Crossroads City Derby girls will be skating at La Placita (the beautiful mosaic area between Water and Main St) on July 8th at the Las Cruces Farmer's Market.  Proceeds to benefit Project Mainstreet, Crossroads City Derby and the Strangeluvs.  Crossroads City Derby will be selling merchandise (get your awesome CCD T-Shirts!) and tickets to our July 18th Double Header Summer Shredder!

September 26th & 27thTime: 7:30 PM
Teams: Red Chile vs. Green Chile 
Games will consist of a mash up of Las Cruces CCD, El Paso EPRD, Alamo Derbal Remedy, and SCRG skaters.

Friday night: Women’s Scrimmage 7:30 PM
Saturday night: Coed Scrimmage 7:30 PM

All scrimmages will be played at the track behind the Meerscheidt Rec Center, 1600 E. Hadley, Las Cruces.

Entry into the games is free with paid admission to the Whole Enchilada Fiesta!

Two Roller Derby Events!  
September 13th & September 20th 
CCD Sucias vs El Paso Roller Derby Tex Pistols

Saturday, September 13, 2014
Crossroads City Derby Sucias vs 
El Paso Roller Derby Tex Pistols 
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Game starts at 8 p.m.Tickets $8
Save by paying $10 for this game and the September 20th game against the Pueblo Derby Devil Dollz – Jailhouse Jawbreakers!!
Kids 12 and under free entry with paying adult.

Meerscheidt Recreation Center (rink out back)
600 E. Hadley Ave, Las Cruces, NM

Tickets available at: The Bean, any CCD Member, or at Meerscheidt Recreation Center rink out back, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays 6:45-8:45 p.m.

Click Here to stay up to date by following our Facebook Page!!

What’s Gonna Work?

Teamwork was the name of the game for Crossroads City Derby, as they piled into their vehicles on Friday, August 29, 2014, on a 685 mile journey to San Diego, California, for the 2nd Annual Labor Pains Invitational. Having placed third in the tournament the previous year, they weren’t coming all this way to bring home anything other than the first place trophy. But the teamwork was evident long before they laced up their skates and took to the track. In the number of skaters willing to drive the distance to represent their team, in the number of refs and NSOs volunteering their time to support the tournament, and even in the willingness of a car-full of skaters to turn back home to retrieve a necessary medical item for a skater who left earlier in the day, CCD takes care of their own.

Over the course of two days, six teams played a series of 30 minute bouts to determine the championship bracket. If a team was up by 100 points or more within the last five minutes of the bout, a mercy rule was in place to end the suffering of the losing team. It became the goal of CCD to “mercy rule” every team they skated against, and they nearly did. Starting Saturday morning with a 180-30 win over the San Diego Derby Dolls, and later that morning with a 173-29 win over Valley Heat Roller Derby, they were off to a good start in dominating the tournament. They spent the afternoon soaking in the California sunshine and the evening soaking in the hot tub to get ready for Sunday’s competition.

While the host team, San Diego Roller Derby, put up a good fight and Border City Rollergirls fielded their best skaters, both teams were defeated, 154-51 and 154-34, respectively. It wasn’t until the match up with the Bakersfield Rollergirls that CCD even played a full 30 minute bout. Bakersfield wasn’t ready to let CCD run away with it and held them to a respectable 92-63 in the final bout of the day. Knowing what they were going to be up against in the championship the next day, CCD retired for the evening to rest up, fuel up, and form a game plan.

With a reminder of their strengths from Jesus H. Coach, Monday found the team ready and determined to finish the tournament strong. They would need the teamwork they developed in dedicated practice and demonstrated in the tournament up to that point. Anyone present could see it when CCD stepped onto the track. It could be seen in the team warming up to Bohemian Rhapsody, skating circles around Coach, so fluidly and comfortably it was like a dance. It could be seen in the smile on Boozeberry Pie’s face when she was sent to the box for a revenge hit on a skater that dared take a cheap shot at her jammer. It could be seen in the determination of Spicy She Ra Chacha to call off the jam from the ground after being hit so hard she had a concussion. There were so many moments that teamwork would be the necessary ingredient for success, and every time CCD was ready to give it their all. With a final score of 234-135, Crossroads City Derby defeat Bakersfield Rollergirls to take first place in the 2nd Annual Labor Pains Invitational, beating every team they played. What’s gonna work? Teamwork! And it worked like a dream!

Maully Marine #1775

Our next Roller Derby Event!!

Featuring – Firecrackers vs. Punks

Saturday, June 28 – 8 P.M.
Doors open at 7 P.M.
Meerscheidt Recreation Center
1600 E. Hadley, Las Cruces, NM
Admission: $8 Advance/ $10 At Door

Tickets available at The Bean, Shear Talent Salon, Casa De Mi Alma, The Doll House Private Hair Studio or any CCD skater.
Kids 12 & under free entry with paying adult.

Partial proceeds to benefit our Tiny Warrior 6-year-old Jaeton Monroe’s battle against Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

Get Updates on Jaeton’s Tiny Warrior Facebook Page!

