Roller Derby Heats Up The Jersey Shore
JACKSON, NJ (WCBS 880) - This is not the roller derby of the 1970s.
The women of the Jersey Shore Roller Girls, with names like Betty Clock'r and Toastface Killah, play it safe with their helmets and mouth guards but once they get on those skates and hit the rink their competitive spirit takes over.
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"I'd say I'm crazy. But a good crazy," says one.
The sport attracts women from all walks of life including teachers, homemakers, legal assistants and artists.
By day, Amanda Pierce is a suburban mom from Jackson.
"I'm married. I have two kids. I have a job," she said.
By night, she's a Jersey Shore Roller Girl who goes by the name Wicked Kitty.
No matter what their role outside of the rink, these women aren't afraid of getting a little roughed up.
This isn't like a regular night at your local roller rink -- you can get seriously hurt.
"They want to see the big hits. They want to see girls being laid out," Team manager "Malicious Megs" Callahan says.
"There is no punching. I mean, sometimes punching happens anyway, but it's frowned upon," said lead co-captain Lana Shwizer.
"I broke my leg in three places, serious concussion, some contusions," Callahan said.
It's a lot of pain, but these girls love it.
"When you sign up for roller derby, you're signing up to have 78 best friends," Callahan said.
The next home bout takes place Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Asbury Park Convention Hall, where they have been selling out the place all summer long.
For more information, check out the Jersey Shore Roller Girls website.
Ever been to a roller derby? What did you think? Sound off below!
