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  • The Spindletop Rollergirls huddle around for a pep-talk during a practice for their bout against the South Side Roller Derby Team from Texas City on Saturday at Ford Park. Brandon Janes

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September 8, 2011

Skate like a girl

Brandon Janes The Port Arthur News

BEAUMONT — Joyce Kean’s roller derby skate name is “Felonie Takedown.” She is a retired police officer and has an intimidating attack face.

“I have a problem with having too much intensity,” said Kean, who is 51.

She recently recovered from an broken ankle, which she suffered competing in a brutal roller derby bout on her team the Spindletop Roller Girls, who play in Beaumont.

“I am trying to lighten up a little and have fun with it,” she added.

Common injuries in the sport include broken ankles, knee injuries and lots of bruises. At their practice on Wednesday one injured roller girl showed up in a wheel-chair with a cast up to her knee.

It takes a special type of woman to do this sport.

“It is an intense work-out and a great release,” said team captain Jessica Seybourn, a.k.a. “Messica”. “We can go out there and knock the crap out of each other and it feels great.”

Kean and the rest of the Spindletop Roller Girls compete this weekend in a bout against South-Side Roller Derby from Texas City at Ford Park in Beaumont. The bout starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are five dollars and there are discounts for military and first responders.

Ages of the girls range from 18 to 51 and most of them have full-time jobs.

The skaters cannot use their arms. Using their hips and shoulders the girls try to prevent the opposing team’s jammer — a player designated by wearing a special helmet — from passing them around the track.

Each player the jammer passes results in a point.

The bouts consist of two 30-minute halves and a fresh set of players take the track every two minutes.

“Not everybody’s out there just to fight,” Seymourn added.

The sport, which began in the 1950s, was revived recently using a flat track instead of the traditional banked track of the 50s and 60s. The revival was popularized by the 2009 film “Whip It” starring Ellen Page and directed by Drew Barrymore. 

“The flat track revolution started in Austin about 10 years ago and has just blown up ever since,” said Seybourn.

In order to compete, players must pass a rigorous skills test regulated by Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, which examines each player’s endurance and skating ability.

“If you are all over the place you can really hurt somebody,” said Seybourn. “It’s not safe.”

The WFTDA is also looking to enter the sport into the Olympics, said Seybourn.

“I know its a long way down the road but it’s a possibility.”

Ford Park is located at 5115 Interstate 10 South in Beaumont.

bjanes@panews.com

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