Crown City Rollerz Recruitment Event

Girls adorned with protective gear racing around a track attempting to keep upright on eight wheels while dodging sweaty and determined bodies. Have you ever wondered what exactly roller derby is all about?

The Crown City Rollerz roller derby league will hold an informational recruitment event from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 in Homer, to showcase what it is to be a part of this amazing sport.

Roller derby has a storied history, and is most notably recognized for the sports entertainment-like persona it gained in the 1970s. However, modern day flat-track roller derby is far removed from its scripted and theatrical predecessor. A revival of roller derby started in the early 2000s, and has since gained popularity across the globe. Women find an extraordinary camaraderie in roller derby that many other sports and activities can’t provide.

“Roller derby has changed my life. I am healthier and more confident — on and off the track,” said Julie Ciotoli, “Unruly Miss Julie,” a fresh meat skater who started skating with CCR in August. “I am finding myself in roller derby. Plus I get to hang out with some of the coolest women around!!”

Women of all ages, races, sizes and abilities are able to participate in roller derby. No matter what your skill set on or off skates, the league will work with you by training to enhance your ability and prepare you for full derby participation.
“There’s nothing like watching a new skater come in, clutching the walls, work up to skating 25 laps in 5 minutes (part of the skills testing required to compete). I stand in the middle and watch their faces, the determination, and sometimes fear as they race against time,” said Kat Coldren, or “KataKlysm,” the coach for the Crown City Rollerz’ Royal Pains. “You can tell in those very real moments that everything else melts away and it is the personal challenge that is driving one stride after another.”
The Cortland league is recruiting skaters, referees and volunteers. This recruitment event is to give interested individuals a look at what CCR does and what it takes to be a part of roller derby. All skill and interest levels are welcome. There is no obligation and no skating required at this recruitment event. CCR is looking for “fresh meat” skaters (women over 18 years of age), referees and non-skating officials (male or female).

Crown City Rollerz is a skater-owned and -operated organization operating a competitive roller derby league out of Cortland. The members of CCR are strong and motivated women who train hard, respect their teammates and love the sport of roller derby as well as community-based philanthropy. Skaters work to increase their power through discipline, hard work and focus. CCR strives to create a full-contact sport that inspires girls and women and appeals to all of its fans.

“Roller derby is a lot of hard work and it doesn’t stop when you leave the track. It becomes a way of life, and not just for skaters but everyone who decides to become part of the derby family, refs, friends, family, and volunteers,” Coldren said. “My best advice to anyone that is curious — go to a practice.”

For more information on this event or for directions to CCR’s practice space, email recruitccr@gmail.com or call 607-229-7453. Come on, you know you want to.