeney.
Both recognize its a sport that's not just for anyone, but they also have realized its not as terrifying as people imagine. The sport consists of "jammers" on each team who scores points by completing the most laps around their opponents.Team mates make sure she gets there safely, although that's not always the case.
"People think its like wrestling and like "oh man, its a wrestling sport, it's totally fake," said Sweeney.
"It's not," said Gonzales.
Roller derby began in the '70's, but through the decades lost its popularity- until recently. Teams are emerging across the countries and its fan base is quickly multiplying.
"Fans actually are starting to recognize us outside of the game", said Shari Curbo, a member of the team.
"It's quite interesting," said teammate Dara McCreary.
The Abilene derby dames are ready for the new season which will last through Oct.
It's a tough sport, but somebody's gotta play it and represent the key city.
The Abilene Sugarbombs roller derby team is in it to win it this season.
"We're hoping to kick some but, we're hoping to win every game," said team captain Caitlin Mackensen.
The team started just two years ago with three and has grown to 23 players. They compete with teams from around Texas and other states and say its definitely a contact sport.
"A lot of bruises, broken bones, it can happen," said Mackensen.
Sarah Sweeney and Melody Gonzalez, known by fans as "Phoenix Down" and "Bonnie Black & Blue", have been skating for Abilene from the beginning when the team began through a conversation at I-Hop. They're excited about the tremendous growth and the opportunities with it.
"We're actually trying to get two teams going for inter league play this year. This is actually the first year we've had enough girls for two teams in one league and that's really exciting", said Sweeney.
Both recognize its a sport that's not just for anyone, but they also have realized its not as terrifying as people imagine. The sport consists of "jammers" on each team who scores points by completing the most laps around their opponents.Team mates make sure she gets there safely, although that's not always the case.
"People think its like wrestling and like "oh man, its a wrestling sport, it's totally fake," said Sweeney.
"It's not," said Gonzales.
Roller derby began in the '70's, but through the decades lost its popularity- until recently. Teams are emerging across the countries and its fan base is quickly multiplying.
"Fans actually are starting to recognize us outside of the game", said Shari Curbo, a member of the team.
"It's quite interesting," said teammate Dara McCreary.
The Abilene derby dames are ready for the new season which will last through Oct.
It's a tough sport, but somebody's gotta play it and represent the key city.