Join this event on Facebook!

One of the fundraising activities that CCD decided to do this year was to have a Papa John’s Pizza Night.  “Why pizza?” you might ask, to which I reply, “Why NOT pizza?!”  For starters, Papa John’s graciously offered to donate 15% of the proceeds for all orders that mentioned our league when ordering by phone or in person.  Secondly, we derby girls had the chance to actually deliver pizzas!  We worked at the two Las Cruces locations:  Bataan Memorial and Solano Drive.  My partner in derby-and-crime, Rx Bex #30mg, and I were one of the delivery teams at the Bataan location.  In fact, we had quite an interesting time with our first delivery.  We almost got lost because there were no street signs, and we almost forgot to give our lovely customer her soda.  I have a new found respect for pizza delivery drivers everywhere because, believe me, it’s not as easy as it might look!  Tip them BIG, people!

Later that evening, I was even allowed to make a pizza!  I donned a Papa John’s cap, thoroughly washed my hands, and got to work making a “large works with extra cheese.”  I had some expert guidance from Captain Howdy #.333, a fellow skater and actual Papa John’s employee.  I sincerely hope that whoever ended up with that pizza tasted the derby love that went into making it!

While I was inside slinging pizza, we had some celebrity action going on out in front of the store. Our very own Goldy Blocks #3brs, who happened to be the featured skater on the bout poster that month, was signing autographs on the flyer-sized handouts (due to the prompting of her eldest daughter, Trauma Queen, of the junior derby league Minor Threat).  Who says Roller Derby isn’t glamorous?!?  Over at the Solano location, we had Spicy She-Rachacha #K90 and her son dancing and singing, “Come buy some pizza,” at the intersection to entice potential customers.

As a non-profit organization, we rely solely on volunteer work and fundraising, and would like to give a big shout-out and thank you to the people of Las Cruces for always supporting us.  And also to all the employees at Papa John’s who put up with being overrun with Derby girls:  thank you, thank you, and thank you!!

-Boozeberry Pie #750ml

I can remember the first road trip I ever took as a member of the Sucias.  It was to Prescott, Arizona, and was exciting and surreal all in one.  I couldn’t believe I was able to be part of such an incredible, strong group of women.  Starting with traveling in a caravan together to our destination, then checking in to the hotel, and going out for dinner that night before the bout.

When we reached the NAZRD (Northeren AZ Roller Derby) venue, we pretty much fell in love with it.  It reminded me of our very own venue here in Las Cruces.  While the bout itself didn’t go quite as we expected, the sportsmanship displayed by both teams was some of the best I have ever come across in all my life as a player or coach in any sport.  After our bout, while the next two teams played, one by one we each got a massage from a local masseuse, and she was AMAZING!  Once the derby fun was over, we went to “get our grub on” and partake in other festivities.  By the end of the night, I had made a trip to the hot tub, then passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The trip back was a Glee sing along with Amy (a.k.a. Boozeberry Pie) and me.  We stopped at In and Out Burger and ate “animal style” everything, which means “the works.”  It’s always great to get away and play some derby, but I am always ready to come home to family and tell them about the little adventures I get to experience on these short weekend trips with the Sucias.

I’m currently on my third year as a Sucia, and the same feelings are still there.  It’s still exciting and surreal.  I can’t imagine a day of not making practice and working on our drills to make our team work as a unified force.


FEARLESS FOXY FIGHTER, #587

Join us on March 8th!  Door open at 1:00 PM!  Contract your friendly Derby Girl or stop by one of our practices to buy your tickets!  Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday 6:45 to 8:45 PM at the track behind Meerscheidt Rec Center. 

I’ve been involved with Crossroads City Derby’s Fresh Meat training for about a year. It’s been an experience, watching young skaters grow into tough derby girls. It is just as much fun for me as it is for the skaters involved. Fresh Meat training lasts for 12 weeks. During this time skaters learn the basics to thrive in the wonderful world of roller derby. Skills include proper skating technique like skating posture, stops, speed and agility. They receive the skills to perform safely in the sport. Skaters are also given tests along the way to quiz their understanding of the rules set by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). These tests are administered by our volunteer referees. Preparing a Fresh Meat Boot Camp is a lot of work. Coaches and skaters come together and help out in every way possible. Everyone strives to make Fresh Meat a positive and fun time for the new skaters.

New skaters are split into three categories based on their skating abilities: beginner (Oh-my-gosh-I-don’t-even-know-how-to-skate!), intermediate (I’ve skated before but it’s been a while), and advanced (I can skate circles around people but I know nothing of derby). All skaters start off with the same training. Intermediate and advanced have an opportunity to test out at six weeks and become part of the league. Skaters are not eligible to join the league without passing all of the skills that are required. Non-contact skaters are also welcome. They are able to participate in the training and become part of the league for fitness skating. They may enjoy the other aspects of our derby league such as volunteering at derby fundraisers and bouts. They are valuable members of our derby family and are a tremendous help.

