Some people dream of having an alter ego - a person they can be outside of the daily grind of the workplace.

While there are no phone booths or capes involved, the La Crosse Skating Sirens roller derby team gives women in the area the chance to leave behind the worries of the day, exercise and even work out some of their frustrations.

The Skating Sirens were founded on April 1, 2009 by team president Melissa Larivee. Larivee, who was originally a member of the Mississippi Valley Mayhem, the other local roller derby team, formed the Sirens, and they began practicing in June.

The Skating Sirens have 17 skaters, but team vice president Marghie Arttus said they always are looking for more. Women age 18 and up are welcome, and there is no age limit. The team presently has members ranging from high school to age 47.

"If somebody is 60 years old and wants to come skate with us, more power to them," said Arttus, whose skating alias is "Hiss'n Kitten."

Arttus was looking for something outside of the basketball, volleyball and softball leagues offered in the area. She went on the Web site www.craigslist.org and searched "roller derby."

"I e-mailed the Sirens and found out about them and joined them. The rest is history," said Artuss, who was the third member of the Skating Sirens. "I love skating; it's fun. Getting out there,

getting on your skates, it's great camaraderie."

The Skating Sirens don't have a conference of teams to compete against, so their bouts involve teams from all over. They've faced off twice against Cedar Rapids and once against Harbor City. They have an 0-3 record in their first year of competition. This Saturday they'll compete again the Paper Valley Flyin' Squirrels out of Appleton at 7 p.m. at the La Crosse Center.

The Sirens hope to one day be part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which Arttus said is the "NFL of roller derby." Teams need two years of league play under their belts to be part of WFTDA.

Roller derby bouts last 60 minutes, with two 30 minute periods. Teams have five skaters on the track at a time, a jammer, who is the team's point scorer, a lead blocker, and three other blockers. The jammer's job is to pass all of the opponent's team members. Every time the jammer passes the opposing team, her team gets a point. If the jammer laps the other team it's called a "grand slam," which is good for an additional point.

While roller derby was a popular sport in the 1970s, Arttus believes it is making a comeback because it is a sport geared toward women. There are very few men's derby teams.

"Professionals, moms and people that want to skate," Arttus added. "It's just a thing for women to do and have fun and have that derby family."

Artuss said being part of the Skating Sirens also is a good way to get out some of your frustrations after a long day at work.

"I'm on the computer all day," she said. "To get all my aggressions out on the floor that way is wonderful. I look forward to practice every week. We have moms, students, home healthcare workers - they all kind of feel the same way. If they had a bad day, they're pumped, and they'll maybe hit a little bit harder."

Hitting harder involves following the rules, though. Players can use their hips, upper forearms and butts to make contact with other players. They cannot touch another player's back, elbow other skaters or trip without getting a penalty. With contact comes injury, although Arttus said it's mostly bumps and bruises, as all players wear knee pads, elbow pads, helmets and mouth guards.

"It's entertaining, and it's fun to go out and play," Arttus said, "Every bout that we have we learn a little more about strategy and what to do."

The Skating Sirens are looking for referees. If you're interested or would like more information, go to www.skatingsirens.com.