It seems like it just ended yesterday….

When the Stunt Devils claimed a 127-124 victory over the M-80’s for ARRG’s big brass ring in August, it was the last taste of the league for many fans in 2009.

And what a year it was - as it contained some of the most competitive action in the four-year history of the league. Audiences responded with increased attendance, solidifying ARRG’s position as St. Louis’ athletic alternative.

The growth of the league continued beyond its three anchor teams. The ARRG All-Stars - which embarked on journeys to uncharted territories such as Detroit, Indianapolis, Albuquerque and Madison - were nationally ranked by the WFTDA. The team also made its first appearance in the WFTDA’s post-season, invitation-only tournament.

The league’s developmental team - the St. Lunachix- went undefeated in its inaugural campaign, outscoring its opponents 653-302. The league received unprecedented local media exposure through television, print, Internet and radio. ARRG was even featured in a nationally distributed music video by veteran alt-rockers The Breeders.

In short, 2009 was a breakthrough year - which makes the follow-up potentially difficult.

Given the daunting task, the league has been anything but dormant since its conclusion this past Fall.

While ARRG bid a loving farewell to numerous veterans as they retired from active play, new (and experienced) skaters have been drafted by all three teams. The ARRG All-Stars and St. Lunachix have welcomed new faces into the fold as well.

There have also been the “behind the scenes” activities - including skater/volunteer recruitment, event/venue scheduling, sponsorship acquisition and marketing - which are imperative to the operation of the league.

Oh yeah - and then there’s the practices, which meet several times a week. The women have been working hard - those bumps and bruises are just as real for the ladies now as they were during the regular season. This reflects the true competitive spirit these athletes possess.

Perhaps this is the first year that the league doesn’t have a true “off-season,” as the 2010 campaign starts in January - its earliest start ever.

But such are the responsibilities ARRG is willing to accept to spread the good gospel of women’s flat track roller derby to the masses.

Part of the sweat-equity that will be invested for the new season will be dedicated towards providing you - a member of the ever-loving ARRG public - more insight to the league through this website.

Hells Labelle

This is where my derbycast partner, Hells LaBelle, and I step in. Beginning in 2010 at archrivalrollergirls.com, we’ll bring you weekly news and information surrounding the league, including game recaps, bout previews and human interest pieces that make the league…well…what it is.

By giving a more in-depth peek into the “ins, outs and arounds” of ARRG, you’ll have a better understanding - and hopefully a newfound appreciation - of the people who are loyal to this, our sport.

We’ll have a new ARRG tidbit every Monday - thus, you’ll have a good reason to return to the ARRG website continuously throughout the 2010 season.

And just to clarify, this will be a supplement to the solid coverage that archrivalrollergirls.com already brings you with its personality profiles, statistics and event/ticket information.

If you have any suggestions - and we’d love to hear from you - please feel free to contact us here at the website. Since you made the effort to stop by, then the ARRG family welcomes you - the fan - with open arms. We know you won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy the rest of your 2009, and we look forward to seeing you at the season opener on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the All-American Sports Mall as the Stunt Devils begin their 2009 title defense against their championship rival, the M-80’s.

The Grand Poobah

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2010 season of the Arch Rival Rollergirls. Check this area on Mondays during the 2010 season for news and information surrounding ARRG.

Tags: News

This entry was posted on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 12:39 pm and is filed under Recap. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.