Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Sara Problem? All is Great at Windy City Rollers

Over the last several days, I have run interviews with four of the talented women of the Windy City Rollers.  If it seems like I can't say enough good things about the women, the league and the sport, it is because I truly loved the experience.
I am always up for interviewing new people from different fields of entertainment.  I am always excited about new possibilities.  I am very happy to report that the Windy City Rollers completely blew me away.
I have written about the dedication, passion, athleticism, enthusiasm and more of the women involved.  I think I have pounded that point, yet I probably am still understating it.  These women do this for the love of the game.  The time and energy they must give to the sport is immense, yet this is not even a job.
The entire organization was so professional, helpful and fun.  We could not have been treated any better.  They went above and beyond every expectation.
I must also add that WCR treats everyone as well as they treated Scott and me.  The women graciously posed for pictures, signed autographs and talked to fans after their bouts.  Name one other sport or entertainment production where that happens.
I have written a lot about wrestling over the years and obviously there will be comparisons.  It is fine to compare the two, but never lose sight of the fact that WCR roller derby is a sport.  There are no planned outcomes or scripted results.  These women want to win (as much as I want to win every Coke bet I make with my nephew).
The only thing totally theatrical are their names.  Scott and I spent a good five minutes debating our favorite skater name.  I don't think we ever came to an agreement (not unusual for Scott and me), but one near the top of my list is pictured below.  How can you not love Sara Problem?
The competition is fierce, but the participants also exhibit sportsmanship.  There are pre-game handslaps.  Everyone seems to support everyone else off the field.  Once on the track though, the game is on.
I sincerely want to thank everyone at Windy City Rollers.  I appreciate all that Jule B. Sorry, Mack Savage, Dinah Party, all of the interview subjects and everyone else involved did for us.
After you watch our interview, please go to WindyCityRollers.com, the Windy City Rollers Facebook page and follow WCR on twitter to learn more and get updates.
Me and Sara Problem in Chicago, IL-March 2013.

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