Dayton Daily News - August 22, 2006
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Rollergirls' tryouts begin tonight with 1st 'boot camp'
Laura Bernheim - Staff Writer

KETTERING - Stay-at-home moms and college students alike can lace up their skates and join the intense world of roller derby.
The Gem City Rollergirls will be holding tryout sessions this week at Skateworld in Kettering, 1601 E. David Road.
"It's the most exciting athletic experience you'll ever have," said Melissa Fowler, know on the team as Slay West. "After my first bout, I thought I could do anything."
The "boot camp" begins at 9 p.m. today with more sessions Thursday and Saturday. Women are encouraged to participate in all three.
"We're trying to give everyone a week-in-the-life experience of what bouts and practices will be like," Fowler said.
The Rollergirls held their first bout Aug. 12 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and performed to a sellout crowd of more than 800.
"The crowd was with us the whole way, and I think everyone there was some combination of surprised and ecstatic," Fowler said.
All females over the age of 21 are welcome. Some women participating are in their mid-40's.
"We have women in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds," Fowler said. "We won't turn anyone away who wants to try this."