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Brendan Miller Photos
TOP: Hissit’s rollerskates, outfitted with skulls on the wheels.
BOTTOM: Team captain Scarla Maim (left) and ex-Trojan Sarah Hissit Fit on the track.
GRRRRRL POWER
Roller Derby makes a comeback
During her time at SAIT in 2001 Sarrah Hissit was enrolled in the Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio program. She also clocked a lot of hours on the court with the Trojans women’s volleyball squad.
A talented volleyball player, finishing one season third in the south in aces, Hissit’s attention has since been turned onto a completely different sport – heck its not even in the same ballpark as volleyball.
Reflective of a growing trend around Calgary, Hissit’s new sport of choice is roller derby.
Roller derby has been around since the ’30s and witnessed near super-stardom in the ’70s but then fell off the map into relative obscurity until the mid-90s, when teens were enticed by RollerJam.
“We’re just like Roller Jam without all the WWE drama that would come along with it,” said Hissit, whose court-name is Hissit Fit.
Nicknames are the norm with monikers like Crissy Cruzzer, Sweaty Betty, Happy Killmore and crowd favourite Trailer Trash Tracy.
The dress code alone has some fans stopping and staring.
“Bruises, tats and fishnet stockings,” said Hissit Fit. “That’s what it’s all about.”
After RollerJam fell off the map the sport has been making a slow climb for legitimacy once again and is developing a grassroots fan base who love the sport.
“The sport really gives girls a chance to express themselves,” said Hissit Fit.
“You have moms who might not normally wear fishnets letting loose once in a while and really enjoying themselves.”
Sure, on the surface any drooling fan could understand that, but below the surface there’s more going on than meets the eye.
“I’m a bit of a bigger girl so I get to use that for some booty blocking,” said DX Zone another former SAIT grad who, off the court, goes by Dawn Kuechle.
Almost everyone can participate with women ranging in age from 18-years-old to 41. Players only need to bring a helmet, skates and an attitude.
There are currently three teams in Calgary including The Thrashing Lassies and the Cut Throat Car Hoops; the rookies form a team called Fresh Meat until they are eventually drafted by one of the other squads.
This makes it easier for women to get involved in roller derby. First timers don’t need to worry about being thrown into the thick of things right away.
“You have to make sure the girls are comfortable and trained up before you go out there and get yourself hurt,” said Hissit Fit.
“So you spend a lot of time practicing and getting ready before you see any real action.”
“I equate the level of contact to hockey so players have to be ready for that,” she added.
Custom equipment has also become the norm with a wide variety of options available: pink flamed roller skates, multi-coloured wheels and any assortment of tattoos and fishnet stockings the derby player deems necessary.
The relatively low cost of the sport doesn’t hurt either.
A roller-girl can get suited up and ready for practice for around $325 and dues to the team are only $30 a month.
“New players shouldn’t let equipment hold you back from trying out the sport,” said Hissit Fit.
“Lots of girls have extra skates and pads they would be glad to let someone borrow until they were sure they wanted to play.”
And in part, that is what roller derby seems to be all about. Helping out your fellow teammate just like they would their own family.
“You have all types play the sport and it really is awesome,” said Hissit Fit.
“I am in insurance and one of my teammates is at a rival company so she’s the enemy to me. But because of Derby we managed to meet each other and became friends.”
To get into contact with the teams visit their Website at http://www.CalgaryRollerDerby.com or e-mail .