White Center Now: The blog about White Center

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Rat City Rollergirls, founded in White Center in 2004, hit the one-decade mark next year. This week, RCRG reps will be live online for a chat with sports editors at SeattleTimes.com (WCN partner), noon Wednesday (March 6th). Meantime, from their recent return to WC, with bouts at Southgate Roller Rink, we have melded their post-bout writeup with photos taken that night by Nick Adams for WCN. Roller-derby play-by-play ahead!

(At left, Foxy Throwdown gets ready, pre-bout)
Photos by Nick Adams for White Center Now
Story by Peter Cozine – Special to White Center Now

The line waiting for entry into the bout was out the door and snaked around the block on 17th SW in White Center. The energy was high as fans flocked to Southgate Roller Rink February 23rd to watch the Rat City Rollergirls battle it out on the roller-derby track where the league got its start nine years ago.

Rat City’s four home teams were in action: Derby Liberation Front (DLF) took on the Throttle Rockets (TR) and Grave Danger (GD) played the Sockit Wenches (SW).

(Referee Don Juan Jovi)
More than 400 fans, skaters, referees, and volunteers packed the rink to watch the Rollergirls take it back to the shiny wooden track at Southgate.

The TRs showed some explosive offense early in the first half, winning lead jammer in 5 of the first 7 jams.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been on the calendar for weeks, and tonight’s the night! From the Rat City Rollergirls:

This Saturday Rat City Rollergirls are rolling back into White Center with a double-header bout at Southgate Roller Rink, the original venue where Seattle’s now infamous roller derby league began back in 2004!

See the blood, sweat and tears fly from your rink side seat as all four of Rat City’s home teams battle it out in this epic Bout 3 of Season 9! No stadium seating, no jumbotron, no halftime acts – just pure, hard-hitting roller derby at its finest.

Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the action starts at 6 PM. The first match-up will feature Derby Liberation Front (DLF), in their first ranked bout of the season, as they take on the ladies in black, the Throttle Rockets. DLF is coming off of a huge win in January against the visiting Faster Pussycats from Terminal City, while the Throttle Rockets are still looking to chalk up a win after a pair of agonizing close losses.

The second bout is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats, as the Sockit Wenches take to the floor against last year’s champions, Grave Danger. The Sockit Wenches have strung together a pair of wins this season in KeyArena, taking down the Throttle Rockets in an extremely tight finish in January, and then putting up an impressive point total against the Terminal City Bad Reputations in February. Meanwhile, the 2012 Champions Grave Danger also took down the Throttle Rockets in February, and are looking pull off their own winning streak. Only one of these teams will roll out with the win. Don’t miss the chance to see it happen!

Who: Rat City Rollergirls

What: Bout 3 of Season 9

When: Saturday, February, 23 at 5:30 pm

Where: Southgate Roller Rink, White Center

Youth-sports signup season continues with an event today for Southwest Little League, whose area stretches southward from SW Juneau in West Seattle to 128th, and westward from 1st Avenue S. From 11 am to 1 pm in the Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (15th/102nd), they’ll sign up prospective players in person – so if you live within the aforementioned area, bring your child’s birth certificate, three proofs of residency, and the registration fee. Check out the residency requirements, fee details and more on the SWLL website.

Pacwest Softball season is under way, and local signups run through Feb. 9. Here’s info on the next three registration sessions:

Teams are available for children ages 4-18.

What to bring:

Please bring 3 proofs of residency and a copy of your child’s birth certificate.

Signups will be at the following places:

Jan 29th, 6 pm – 8 pm
Highline Christian Church
14859 1st Avenue South, Burien,

Feb 2nd, 10 am – 2 pm
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila

Feb 9th, 10 am – 2 pm
Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church
1822 South 128th St. Burien

For more information, please contact Kimberly Felix @ crashcat71@hotmail.com

(Seattle Derby Brats in action; photo by Frank Blau)
Big event coming up this weekend at Southgate Roller Rink! Manya shares the news on behalf of the Seattle Derby Brats:

On January 26th, at 5 pm, the Portland Rosebuds and the Seattle Derby Brats Galaxy Girls will bout at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. They are two of the best junior roller-derby teams in the country, and they are also ranked #1 and #3 in the world.

The Seattle Derby Brats were started by a Rat City Rollergirl at Pathfinder School in West Seattle. The ‘brats’ now number 103 girls, ages 8 to 18, drawn from all areas of the Northwest.

The Galaxy Girls evolved as the competitive travel team that bouts other teams in the state and country. If you would like to read more on this sport, there’s a video at seattlederbybrats.com, the second part shows some of the girls in an actual bout.

If you enjoy great action and athleticism, come join us at Southgate Skate Center on Saturday night!

Southgate is at 9646 17th SW.

In this afternoon’s bright late-summer sunshine, a small group of dignitaries and community members gathered to celebrate the renovated Steve Cox Memorial Park tennis courts. (Added: Video of the entire event)

The work’s been finished for a while, but there was no point in hurrying the party, which had been three years in the making. The project depended in large part on a federal Community Development Block Grant, and while that was obtained in 2010, county parks boss Kevin Brown explained, federal stimulus-related projects took precedence, so this didn’t get done for a while. But this afternoon, as he presided over a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, that was all a distant memory:

Among other attributes, the courts are unique as a lighted public place to play tennis in White Center.

