'Roll' models have fun, raise funds

Cape Girardeau is teeming with interesting subcultures of enthusiasts.

Add the Roller Girls to the mix.

The Cape Girardeau Roller Girls have been competing for several years, not only providing an entertainment option for Cape Girardeau, and raising money for charities, but having fun and building relationships while they're doing it.

The girls would like everyone to know that Roller Derby isn't a Jerry Springer Show on wheels.

"People think, 'Oh, you guys wear tutus and punch each other,'" team member Tessa McNally told reporter Tyler Graef in a story recently published in the Southeast Missourian. "But no. It's an actual sport."

But there is clearly an entertainment aspect to the sport. The athletes take on nicknames. For instance, Roller Girl Lauren Orange goes by the alias Sunny D. Sasster, a ridiculously clever nickname. And, according to Graef's reporting, the girls enjoy playing up the '70s classic, brass-knuckle bad-girl image during the introductions.

But the girls are involving themselves and being active. They're having fun, and offering an opposing view of women, contrary to the princess-pushing image that is prevalent in today's society. A viral video campaign created earlier this year and viewed by more than 42 million people, demonstrated how the phrase "like a girl" is insulting, and particularly conflicting for adolescent girls who might want to be an athlete, but don't know how to balance strength and beauty.

The Roller Girls are showing that it's more than OK to be strong, athletic, aggressive and feminine all at the same time.

While comfortable in their own skin and enjoying the athletic challenge as well as the camaraderie of their teammates, the Roller Girls have also raised and given more than $20,000 in charity since their inception. Their next home bout is Aug. 9.

To the Roller Girls, and female athletes everywhere, keep doing what you do.

You go, girls.