The Fans...the Crazy Fans

Roller Derby is something I never even heard of until last year. For those of you who are unfamiliar, may I recommend you check it out online or (better yet) try to watch it somewhere. If you don't like contact sports, I revoke that recommendation. Jeni, earlier this week, blogged about this last weekend's bout. I would like to tell you about the fans.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that most sports enthusiasts are a little on the crazy side. It's not out of the ordinary to find crazies watching a sport live, at a restaurant, or in a living room. Like many sports, derby fans wear the colors of their team, are loud, and are excited to have the chance to watch a live bout.

What is different about derby fans, compared to say, football, is that derby fans can sit along the ring and actually find an athlete in sequins, gold tights, and roller skates in their lap. Also, it is my impression that many derby fans actually know the players (at least here, with our amateur league). It is pretty fantastic to be part of a 3-row section of bleachers going nuts anytime Check-Mate Cate gets some contact or participates in a play. It is even more fantastic to make so much noise the announcers acknowledge your presence and refer to your section as the Check-Mate Cate Fan Club. Plus, what other sports have match-ups like the Carnivores vs. Vegetarians with fans waving celery stalks from the bleachers? That's right....none!

Who ever said seminary was only for theology nerds? It's also for theology nerds who take interest in things outside the library....like tough girls dressed as vegetarians rollerskating. Go Green!