GO Getter: Evie Cunningham

Springfield's hottest bad-ass dishes on the city's all-girls roller derby league.

On a recent Thursday night we watched women trip, bump and knock each other down for more two hours. They were playing one of the most unexpected spectator sports to come to Springfield since the Lasers showed up: roller derby. Think of it as a scantily clad all-girls rugby team on skates, set to heavy metal. Sound like fun?

We caught up with one of the roller girls, 28-year-old Evie Cunningham, the day after her first official game. A mild-mannered second grade teacher by day, her roller derby alter ego goes by the name “Suga and Spikes.”

On the night we were there, she was sent to the penalty box multiple times for throwing elbows at opponents, but she was still mild-mannered enough to answer a few questions for us. Grab your elbow pads, boys.

So, what makes a second grade teacher decide to join a roller derby team?
Well, I grew up watching it on TV and thought it was awesome, and I always liked the Austin Rollergirls. When I found out Springfield had a team, I went to the next practice and joined immediately.

What does everyone think of this rather odd hobby of yours?
I was pretty surprised when my colleagues showed up at the game. When they first found out, they were like, “Seriously?” but now they’re really supportive. One of the kids in my class’s mom is even on our team.

What about the outfits? Those miniskirt outfits are a little… you know.
(Laughs) Really, that’s the most fun part about it. We still want to look like girls when we’re out there knocking each other down. Plus, you’re grateful not to be wearing much when it gets really hot.

What are your teammates like?
There are tattoo artists, stay-at-home moms, hairdressers… We all come from different walks of life so it’s really amazing that we all get along so well, which makes it hard to skate against each other.

Who was that one chick that got all pissed off? She had her face painted and all these blonde braids coming out of her helmet… she was cussing someone out.
That was me.

Oh, right! But when you and “Caught n’ Candy” knocked over the umpire, that was staged?
(Laughs) Yeah.

“Freida Herb” had a melon of a bruise on her thigh—ouch!
Everyone falls down, we all have bruises and missing skin. “Catina Catastrophe” dislocated her shoulder that night, too. Today I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. It’s definitely the most physical thing I’ve ever done in my life.

So, what would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the team?
Just come out to one of our practices. We’re looking for more girls and we’re all really supportive.

So do you get any girls that are just, you know, mean and want to start fights?
We get rid of girls that start causing drama.

Do you work out outside of practice?
Yeah. Practice isn't enough. A lot of us go to the Y and lift weights, too.

UGO

Springfield Roller Girls
September 23
Skateport
3820 S. Glenstone Ave.
Free to join and play
Practices every Tuesday and Thursday at Skateport

Want to know more?

The next Springfield Roller Girls bout is set for September 23 at Skateport (3820 S. Glenstone Ave.); the teams hope to be competing against Columbia’s team soon. Evie says they’re looking for more players to fill their two squads: The Bitter Betsys and The Doomsday Dollz. Practice is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 at Skateport. Call the rink at 417-887-9421 for more information.
Visit myspace.com/springfieldrollergirls to see videos, rules and pictures.