The Athens Ohio Roller Derby, or AORD, is holding its annual Back to School Bash Doubleheader at the Athens Community Center Saturday.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and the event will kick off at 2 p.m., with the Black Diamond Betties playing the first bout against the Ohio Valley Roller Girls. The Appalachian Hell Betties will play immediately after, going up-against The World.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door and online.
Educators receive $2 off of their ticket and 15% off merchandise with valid ID at the door, and kids under age 10 receive free admission.
Leanne Bechter, known in the derby as Leannimal and AORD President, says the event will be different from their other bouts.
“The Hell Betties are playing against what we're calling The World,” Bechter said. “It's a mashup of skaters from around the area, or actually different states too. The Black Diamond Betties are playing first, which is different than usual. And it is also a dry belt, so we won't be having any alcohol sales.”
Jennifer Bennett, AORD vice president and chair of the coaching and training committee, also known as Gorges Curves, says the mashup team consists of different skaters who have never played together before.
“I think we're going to have a highly competitive game for our first game,” Bennett said. “The Hell Betties are taking on a mid-scrimmage team, so we made a call out to all the leagues in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky, to say, ‘Hey, send us your skaters, we'll put together a mashup team.’ This is the first time we've played a true mashup team, where they haven't played together at all. They're all coming to town to play us.”
Jasmine Facun, creative director of AORD and derby name Sweet N. Lowdown, agrees the event will be different this year for a number of reasons, including a partnership with Skate Jam.
“We are benefiting Skate Jam this year,” Facun said. “That's an event that happens each year, and they, in turn, benefit Sojourners Care Network. It'll be a lot of fun, it’s always a good time. And people should come out, it’s kid friendly. Kids 10 and under are free, so bring your kids. Have a good time.”
Although the Back to School Bash is one of AORD's bigger events, it has monthly bouts as well.
There are a lot of opportunities to join competitive sports teams in the area, but roller derby is significant because it gives women the chance to flourish, according to Facun.
“I think that roller derby is special because it's a space where women really thrive and dominate,” Facun said. “We're also very inclusive. It's a space of women of all ages, all sizes. There's really no body type for roller derby. We have people from 18 all the way through 60 years old on our team, and they are all valuable and valued members of our team.”
Bennett encourages those wanting to learn more about the team to get involved within a multitude of ways.
“There are a plethora of ways to get involved with the team,” Bennett said. “Show up to our bouts, bring your friends, have a good time. The next level from that would be a volunteer.”
Along with participating in events, volunteering to sell tickets and merch during games, people can be a non-skating official.
"We have volunteers from local organizations, or just people that love derby that help sell our tickets or help sell our merch during the games," Bennett said. “The level up from that are non-skating officials, these are league members or volunteers that help us put on our game, so they run our penalty box, and keep our score.”
The Saturday event is the best time to join the derby, according to Bennett.
"If you want to play, now is a great time for that,” she said. “We have our learn-to-skate derby program coming up; it starts in October, and it's on Wednesday nights at Dow's Roller Arena. It’s $120 bucks, and it's 10 weeks long. We teach you how to skate, and how to skate safely. The idea is to get ready for roller derby, and then you can be a skater.”