Just in from King County Parks via Facebook, that photo and this invitation for you:

Tennis, anyone? Please join King County Parks for a special ribbon cutting ceremony to rededicate the improved tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park. Tomorrow @ 2:30 pm.

It’s been almost exactly a year since the work began (September 2011 story here), and much of the work was done by May (story here).

(Photos by Nick Adams for WCN)
Closely fought football-season opener at Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle tonight – but in the end, the Evergreen High School Wolverines lost to the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks, 26-20. Before that, though, it had been a 20-20 tie, and the Wolverines kept fighting.

(Photos by Nick Adams for WCN)
She is the all-time leading scorer in women’s professional basketball, with a career in two leagues – and on Tuesday, Seattle Storm guard Katie Smith came to the White Center Salvation Army Day Camp for some one-on-one time with day campers like Aricel Perez (above). The whole group of 6- to 13-year-olds got to hear from her too:

Did we mention Smith is a three-time Olympic gold medalist?

While she signed autographs for the kids, some of them wanted to show her a thing or two as well – in the case of 7-year-old Kelsey White, a stuffed animal:

Even the staff got a chance for a photo to remember the day:

The Storm are in the midst of the WNBA’s Olympics break and resume play on August 16th (here’s the schedule).

Next White Center Jubilee Days event is today – though it’s happening a bit south of town. Glen Acres Country Club and Golf Course is the scene of the Jubilee Days Golf Tournament, starting at noon. There’s some info on the WCJD website – and lots more in this photo caption on the WCJD Facebook page.

The final phase of the renovation work at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s tennis courts in White Center is almost finished – the colorful new surface is in place, the sealant was applied Friday, and now it needs time to cure, so that’s why the nets are down.

King County Parks spokesperson Doug Williams tells WCN that they’ll be down for a few more days in hopes that’ll keep court use to a minimum. The curing is weather-dependent, so, Williams says, the nets won’t be put back up till this weekend or maybe even early next week. The project, estimated last year at $153,000, was paid for with the help of a federal grant. (P.S. Thanks to Gill for the story tip!)

Highline Public Schools sends the news that former Evergreen football star Senio Kelemete has been drafted by the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals:

Former Evergreen High School football standout Senio Kelemete was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft this week, going to the Arizona Cardinals as the 151st pick overall.

Kelemete led Evergreen to a 9-2 record during his senior season in 2007, helping the Wolverines make the state playoffs for the first time since 2001. He was also honored as the Seamount League’s Lineman of the Year on both offense and defense.

As a University of Washington Husky, Kelemete started all 13 games at left tackle this past season and was named a team captain for the second straight year. He earned All-Pac-12 honors for the second time in his career and was awarded the Fred Jacoby Sportsmanship Award at the Valero Alamo Bowl in December.

Here’s his page on the Huskies’ website; his UW career concluded in the 2011-2012 season (here’s a December 2011 profile from our partners at the Seattle Times).

Just received from Evergreen Aquatic Center:
Everybody Swims! And Pay Only What You Can.

Kids can plunge into spring this year with quality swim instruction and water safety lessons at the Evergreen Community Aquatic Center in White Center.

Whitewater Aquatics Management will teach any child who wants to learn to swim and have fun safely in the water – regardless of their ability to pay – from April 17 through May 23.

A non-profit pool, ECAC and Whitewater Aquatics Management asks only that parents pay what they can afford, even if it’s nothing, for their kids to participate in this special community session.

And if you can pay and can also help other families who can’t, we thank you for your donation and the much needed assistance in giving more kids this springtime swimming opportunity.

Not only will the lessons help children enjoy swimming but will also aid in the prevention of drowning, the second leading cause of death in children.

While an eight-session lesson block usually costs $72, no one will be turned away because of cost.

But space is limited. To take advantage of the reduced rate, please sign up in person at Evergreen Community Aquatic Center on a weekday between 4:00 and 8 p.m. – as soon as you can to ensure your child’s space.

Lessons will take place twice a week, Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, between 4 and 6 p.m for 30 minutes per class.

Five years after his murder, White Center’s popular Deputy Steve Cox is being remembered – with a moment of silence before last Thursday’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, a King County Sheriff’s Office event the next day at the park that carries his name, and now a White Center Police Activities League boxing event. “Leave No Doubt: In Honor of (Deputy) Steve Cox” is set for 6 pm this Saturday at Evergreen High School. Adults are $10, kids 10 and under $5. More info? Call Coach Tony @ 206-763-7525.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz sent that photo with news that the tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park are dug up, as work starts on a renovation project. She checked with Darlene Sellers from King County Parks, who tells WCN it’s a two-phase project:

Phase I of the project began on Monday, September 12th and is expected to run 45 days, until around October 31st. At that time the courts will be temporarily lined, and should be playable again in early November. Phase II is scheduled to begin in May and should last for about three weeks.