When I began participating in the Fresh Meat program, I was able to experience the different levels of skaters. I remember the first day of training I had to hold one of the girls up as she skated around the track so she wouldn’t tumble to the ground. This particular skater is now able to skate on her own and I was able to witness her confidence soar through the derby roof!!

Fresh Meat is a great way for people who want to stay active in a fun way and have the opportunity to get or stay in shape. The friends you make will extend beyond the track. The league has a family feel and is very accepting of people with different personalities and backgrounds. I was lucky enough to watch the prospective skaters in last year’s boot camp integrate into the league and make their own places amongst the league.

At times the training can be difficult and frustrating for new skaters. But coaches and fellow skaters are there to push the girls along by being supportive and teaching them tricks to be better skaters. Many times I saw Fresh Meat skaters attempting laps or some other skill, while the whole league cheered them on. After it was finished these skaters were bombarded with hugs and smiles whether they passed or not. The league has quality coaches to help the girls along the way to becoming skaters in the league. They are helpful, informative and never afraid to get out there and demonstrate a T-stop or transition.

I value the experiences and relationships I’ve formed in this league and look forward to future Fresh Meat Boot Camps. Seeing the girls leave Fresh Meat and become derby skaters is a great feeling. Watching them skate with the league and thinking, “Hey, I helped her get there’ is a very rewarding feeling!! Viva La Derby!!

-Philthy Muppet
Fresh Meat Coach

This will be my first entry for a web post about some very interesting “firsts” I’ve experienced over the past year.

Starting in January I came out to the track, not knowing a single soul. I was shy and completely intimidated. This would be the first time I wore a pair of skates in my life but luckily these girls were more than welcoming and willing to teach me. I went from just practicing getting up, standing, and falling down… to getting up, moving forward, holding on to the wall occasionally, and of course, more falling…

Months of “Fresh Meat” training went by and these faces were no longer strangers. I was no longer a shy person (on and off the track) and I was getting hit and battered and bruised by these women. During this time I had learned to skate and passed a minimal skills requirement test set by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Then I was drafted to be an official Crossroads City Derby doll (CCD) and became a part of one of our three home teams: the Reguladies! I had never felt so accomplished… until I was told I will be experiencing another first, along with some my fellow “Freshies.”

My First Bout
“Bouting” is exactly what it sounds like. Just like in boxing, we are trained to hit and take hits. And this “Fresh Meat” training was about to prove its purpose. It was that time of the year to celebrate our Whole Enchilada Festival. And every year for this event, CCD takes the whole league and divides them in half and assigns them to either the Red Chile team or the Green Chile team. (I was assigned to the Green Chile team.) Being raised an as athlete and competitor, I am not normally a nervous competitor. But this is still brand new to me. Skating still is not natural to me. These women eat and train like athletes. They have been skating longer than me by years. They are older than I am. But most of all: they still intimidate me.

So I get to the track early, my heart pounding. Not sure whether to warm up early or wait until my teammates start to show up to the track. Honestly, I do not know what to think at this point. Then it dawns on me: This sport takes more team work than any sport I have ever played. My teammates will know exactly how to help me out on the track! So I gear up and get my game face on. At this point I’m ready to rumble! Competition runs through these women’s’ veins but it also runs through mine. THIS is what got me hooked on this sport in the first place.

The referees check our gear, check the track, and make sure everything and everyone is safe to start. I get on the track. My mind clears out. Then the first whistle blows and at this point I am somewhat freaking out again. I feel inadequate as a skater because I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. I keep getting hit and falling down. I keep falling behind these women all sprinting, and I’m not fast enough to catch up quickly. I’m thinking, I’m letting my team down! Then a veteran skater hits me and I fall but not all the way. I’m able to balance on one skate, tap my knee pad to the concrete and within a split second I’m back on two feet. At this point I realized all of my hard work and dedication has paid off. I have done it all to reach my goal of becoming a derby girl. I learned how to skate, how to take hits, and how the game works. But most of all I know I owe my gratitude towards the women and men of Crossroads City Derby. All of the extra time they have spent specifically on me has paid off. I am so grateful for such amazing coaches and teachers, and of course, teammates. I officially feel like a derby girl.

So altogether we played four 30 minute scrimmages over two days that weekend. The last bout for the weekend was the most exciting. The Green Chile team was down 2 games to 1 and a win here would tie us up. At the last jam the score was 43-45 with Red team in the lead. The jam starts and penalties are being issued left and right. Every player is skating hard and then the final whistle blows. GREEN TEAM WINS BY 2 POINTS!

All in all, we tied at 2-2. I have never felt such a strong competitive vibe from fans, bystanders, family, teammates, or a league in its entirety.

And for all of these “firsts” I have experienced the last nine and a half months, my first bouts were an experience of a lifetime. As a rookie skater, I can see why these 30+ women (and several men) have worked so hard to stay here to create and make up what we know as the Crossroads City Derby league of little Las Cruces, New Mexico. There WILL be more bouts to come, you have my word.

With Derby Love,
Nurse Hell-Doll #224