The Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars league has announced some changes to its program for the upcoming season.
Since its inception in 2010, the all-female, flat track roller derby league has been adjusting to best meet the needs of the community. This year is no different. Describing the region as “saturated” with similar leagues, PRDR President Lisa “Lawless” Varley Wacker says this is a rebuilding year.
In the spirit of inclusivity, Coach Tamrin “Splinch” Jenison says one of the biggest changes is the fact that all skaters will now train together regardless of skill level.
Skaters of all skill levels were invited to a Winter Conditioning session on Thursday, Jan. 12 at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink. “Skaters that have been with us from a while now, they have been off skates since October,” said Jenison, describing the evening as a way to “kick yourself in the butt and get moving again” for anyone that would be interested.
The league is planning to start up the season in early February. The exact date is yet to be determined.
“We have a lot of exciting plans. We just want to mix it up a little bit this season. We’ve been doing the same thing for a long time; we want to add some excitement.” She says they will still function as a recreational intra-league, with some adjustments. “We want to do something completely different, something that’s our own.”
For now, Jension says they’re calling it “Rockstar Roller Derby” and they’re not yet ready to delve into the details of what that entails. Anyone interested to learn more will have to check out a roller derby practice for themselves.
“When the season does start, it’s pretty much open recruitment constantly. We’re trying to make practices all-inclusive. So instead of having ‘Fresh Meat’ complete separated from skaters who have been here for a while, we’re bringing everybody together in one space and learning from each other – essentially.”
Wacker says the changes being implemented this year will help strengthen the league. “The area is so saturated with roller derby teams that we just have to make our base a lot stronger.”
The 2017 season is expected to run from February to October. The league will be meeting for practice twice a week for three hours at a time. Jenison says the first hour of each practice, particularly in the beginning, will be dedicated to basic skills. This is an opportunity for new skaters to learn what roller derby is all about. All practices will be held at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink, the league’s new home.
Another new piece – the league is partnering with the Pottstown Athletic Club for off-skates strength training once a month.
“The more involved we can be in the community, the better,” said Jenison.
Coming up – the PRDR is sponsoring adult skate nights on the third Friday of every month at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink in Pottstown. These will be themed parties featuring open skate and a costume contest. This month’s party will be 80’s-themed and will be held Jan. 27 from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Entrance is $10, which includes skate rental.
PRDR will also be hosting an open house on Thursday, Feb. 16, which will include skating demonstrations a chance to meet some Rockstars. The community is invited to attend.
In addition to skaters, the league also uses referees and non-skating officials.
“There are all sorts of positions that we need help with that don’t necessarily involve direct skating, so if you want to be involved with roller derby – there’s still a spot for you,” said Jension. “Derby is not just a physical thing; it’s not just a sport. It’s a spiritual thing as well. We want to create an environment that enhances that.”
News and updates from the league can be found on the Pottstown Roller Derby Facebook page.
