Fresh meat sign for the Border City Brawlers a success

By Victoria Parent

Women of a all shapes, sizes and walks of life over the age of 18 showed up at the Foundry Pub to become Fresh meat.

The fresh meat program is run by the Border City Brawlers to recruit future roller derby players, refs and volunteers. The event was held Tuesday night at The Foundry Pub at 7:00 p.m.

“We get 30 people or more and sometimes we get 15,” said Maura Coughlin, head of recruitment, otherwise known as Billie Helliot her derby name. The fresh meat program teaches new derby players how to skate, fall properly and take a hit in a safe environment. Afterwards future players take a skill test and if they pass move onto the C team called “Windsor A-Salt.” From there they can go up the rank to the B team “Canadian Clubbers.”

“It’s a really great community. Everyone is really encouraging you to try and be your best and you really feel stronger and confident in yourself,” said Leith Bergenhus, 23 aka Leithal Weapon.

Bergenhus has been a derby player for six months and talked about how quickly a newcomer can learn with the great environment provided.

The costs for the first month for fresh meat derby players are $20 which includes a free shirt and then $30 after that for different expenses such as playing on the track. The costs also included purchasing insurance from CRDi for $20 until December 31 or $50 for the whole year. These costs do not include the price of helmets, skates, knee pads and other safety equipment.

“I used to play hockey so I missed playing contact sports and roller derby is a cheaper alternative,” said Kathryn Brown 24.

Brown is a new recruit for the roller derby team and understands the risks for participating. Some of the dangers that come along with the sport are bruises broken or rolling ankles. This is due to the full contact nature of the sport.

“I think the best part of it is the camaraderie,” said Alison McCabe, 44, (Betty RemPage), Vice President of Border City Brawlers. McCabe has been a member for four years and the Border City Brawlers have been active for five. There are about two meetings each year.

“As long as you are fit to skate you are one of us,” said Coughlin. The Border City Brawlers next scrimmage will be on December 4 starting at 6:30 p.m. with admission of an unwrapped toy for Sparky’s Toy Drive. The Border City Brawlers are also starting a Junior league for ages 12-17. For more information check them out on Facebook or Twitter or their website http://bordercitybrawlers.com.