Roller derby queens Rox Ann Stones, Owl Gore on their favorite Columbia things
Maisie Osteen has been a competitive athlete her whole life.
But it wasn’t until the age of 22, after moving home to Charlottesville, Va., that she was first introduced to roller derby.
“My dad actually suggested derby,” said Osteen, who previously had played lacrosse. “He said, ‘I’ve got a new sport that you would love. Big girls moving at a high rate of speed, running into each other – and in fishnet stockings.”
Soon, Osteen moved to Columbia to work as a lawyer with the Richland County Public Defender’s Office and joined the Columbia Quadsquad Rollergirls, a skater-governed, all-female flat track roller derby league.
And that’s where she met Colorado native Marcy Utheim who moved to Columbia to work as a pathologist’s assistant in 2009 and became involved with QuadSquad after she saw a roller derby flyer at a coffee shop.
“I knew very little about how to skate, and even less about the game of roller derby. But I went to an informational meeting and immediately felt I was in the presence of strong, independent women,” Utheim said.
Today, the two are best known by their roller derby names – Rox Ann Stones (Osteen) and Owl Gore (Utheim).
EAT
Rox: Probably my favorite food is sushi and there are so many great places in town. When I am looking for no frills, just quick, cheaper, and delicious sushi I head to Sushi Yoshi in Five Points. My favorite lunch special in maybe the world is at Inayaka out in St. Andrews. When I am feeling super fancy I head to Assembly and slide back the secret door to the gem that is Camon. After a long night, I love brunch at Eggs Up Grill. My favorite best kept secret is 7 Mares (Mexican Restaurant) on Highway 1.
Owl: Mice and lizards. Kidding! I love anywhere my carnivorous husband, my ever-hungry teenager, and I – a non-self-righteous vegetarian – can eat together. Jake’s, Pawleys Front Porch, and Cafe Strudel are my weekday favorites because I can get an awesome vegetarian burger and sit on the patio with the family and the dog. On the weekend I love to snag a booth and bottomless coffee at Just Us Cafe in Cayce. It shouldn’t even be a question – just get the biscuit. Also, the sweet potato noodles with mushroom stroganoff at Good Life Cafe.
PLAY
Rox: Although rolling around with the QuadSquad is my favorite thing to do, there are so many other great things to do in Cola. I love taking my dog to the Riverwalk, hitting up Soda City on Saturday mornings, and catching great shows at the Art Museum (Remix was amazing). Also, I try not to miss an Arts & Draughts.
Owl: In addition to roller derby, of course, I also love running; I never get tired of the Firebreak Trail loop at Harbison State Forest, but I also enjoy running local road races. I found a coach through the Strictly Running store who helped me really learn to have fun with racing, so I definitely consider running my playtime. If I’m not skating or running, a great day would include an Owl Prowl at Congaree National Park, or feeding the goats at Riverbank Zoo.
DRINK
Rox: For the most delicious day drinking I get all my caffeine needs fulfilled at Drip! Not only is their coffee the most delicious around but they are a great friend to Columbia roller derby. My office has our weekly happy hour at Goats in Five Points. Their drinks are always mixed to perfection and their kitchen puts out amazing nibbles to match. No drink list could be complete without a mention of everyone’s favorite underground bar, The Whig. It finds a way to make everyone feel like they know a secret. Man, I love it. Now, for the unexpected, the “Asian Zinger” at Good Life Cafe is undeniably refreshing and delicious.
Owl: Coffee all day, everyday. Drip for delicious black coffee (Ethiopia is my go-to roast), or, if I’m treating myself, a honey habenero latte made with soy milk. The White Sangria at Good Life Cafe is muy delicioso on a warm, slow Southern evening. I also love an after-derby beer at The Whig or TLC. I usually go for something like a Palmetto Espresso Porter or Duck Rabbit Milk Stout, but I’m never mad at a Guinness. And, for the finer nights, I love the Pomegranate/Ginger Martini at Saki Tumi (in a rocks glass because I’m clumsy).
LISTEN
Rox: Columbia has a great music scene. Between awesome festivals and great local bands we are in an unexpected hotspot for great tunes. I went to the Rhythm & Blooms series this year and saw my favorite band Whiskey Tango Review. It made for a great evening. The Mardis Gras festival is a great place for fantastic tunes too. In fact, I have never gone to a show at Music Farm that I didn’t enjoy.
Owl: This time of year I love to listen to marching bands. I can hear the USC band practice from my house, and on Friday nights I like to go to the high school football games and hear my son and the Brookland-Cayce marching band play. I also love a good old-fashioned, get-your-shoulders-sweaty-in-a-mosh-pit-type punk show at New Brookland Tavern. Or, Le Jazz Café in Finlay Park.
SEE
Rox: It seems too easy, but I love The Nickelodeon. Who doesn’t enjoy a classy wine or a cheeky beer when watching the best new releases? Recently, Owl and I saw the best movie, “The Hunt for the Wilderpeople.” I hadn’t been so captivated by a flick in a long time. I also just checked out “Anatomy of a Hug” at Trustus Theatre and it was amazing.
Owl: (Anything at) The Nick. Also, live comedy is high on my list. The Soda City Stand Up crew at New Brookland or Art Bar never disappoint. For bigger nights out, I love when Cirque shows come to Columbia. Oh my gosh, also the Henderson Bros. Burlesque show on Valentine’s Day is the best.