River City Dames of Anarchy bring roller derby to the area

Check out the action Saturday night, Nov. 12, at the North Iowa Fairgrounds

By Michelle Watson
   What do Ana Mosity, Skilla Killa, Bipolar Bettie, Ninja Grrrl, Deva Lish, CruElla DuVall and Cape’d Crusk8r all have in common?  No, they are not prison inmates, they are all part of a group called the River City Dames of Anarchy, North Iowa’s only women’s roller derby team.
    River City Dames of Anarchy (DOA) was formed this summer by 27 area skaters who love the sport and the camaraderie that comes with it.

    “I love the sport and I think about it all the time,” said Calley Welch, president of DOA.  “I like being around girls who all love it as much as I do.  It is a real sisterhood.”
    “We have really put so much of our hearts into trying to make derby a success and a positive thing for women and the community,” said Cheri Brueggeman, a member of DOA.  “We hope people will love watching it as much as we love competing in it.”
    The group of 27 skaters come from a wide variety of occupations and ages.  The youngest skater is 18 and the oldest is 43.  When not on the track, the women are mothers, teachers, hair stylists, accountants, massage therapists and cement truck drivers, to name a few.  There is also a black belt in karate and a woman in the Army Reserves.  They also come from all over North Iowa, including five members from Clear Lake.  Skaters from Clear Lake include Welch, Amy Peckham, Mandy Mackey, Cheri Brueggeman, Sarah Kate Cooper and Shanda Munn.
    “I’m doing this because I needed a couple of hours a day to get away and just be me.  It’s fun to cut loose and bring out my derby alter ego,” said Welch.
    The derby girls mainly skate for fun, but there is also a lot of work and organization that goes into being on the team.  In addition to the 27 members, there are also two coaches, Kip Ireland and Darell Peckham, and five team referees.  A board of seven handles the business end of the team, such as scheduling and regulation expectations.  There are also eight committees consisting of skaters and volunteers whose duties include fundraising, sponsorship, retail and marketing and bout management duties.
    The group is non-profit and their goal is to give back to the community.  A bout that will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, will give a portion of the proceeds to Mason City Crime Stoppers.  The group also has a calendar with proceeds going to Crisis Intervention.
    “We skate because we love it, and this is our way of giving back to local programs,” said Welch. 
    Each skater pays a monthly due of $20.  Each derby girl is also responsible for buying her own insurance through USA Rollersports.  The team does have expenses, including rental of the North Iowa Fairgrounds where they practice, advertising and- Read More Via e-Edition