Finally, after a year's worth of talk and planning, Lou Sanchez's NRDL presents the newest addition to the roller derby family!
Following in the footsteps of the Thunderbirds and the Bay Bombers, the newest team to hit the masonite track, the Las Vegas High Rollers, look to secure a legacy within the world of roller sports. There's no doubt that the High Rollers will become 2007's most anticipated team debut.
The High Rollers have a huge distance to cover to earn the respect of the roller derby fan. They will face many pressures as a rookie team, and will require the skills of an experienced veteran to help them rise to the top. For this situation, the National Roller Derby League has appointed "Little Iodine" Loretta Behrens as the new Las Vegas general manager.
Loretta Behrens, considered by many as one of the greatest skaters of all time, was said to be excited over her new role as general manager. Behrens, also known for her strong expectations of skaters, may be the guiding light for the young Las Vegas team. "Who better to lead the High Rollers. We couldn't make a better choice," NRDL management quotes.
The regrouping of the NRDL has taken its toll on the roller derby community. The last National Roller Derby League endorsed game was played in July of 2005. The efforts of American Roller Skating Derby (ARSD) owner, Dan Ferrari, and his Bay Bomber franchise, has drawn new interest to a once drifting fan-base. Fans of roller derby can see anywhere from 1-3 games being played a month, instead of the 1-3 games being played a year in previous times. The absence of the NRDL from the mix had sparked questions as to the future of Lou Sanchez's organization. Sanchez notes, "We're talking to people and getting things moving! It's looking good." NRDL Management adds, "We're looking to make a sizable impact on the roller derby community. The NRDL feels we have a winning product in the works and the blueprints look magnificent. It's a risk worth taking and we're pushing this to its potential."
The success of the Las Vegas High Rollers lies mainly on the shoulders of the individuals to be announced for the team in the future. The known captain of the High Rollers, Lali Outhoummountry, looks to bring her pure skating style to the team. Along with her, the team has included: a veteran of over 30 years, one of the toughest brawlers on skates today, and the Derbydog's #1 top pick from the Rollergirl world. Lali-O (as she wishes to be addressed as) is said to be quite optimistic with the Las Vegas roster.
The High Rollers look to set the standard for the modern age of roller derby. The 3 additional teams to be re-debuted within this league will follow the same suit.
"We hope everybody involved in roller sports are just as excited as we are," states NRDL management. "As this will affect everyone associated with roller sports, we look forward to embracing as much of the roller community as possible. With total cooperation and acceptance, we all can push roller derby to a whole new level."
Check in the next few weeks for more information on the 3 additional teams, as well as their managers and current rosters! The National Roller Derby League is shifting into full gear!
