SWEETWATER COUNTY — After a year of actual blood, sweat, and tears the Sweetwater County Roller Derby League’s Bitter Sweet Bombshells will host and play in their first official bout. The seasoned and intimidating Coal Miners’ Daughters from Gillette will be in Rock Springs to challenge the Bombshells and see what they’re made of.
The “Step up to the Skate” bout will take place on Saturday, May 31 at 6 p.m. at the Rock Springs Recreation Center. Tickets for the bout may be purchased in advance at the Rock Springs and Green River Chambers of Commerce, Graffiti Records, or online through Brown Paper Tickets. Members of the Bitter Sweet Bombshells are also selling tickets. Tickets are 10 dollars in advance and 12 dollars at the door. Children 10 and under may attend the event free if accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Desert View Humane Society and the Sweetwater County Roller Derby League; both are nonprofit organizations.
According to Janice Grover-Roosa, Bitter Sweet Bombshells PR Chair and team member, the past year has been filled with successes and struggles. Grover-Roosa said “Our coach, Miranda Riggs, made it clear we would have to commit at least a year to practice and training before we would be ready to play as a team. Convincing women to commit to practicing 4 to 6 hours a week, as well as studying extensive rules and regulations, on top of constant fund raising a year before ever playing a game was a tough sell.” Grover- Roosa went on to say that although the team had to say good bye to several promising players due to time constraints and family responsibilities, the players who have been able to continue are such a devoted and loyal group of women that they feel ready to take on any opponent.
Seven members of the Bitter Sweet Bombshells recently participated in a roller derby boot camp hosted by the Cheyenne “Capidolls” where they were instructed by two “Team USA” roller derby players, both of whom are former Cheyenne players. According to players the boot camp was brutal but it came just in time to boost their skills and confidence for their first bout. Participants worked on jamming and blocking quite extensively and came home to Rock Springs looking like an entirely different team according to Coach Miranda Riggs. Riggs said “These ladies have stepped up their offence and defense significantly! I love seeing my team play so much more aggressively!
Michelle Garcia Balzly, Bitter Sweet Bombshells Events Chair and team member, said “A lot of work has gone into building a viable and competitive team as well as into preparing to host a bout before we’ve ever even played in one.” She said “There are a million details that go into hosting a roller derby bout and because our team is so small it’s requiring everyone to step up and do more than their fair share.” Garcia Balzly said “The community has supported us through and through either by sponsoring the team, contributing to our fundraisers, helping us to secure practice spaces, guiding us through processes like obtaining a beer permit for our bout, or by honking and cheering for us when they see us outside skating and training. Our community has really embraced us and we wouldn’t have the amazing team we do without the support of so many people in Sweetwater County.”
According to the Bombshells the team wants to give back to their coaches, friends, families and community by proving they can play the game. Team members agree that they will skate their fastest, hit their hardest, stay focused and rally together to thank everyone for stepping up and supporting them for the past year.
An after party will take place at the Office Lounge immediately following the bout. According to the Bombshells, the after party is a great opportunity to meet players and talk to them about the sport as well as to find out how to become a part of the team. Cara Kelsey, player and Bench Coach for the upcoming bout said, she hopes to recruit anyone who is interested in playing, refereeing, or helping the team in other ways. She said “I can’t wait to meet a bunch of new players after the bout!”
For more information about the Step up to the Skate bout, or to find out how to become a part of the team, visit www.bittersweetbombshells.com.
