Laughlin roller derby team rolls into Del Rio

  • Published
  • By Jessica Brown
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Anticipation fills the air as five skaters wait for the referee to blow the whistle. Four of the players know it is their job to protect the jammer, the player with the star on her helmet. The jammer knows it is her job to be faster than everyone else on the track.

Although she is only at practice, Staff Sgt. Aileen "Skatey" Perry, 47th MDOS, knows that practice makes perfect. She rocks back and forth in her old-school, four-wheeled skates as her adrenaline begins to rush. She stares straight ahead in anticipation of the jam ahead. When the whistle blows, she knows she will have to sprint as fast as she can in an attempt to earn her team points.

Perry is a part of Del Rio's first roller derby team, the Hell Rio Rollers. Perry said the team wanted a name that was a clever play on words, one that showed they were loyal to the town, and Hell Rio Rollers seemed to fit.

The team was recently founded by Capt. Alison "Baum Threat" Baum, 47th Medical Operations Squadron, who played while stationed in San Antonio.

"I hadn't thought about forming a team until I talked to Skatey Perry and found that there were other women who were really interested in the sport," said Baum.

The Rollers fall under the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, which is an organization that regulates the roller derby league by coordinating rules. The WFTDA currently governs 72 inter-league competitions.

Roller derby takes place on a circular track with two five-member teams. Each team has four blockers and one jammer. The jammer is the only member of the team who can score and is usually distinguishable by the stars on her helmet. The jammer can only score when she passes a member of the opposing team. Blockers attempt to prevent the other team's jammer from scoring by blocking her attempt to pass.

A jam is a two-minute period when the jammers attempt to pass opposing players to score points. In between jams there is a thirty second break to allow teams to switch positions and hydrate themselves before the next jam. The team with the most points after an hour bout wins.

According to the WFTDA, roller derby began in the early 1920s as skating races. In the 1930s the game evolved from a marathon style of racing to a more physical competition that emphasized contact, evolving into what is known as roller derby today.

Although all of the teams within the WFTDA are comprised of women, there are male roller derby teams that do exist. But since the Rollers associate themselves with the WFTDA, there are no men on their team.

"Although this is mostly a woman's sport, it certainly does not mean that the men can't participate. We are always in the need of more referees. Even if they can't play, they should still come out and support us in the sidelines," said Baum.

Unfortunately, there is a strong stigma attached to roller derby, especially after it was broadcasted in the 1990s on television as a staged, violent sport with action stunts.

"Today, roller derby is about staying ahead and getting points, not hurting other players," said Baum.

However, due to the nature of the fast-paced sport there are bound to be injuries. To help prevent injuries the WFTDA created regulations to make roller derby a safer game. There are penalties for illegal hits and players are required to wear protective gear.

The Hell Rio Rollers have also taken extra precautions to prevent injuries. To compete, players must be at least 18 and the members who are active duty have to submit an Air Force Form 55 for approval through their squadron safety officer.

"In a way, this sport is safer than basketball. We wear gear to protect our mouths, knees, arms, wrists and head. And when new members come out, we teach them how to fall safely and how to trust their pads," said Baum.

After all of the necessary safety precautions are handled, the Hell Rio Rollers get straight to work preparing their team for action.

In addition to attending practices, players take on nick-names and wear costumes during the game. These costumes usually depict some characteristic of the players' nick-name. For instance, Baum is "Baum Threat" and her costume includes red knit tights.

Some of the other Hell Rio Roller players and nick-names are: Airman 1st Class Kathleen Davidson as "Madame Merciless," Senior Airman Xanthe Pajarillo as "Xana Doom," Staff Sgt. Aileen Perry as "Skatey Perry" and Airman Chloe Ullah as "Ullah G."Airman Olivia Oteo, Capt. Katie Ragan and Capt. Julia Vanover are members as well, but are still searching for their nick-names. All of the members listed are assigned to the 47th MDOS.

Despite the fun costumes and witty names, the players are serious about their sport and training is rigorous so they can increase speed and improve strategy and athleticism. New members who are looking to join do not have to have experience, they only need to show up and the team can teach the rest. The Hell Rio Rollers hold practices every Thursday at 5 p.m. at The Spot, 301 Margaret Lane, Del Rio.

"We recommend showing up to try skating with the rentals, bring pads in case you trip, and decide from there if it's right for you. We're not going to tackle you or anything, at least not on your first time," said Perry.