Come hungry Ocala, the Cannibals (our local roller derby league) are lacing up their skates and preparing to devour the competition at this weekends derby bout at Skate Mania. Sunday, March 30th the doors will openat 6pm for spectators to come and join in the fun as the Cannibals face off with the Palm Coast Beach Brawlers.
“They are actually very evenly match to us,” Poise N’ Control (Vinessa Farlow) began, “and it’s going to be a fantastic game.”
Poise N’ Control, or Poise, as she is known around the rink, is the current Vice President of the Ocala Cannibals and has b
een skating derby for around six years. A strong proponent of the sport, Poise is always on the look out for new recruits. At present, the Cannibals are taking on “fresh meat”, new skaters which Poise hopes will carry the torch for the team in the future.
“Come in with a good attitude, sneakers, and a mouth guard, and we’ll take care of the rest until you know that derby has bit you,” she smiled. Roller derby is rapidly expanding across the nation and in our town, with a new men’s league having just been formed (The Head Hunters) as well as a Junior League (The Carnivores) which is co-ed and meant for youth ages 7-17.
Despite their formidable appearance, the Cannibals have a heart for charity, and focus on supporting a different non-profit cause each month. In the past they have adopted a highway for clean up, and this weekend are supporting the Sugar High Run, a 5K run/walk to benefit the Florida Diabetes Camp.
“We’re always happy to give back,” Poise continued, “We are out there on our days off, not skating but doing things together as a family. That’s what roller derby means to me, it’s a family. There’s no other place where you’ll find the camaraderie you’ll find in roller derby.”
To check out Poise N’ Control and her derby family in action, swing by Skate Mania (5461 SE Maricamp Rd, Ocala ) this Sunday for their upcoming home bout. The doors open at 6pm and the first whistle is at 6:30pm, and be sure to bring a folding chair. Admission is $8 in advance, $12 at the door, with children 12 and under free. For more information about the event or roller derby in Ocala, you can visit www.ocalacannibalderby.webs.com for details.