8 Wheels and Some Attitude.
From the streets of Centerville to the hardwood
It was the Summer of 1976 and the Centerville High School women’s intramural roller derby team was lacing up for the Tri-county Derby Challenge.
“We were young and full of ourselves” recalls then team captain Janice Lange. “We had no idea what to expect - this was our first real competition - but we were aggressive and unrelenting. That’s what set us part from our competitors.”
"We were aggressive and unrelenting. That’s what set us part from our competitors."
The Centerville Roller Derby Team went on to win the competition, finishing undefeated. That following Spring, as several team players were graduating, local sports enthutiest Clark Vogeler approached several seniors with an idea.
“If you’re staying in the area, perhaps attending on of the higher ed schools close by, why don’t you continue playing as a team?”
Taking the show on the road
Vogeler would donate $5,000 to the team, who in turn purchased uniforms and rented practice space at the Centerville Sports Complex.
The rest is history. Donning themselves ‘the Big Stunt Dolls,’ Vogeler’s crew would go on to win regional, national and eventually, world championships.
“I never knew it would take off like it did.” remarks Vogeler. “These women have surpassed every expectation and goal they set for themselves. And they continue to do so today.”