Skaters bring wheels, willpower to roller derby tryouts

What do you do if you love to go fast, admire athleticism and skill, and crave a sport with an aggressive edge and a keen sense of humor? For more than 40 women, the answer was to attend the first official tryout session for Cincinnati Rollergirls’ 2018 season earlier this month.  Under the guidance of CRG players, including Jennifer “Sailor Scary” Damron and Amanda “Mama Crass” Frietsch, the hopefuls tried out their chops on a variety of things including basic skating and roller derby skills such as blocking, learning to hit and take a hit (after all, roller derby is a full-contact sport), endurance, footwork, bout strategy and more. Those looking to join the Cincinnati Rollergirls organization as a skater, referee or non-skating official can attend the weekly Monday Night Derby tryout prep sessions at The Skatin’ Place in Colerain Township.