(IOWA CITY, IA) One must give them credit. The young athletes of St. Louis Junior Derby (STLJD) have not backed down from any challenge this season.
The pre-adult, flat-track faction has competed numerous times this year and their latest road trek saw them continue their awesome play to learn, develop, and grow within the quad-wheeled sport.
STLJD faced the IC Bruisers last Saturday at Mercer Park in Iowa City, Iowa. The open-gendered league with participants aged 7-17 skated a pair of games against the host league.
The 14 local rollers that donned helmets and pads consisted of the following (in alphabetical order): Beezwhacks, Cherry Bomb, Deanie the Meanie, Floofball, Gaymer, Jack Rabbit, Jojo Gogo, Mad Splatter, Neon Glow, Rocky Road, Slaughtermelon, Smash Bandicoot, Toxic Waist and TrAsh.
In the opening contest, STLJD fell to the IC Bruisers A-Team, 543-93. After the contest, Slaughtermelon and Mad Splatter were awarded Most Valuable Jammer and Blocker awards, respectively, while Rocky Road received “Wild Card” honors.
The second game was a lot tighter as the same starting STLJD squad was handed a 182 -167 setback by the IC Bruisers B-Team. Deanie the Meanie and Cherry Bomb were awarded Most Valuable Jammer and Blocker awards, respectively, while Toxic Waist received “Wild Card” honors.
Regardless of the results on the scoreboard, STLJD played mightily throughout the afternoon and gained some incredible experience, fellowship and smiles while competing against their Midwestern opponents within the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA).
If anything, each skater had a wonderful time…and that’s the most important thing.
STLJD was founded in 2017 by Arch Rival Roller Derby (ARCH) in collaboration with GateKeepers Roller Derby (GKRD). Their coaches this season are seasoned local skaters Pow!, Dags and Ripley.
The juniors return to flat-track play on July 27 but this Saturday, they’ll have a booth at Punk Rock Flea Market V at St. Louis’ Tower Grove Park, saying howdy to attendees and looking for potential recruits. The event runs 11 am–7 pm and features live music from a baker’s dozen bands, local food and drink, and over 100 vendors for a punk-rollicking good time.
For one to join St. Louis Junior Derby, no prior skating experience is necessary and one’s individual growth is of top priority as they learn about the sport with zero pressure. Fees for the first month of dues are $40 per skater and $30 for each month after that. Practices take place Sundays at the St. Louis Skatium from 8:30 am–11 am.
For more info on St. Louis Junior Derby, go to their official Facebook page.
(Photos provided by Michael D’Amaro & Erin King)
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
