In September of 2012, the Cheyenne Capidolls Roller Derby League became the first WFTDA affiliated league in the state of Wyoming. A mere two years earlier, Slaughterhouse Derby Girls announcer and bench coach Russian Pool Boy, along with Slaughterhouse Derby Girls skater Flamabelle, moved from Greeley, Colo. to Cheyenne, Wyo. and decided to start a roller derby league. On July 1, 2010, after a successful gym flyer campaign, 40 women met for the first time to create what would be the Cheyenne Capidolls.
After four months of practice the Capidolls bouted any nearby league they could, including the Naughty Pines Derby Dames, Choice City Rebels, A’Salt Creek Roller Girls, and the Slaughterhouse Derby Girls. After one year the Capidolls realized they wanted to play bigger and more competitive leagues, and to do that, they must become a WFTDA affiliate league. With the Slaughterhouse Derby Girls as their mentors, the Capidolls entered and graduated the apprentice program in eight months.
The Capidolls are known as tough competitors, due to the fact that they remained undefeated for nearly two years. The league is divided into two teams, the Capidoll Stars, comprised of stronger skaters who have more time to devote to the sport, and the Punishers, a more recreational team for those who have less time to commit but still enjoy skating, the sisterhood, and spirit that is involved. All new skaters begin as Punishers, usually stemming from the bi-annual recruitments and can be invited to skate as a Capidoll Star at any point during the season, once skill and dedication have been proven.
The Capidolls have an exciting upcoming 2013 season planned. Next Saturday, Jan. 12, the Capidolls will host a 5 vs. 5 double elimination tournament open to all skaters from all locations. The Capidolls have stated that the purpose of this tournament is to show the public that roller derby isn’t just “fishnets and booty shorts,” but a serious sport. Hellacious Hustler from the Capidolls states, “We want everyone in our nearby derby leagues to see that Wyoming derby is developing just as quickly as in Denver, New York, LA…” More information on this tournament and how to join can be found here.
The Capidolls competitive season begins Saturday, Jan. 26 with a home bout against A’Salt Creek Roller Girls from Casper, Wyoming. The A’Salt Creek Roller Girls have just become one of 94 WFTDA apprentice leagues and this bout is sure to entertain, as Hustler explains, “A'Salt Creek is the best competition for us in Wyoming so we are excited to help them complete their mock WFTDA requirements to become full members; both our leagues have experienced many changes it will be interesting to see how that affects the outcome of our bouts.”
As a closing note Hustler adds, "We spend holidays together and regularly make time for each other outside of practice and derby events. Win or lose on the track, we have already won in derby."
For a look at the Cheyenne Capidolls complete 2013 seasons, click here.
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