About
The History of the Mid Iowa Rollers
In April 2006 Jamie “Dangerous” Daugharthy set out on a mission to bring the sport of roller derby to the state of Iowa. Together with Knock Around Suzie, these founding members of the Mid Iowa Rollers (MIR) researched the sport and reached out to potential recruits. In July of 2006 their efforts were rewarded as the first recruits came to skating events in cities and towns throughout Iowa, to make strides toward flat track roller derby domination with as many participants as possible. In November of 2006, the Omaha Rollergirls (ORG) sent representatives from their league to show the young league drills and share information they had learned when they formed.
June of 2007 brought the first bout for the MIR league, and they went to Nebraska to skate against their derby sisters. With their team of only nine, the MIR put up a valiant fight and played their hearts out, but victory was not theirs. However, their dedication to the sport was more intense than ever. This first taste of competition evoked a craving among the skaters for much more. After gaining additional skaters and referees and implementing an intense practice schedule, the MIR was able to put on a mini-bout on August 19, 2007 in Brenton Skating Plaza in their “hometown” of Des Moines. The league divided into two teams and played two 20 minute periods for the quickly accumulating spectators, demonstrating the game of roller derby, and the presence of a home team.
September 8th brought about a “Sweet Revenge” re-match against the ORG that brought in over 300 spectators. At last the league’s grass-roots approach and complete devotion to the sport had come to fruition. Since then it has been nothing but advancements, there have been publications in the Newton Daily News, Des Moines Juice and City View magazine, as well as appearances on Central Iowa’s KCCI Channel 8 and various radio shows. Throughout all of this, however, the MIR are just beginning to reach their potential: They strive to become legendary. The league is always looking for more recruits, aid, and publicity. No matter what your history, experience or size may be, the Mid Iowa Rollers would love to welcome you aboard, and can definitely find a place for you among our ranks.