I've never been so proud to be a part of such a great league. I've been training to play roller derby for the past six months. I'm skating with the Tar Sand Betties, and I'm referred to what's called "Fresh Meat" in the derby world.

I'm aiming for the goal to play in a roller derby bout with my league. Saturday night in Fort McMurray was an amazing inspiration, because that's when the Betties hosted their first home bout. The event was called May Long Mayhem, and it was a culmination of everything our skaters had worked for the past year and a half to be able to do. The Betties hosted the Lakeland Ladykillers, who hail from Cold Lake. From a sports-related view, it was an even match in terms of skill and experience. TSB had the lead for the entire game, right down to the last jam. That's when the Ladykillers edged the Betties with a final score of 129-125. Something my league couldn't stop talking about after the game was the fact that 1100 people decided to come out and see what roller derby is all about. It far exceeded our hopes and expectations, and we can't wait to do it all again this summer.

After the bout, during the afterparty, that the Betties had outsold a concert that took place the week before, which brought Vince Neil of Motley Crue fame to Fort McMurray. Apparently, only 800 tickets were sold for that event. A friend of mine told me that there wasn't even 800 people at the Vince Neil concert. I didn't go, but it's interesting if it's true.

Anyway... the league started a year and a half ago, and the team started competing in away games last fall. They notched their first win against the Saskatoon KillaBees this past March.

My role at Saturday's bout was something I'd never done before. I got to co-announce the game with a fellow by the name of Swiss Army Roy. I have over 4 years of radio experience (more than 5 if you count broadcasting school) and was insanely nervous. I had never gotten on the mic and been able to see the people I was addressing. It was a new experience for me. Heading into the game, I was told that as a non-skating official, I wouldn't be allowed to cheer my team on aside from dealing with nerves and trying not to mess up, not cheering was probably the most difficult part of my evening. As soon as the bout ended, and my microphone got turned off, you can bet I was certainly cheering.

 I can't wait to do this all again, I can't wait to return to practice, and I can't wait to finally be able to join my team on the track.