Local youths take the ice

Mighty Oberlin skaters roll into Lorain County Thunderdome

Local Oberlin youths took the initiative to obtain space for their recreation on wheels by making an agreement that allows them to coexist in the space that houses the College's hockey team.

All Oberlin students are free to bring their skateboards, in-line skates, bikes or rollerskates into the rink commonly known as the Lorain County Hockey Thunderdome.

Interested parties should be warned that a determined, passionate and sensitive crew of 11-year olds has established itself as the leading patron of the Thunderdome. They welcome and certainly encourage Oberlin students to come and share the dome with them. However, they would warn any potentially rowdy undergrads against disturbing them.

Michael Gordon, age 12, recalls a certain College hockey game during which he reportedly saw College students using drugs, guns and beer. "They were smoking and fighting. The place was trashed."

Right now the environment seems much more subdued. Many children are still learning how to skate and several skaters voiced concerns over their peers' safety. On certain days, such as September 5, no aggressive skating, like jumping and grinding, will be allowed.

Until then, Gordon and the rest of the gang who signed petitions to open the Thunderdome to skateboards and bikes still hold sway over their domain.