One of the greats, Joan Weston, women's captain of the Pioneers in the Fall of 1971.
One of the premier Roller Derby teams in the 1960s-1980s were known as the Midwest (Chicago) Pioneers. The team took part in the International Roller Derby League (1964-1973). The team replaced the Chicago Westerners who were an original member of the National Roller Derby League in 1949.
The Pioneers also skated in the International Roller Skating League (1977-1987) and at times were in the American Roller Skating Derby (2006-2016).
The Pioneers had some great talent during the IRDL run. Led by some great coaches as Bob Venter, Bert Wall, George Copeland, Bob Woodberry, Bob Hein, Dave Pound, Bill Groll, Nick Scopas, Gil Orozco and Buddy Atkinson Sr. Women's captains included Mary Youpelle, Margie Laszlo, Sandy Dunn, Ann Calvello and Joan Weston.
This blogger has learned a lot more about the Pioneer history thanks, in great part, due to a Facebook page. Known as Midwest Pioneers Roller Derby Memories led by the admin, Steve Cole, it has facts and memories of the Pioneers throughout the page.
Please check it out for more info regarding the Midwest (Chicago) Pioneers.
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