Queen City Roller Girls Roll in to Spotlight

By Laura Gray

July 9, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 2:14 PM EST

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) -- Strap on your skates, put on your helmet, and get ready for one of the most popular sports in Western New York.

Roller Derby!

The Queen City Roller Girls pack the Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda every game.

In the 1970s, roller derby was staged like wrestling. But today's games require more skills and less violence. Maria, AKA Crazy Legs, "They used their elbows a lot. They used to punch people, and we don't do that anymore. This is a modern roller derby, which involves lots of athleticism."

The women are in their 20s to 40s. They're moms, nurses, teachers, doctors, and police officers. It's still a physical sport, and they all take a hit from time to time. "It's something so great to do. It's exercise. It's so physical, but because it's a group of girls, there's great energy. The league gets along so well. Its worth the punches." Stacy Tuberdyke, AKA Tuesday Hula, laughs.

You can find out more about the Queen City Roller Girls by heading to News Links on our home page.

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