Here’s yet another reason why I love Austin… roller derby. Roller derby was resurrected right here in Austin. Now it’s spread all over the country. Austin itself has at least 5 teams that play against each other. We know cause we had a unique opportunity to see all 5 or 6 teams play against each other in a match last November. That was our initiation into the sport. I think there’s a show on A&E about the teams. Anyway, the first time we went the match was in an old airplane hanger outside of town. The venue was perfect except you have to get there early to get good seats. We unknowingly ended up sitting near the family and fans of Las Putas del Fuego and started to cheer right along with them. This last trip we again sat down by accident in the Putas section ( I think it was God’s hand showing me where I belong) This match against the Rhinestone Cowgirls was the last of the season and it was for the championship. The city of Austin donated space in the Austin Convention Center. There was lots of space for fans but we missed the independent food vendors of the other venue. The Putas fan club passed maracas out to the crowd. Each of the teams had their own male cheerleading squad. I forgot what the Cowgirls squad was called but the Putas had the Flamers. They were 3 small gay hispanic boys in drag!
I took two short movies on my camera and I’m still figuring out how to post them online. So I guess just check back and hopefully we’ll have them up soon!
