Jen Blake and Vicki Urban are ready to get rollin'.

The success of women's roller derby in Sioux Falls has prompted the two local women to bring a team to Rapid City.

Jen "Brianna Bruiser" Blake compares roller derby to two wildly popular sports in the U.S.

"It's kind of like tackle football meets NASCAR," said Blake, who is co-founding the "Rushmore Rollerz" roller derby league in Rapid City with Vicki "Pinkee B. Witch" Urban.

"In a super simplified version, that's what it is," Blake said.

The two Rapid City women, who will be known by their aliases when they strap on pads for the fledgling league, said the popularity of the roller derby league in Sioux Falls led them to bring roller derby to Rapid City.

An informational meeting for prospective players, coaches, referees and even fans will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, March 14, at The Den at Camp Rapid, Blake said.

Roller derby is a 5-on-5 competition held on a circular, flat track. A selected player from one team attempts to skate around the track as many times as possible while being protected by her teammates, while members of the opposing team try to thwart those attempts.

The women-only league will be the first West River roller derby league and the second in South Dakota. After initial costs are covered, the league will donate its proceeds to charity. Sponsors are still needed for the teams, Blake said.

Blake said the first match will be held in Rapid City on June 21 at a location the organizers will announce later.

The number of teams that will play in the league will depend on the interest level, but Blake said there is enough interest so far for at least two teams.

People wanting to play in the league will have to try out, Blake said, adding that she and Urban will have to do the same. The cost to play is $75 a year, and players must buy their own roller skates, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet.

About 15 people will be on each team, she said. Each player will have their own alias, which players will be required to create. Blake believes the sport could draw some interest.

"I think people will be interested, at least at first, just to see how goofy we look," she said, laughing, but she quickly added that others may come out because the events will benefit charity.

For more information on the league, including how to be a sponsor or participant, visit www.myspace.com/rushmorerollerz or contact Blake at 390-0387 or Urban at 342-2173.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com