STEPH DEROSA: DERBY DIARIES >>>

It’s typically the beers that bring out the best ideas in men, and this beer-minded creation is one of the best I’ve ever heard: Men’s roller derby league. No, I’m not kidding. Finally I can watch men compete in something I love, something I know, something that gets me all hot and bothered. I’m talking roller skating!

Come March 8, the greater Puget Sound area will witness history as it’s made. Together in the Tacoma Soccer Center, four men’s roller derby teams will compete in the ultimate inaugural match known as “Throwdown in the Sound.” I bet you didn’t even know men’s roller derby existed, did you? That’s what I’m here for, you can thank me later.

The men’s Puget Sound Outcast Derby League was formed about a year ago by Chuck “Hollywood” Bury in partnership with other roller derby refs, coaches and speed skaters. There was no immediate shortage of male skaters in the area, and the team was formed almost immediately. Together with a few other men, one being Heywood Jablowme, they set a goal of having this “Throwdown in the Sound.”

Amongst the men’s teams present at this amazing competitive showdown are: Diamond City Death Kings (Pennsylvania), Twin City Terrors (Minnestota) and Dallas Deception (Texas). About five other teams from around the nation will be representing that night, as they will be split between the already four competing teams.

One HUGE surprise I had as I chatted with Mister Heywood Jablowme was that the OSDA (Old School Derby Association) is sending a hall-of-famer to skate a demo and talk derby at the men’s bout. Judy Sowinski aka “Queen of Mean” or “Polish Ace” will be there showin’ you guys the way it went down in the 1950s, old school style. Not the hokey shit from the 1970s, but the real stuff.

Be prepared to join me, and be amazed on March 8 at the Soccer Center. If you’re smart, you’ll get your ticket’s now, and if you’re even smarter you’ll contact these guys and help volunteer.

And as always: You can buy your Dockyard Derby Dames Feb. 24 Expo bout tickets or help volunteer with me as your volunteer guide.