The money is from a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant (process explained here) obtained in 2009.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Southgate Roller Rink hosted the Rat City Rollergirls All Stars‘ bout vs. the visiting Texacutioners today – a fast and furious sport spectacle which ended with the All Stars slamming to victory in their namesake neighborhood’s recently reopened rink, 132-110.

This was the first bout that the All Stars have held at Southgate in a number of years. RCRG told WCN that White Center holds a special place in the hearts of the team members. This morning’s bout was scheduled quickly and was a trial run for future bouts for the All Star team, which is composed of members from all four Rat City teams. RCRG held the bout for their season ticket holders (also known as the Rat Pack) – it was not open to the general public.

Southgate Roller Rink will continue to host bouts with an emphasis on Junior teams, but also with adult teams on the horizon. More information about the All Stars and tickets for Rat City Roller Girls public bouts at KeyArena can be found at ratcityrollergirls.com and general skating hours and upcoming Southgate bout announcements can be found at southgaterollerrink.com.

8:39 AM: Big party in downtown White Center today – Cambodian New Year, with SW 98th closed off east of 16th SW for the occasion, events are scheduled to start at 10:30 am.

11:07 AM UPDATE: From Deanie Schwarz at the celebration – we added her video of the benediction above; here’s the schedule for the next few hours:

11:30 Rappers SJ and Princy
11:50 Dance Troupes: Coconut Dance and Rice Dance
12:00 Traditional Games and Banana Eating Contest
12:30 Healthy Cooking Demos
1:00 Dance Troupe: Scarf and Karp Dance

Then tonight, it’s Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink! Details here.

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for White Center Now/West Seattle Blog)
Shortly after the renovated Southgate Roller Rink opened its doors to general-public skating for the first time in more than five years (here’s our original February story about the reopening plan), this line snaked out the door and out along the walkway to the front door last night. Once inside – an energetic crowd. The following photos are by Ellen Cedergreen for WCN/WSB. First, the Derby Girls took the floor in early evening before the official opening session, to work on fundamentals:

Then at 8:30 – the first public session:

The old saying “a good time was had by all” seemed to be in order. Even for Ronda Stapleton, who Ellen says may have been the first to take a tumble, but was still smiling, bravely showing off her bruised arm:

Southgate has a skate shop, too, in case you want to buy your own skates and gear (rental skates are included in the admission fee if you need them):

Video in the works.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz sent video from the “soft open” for Southgate Roller Rink, officially opening tomorrow night.

ADDED EARLY THURSDAY. More from Deanie:

Rat City Rollergirls’ Annie Warhead and Know Mercy (l, r) say that lots of other RCRG’s teams’ members are planning on attending Thursday night’s event.

That’s Jesse, Company Bar owner, narrowly escaping a fall by holding onto the table where “Meaty” of Uncle Mike’s BBQ is putting on skates. Meaty was celebrating his 65th birthday tonight. Company Bar will be offering happy hour-priced drinks all weekend to anybody who has their Southgate admission ticket when ordering at Company.

Born and raised in West Seattle, Gil McLynne said he used to go to the Southgate Rink all the time when he was a kid. It’s been about ten years since he’s been on skates. Asked how many times he fell tonight, Gil said he preferred not to disclose that, but girlfriend Megan quickly chimed in that she made it around several times without falling. In spite of a couple of falls, Gil was excited about Southgate, “This is so great. It is really awesome. These guys are going to do great here.” Gil thought a men’s derby league might be a fun idea.

Keshia Elder and Ada Johanson, both skaters, are the first Southgate employees. They fit all the customers with brand new skates and while they will provide the right fit for your shoe size, they can’t guarantee you will remain vertical and moving.

(Photos by Deanie Schwarz for WCN)
Inside Southgate Roller Rink, with two nights to go until it officially reopens Thursday night, it’s really starting to look like a rink! WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz stopped by to check in – and the shot that really hits it home is the one with the shelves full of skates:

The Seattle Derby Brats are a flat-track junior girls derby (ages 8-17) and two of their members, Board Member and Coach Kathi Webster (aka Katy Didit) and her daughter Mallie (aka Mal intent) were hard at work when Deanie stopped by, siting the logos which will adorn the south wall of the rink.

The derby grrrls are hand-painting the official Southgate Roller Rink logo (which can soon also be found on T-shirts available for purchase in the rink shop, along with inline skates, and assorted gear). Soon to be added on the wall will be the logos for the Seattle Derby Brats and the Rat City Roller Girls. Teen Night for the Grand Opening is Friday, and All Ages Derby Skate is Sunday night.

Owner Josh Rhoads told Deanie that the nearly 10,000-square-foot floor will receive another plasticking coat in about a month. Skate time on the newly stripped and refinished floor helps smooth down newly exposed surface fibers and allows the first few coats to completely absorb. Additional finishing coats will be added over the next few months too, to gradually build up the floor. Co-owner John Venables told Deanie that he won’t be happy until there are at least five coats of finish protecting the unique old-growth oak and maple wood laid more than 80 years ago in a one-of-a-kind, skater-friendly, octagonal configuration. (Here’s her February report on the reopening plan.)