Sports
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Chancellor Linda Bunnell driving Bunny Luv in her latest derby run. She finished second in a rip-roaring, tear-it-up competition
Chancellor withdraws, joins demolition derby
The Pointless
hseba128@uwsp.edu
Linda Bunnell, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, has temporarily set aside her duties to become the newest member of the National Demolition Derby Circuit.
Bunnell, a long time competitor in the underground circuit, has finally made the transition to a more fruitful and insured career in the ever-changing world of professional derby competitions.
“I love this sport, but it was starting to become spendy with the tickets I was getting in the amateur street competitions,” said Bunnell, who has received tickets of up to $172. The latest ticket was given on Feb. 17, 2009.
According to Bunnell, her underground demo derby habits aren’t “that big of a deal.”
With the move to the pros, Bunnell now has protection from the police citations, and the UW Board of Regents has even offered to donate the cars needed to compete.
Bunnell competed for the first time in the “Night of Destruction – Twisted Metal” competition, located in Deliverance, Mo. Bunnell unleashed her fury. No longer having to worry about streetlights and parked cars, she was able to show her full talents.
Driving the number 66, red 2009 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme aptly named Bunny Luv, she finished in second place, after having one of her wheels taken off by a high impact crash with Biff Striker, the number one demo derby driver in the United States.
“She put up a hell of a fight,” said Striker. “You could tell she was ready for this. Next time it won’t be so close. I wouldn’t want to be the guy that loses to her. Nothing gets in her way, not even the law.”
“It was nice to finally compete without the worry of police interference and improperly parked cars in my way,” said Bunnell.
Even the fans are rooting for Bunnell. Over 500 students and faculty members from UW-SP showed up to root for her in Missouri.
“We’re just glad to see her being able to do what she loves,” said Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, Bob Tomlinson.
Bunnell can be seen in all her glory when she competes again at the Choctaw County Fair in Butler, Ala. The derby starts at 7:30 p.m. on April 27. Local viewers can view the competition live on STV.
This article was written for “The Pointless” - The Pointer’s April Fools Day alter ego
