There is a lot going on at Broad Ripple High School. Beyond serving as the north side IPS high school with both Humanities and Performing Arts magnet schools, it is also the home of the Broad Ripple Farmers' Market (every Saturday from 8am to noon, through October). Starting with the July 22, 2006, season opener, BRHS is now the place to watch the home games of the Women's Professional Football League (WPFL) team, the Indiana Speed. The WPFL is in its eighth season. The Indiana Speed joined the league in 2002, were the 2005 Northern Division Champions, and finished second (7-3) in the National Conference. There are 18 teams in the WPFL; the Indiana Speed, co-owned by Sandi Groth, and #87, April Priest, are the only pro womens' team in the state. There are eight games in the season - four home and four away. All the home games will be at BRHS this year. The games are on Saturday evenings and start at 7 P.M.; the gates open at 6. Snacks and refreshments are available; attendees of the opening game received bags of dog goodies that were courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus.

There are 27 women in the 2006 Indiana Speed roster. "These women go to work at their regular jobs all day, and then practice for two hours, three times a week," said coach Sam Wood. "Then they go home to their families. It is tough on them, but they do it because they love the game. They only make $1 per game, and have to raise money for uniforms and equipment."

Coach Wood explained that the difference between mens' football and womens' football is that the women are team players. There are no hot-shots, like there are in the pro-mens' teams. Also, the women come to the game without experience. Men usually come to a pro team after playing four years in high school and four years in college. Those playing opportunities don't exist for women. "For the women, it is more of a team thing," said Coach Wood. "They respect the game and want to learn all of the techniques. There are no pre-game rituals of headbutting or other things that the men do to psych themselves up to 'kill' their opponents."

The team is looking to grow in all ways - players, fans, and sponsors. Tryouts are held each year and the best athletes are chosen. New fans come as the word gets out that Indianapolis has an active pro team. The Speed is always looking for sponsors to help with the expense of running a pro football team. Several local businesses currently support the team. Sponsorships can start as low as $100 to $500. If you know someone who might like to help build our local team, have them contact Cindy Wood (317) 273-1453.

Come to a game, have a hot dog and some popcorn, and root for our Indiana Speed!