By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ryan Phelps is a busy 12-year-old. Ryan, who attends St. John the Baptist School in Colerain Township, is into playing basketball and indoor soccer. He also plays the clarinet and electric guitar.

Right now, he's in between seasons with his roller hockey team at the Clippard YMCA, but he plans to hit the rink as soon as he's done shooting baskets. An eight-year veteran, Ryan says he enjoys the camaraderie of his teammates.

What is it?

Roller hockey.

How did you get started?

When I was 4 years old, I watched The Mighty Ducks movie. It made me want to skate. My parents bought me Rollerblades and I taught myself how to skate.

What do you get out of it?

I get new friends out of it. It's a fun, good way to let your anger out and gets you away from the world.

How much does it cost to get started?

If you had to buy all of the equipment, it would easily cost $250 starting out. You have to pay for the jersey, about $30; registration fee, about $45; and the fee each game you play, $5.25.

What type of equipment do you need?

You need a helmet, kneepads, elbow pads, roller hockey skates or inline skates, fitness cup, hockey gloves and a hockey stick. Chest and shoulder pads are suggested. The equipment usually lasts a long time.

How long did it take to learn?

For a new person, I think it would take two to four months to learn.

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Basic Training spotlights Greater Cincinnatians who work hard at having fun. To nominate someone who keeps fit by playing sports or developing a new skill, e-mail srhone@enquirer.com, fax 768-8330 or write to Basic Training, The Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Include a daytime phone number for you and your nominee.