Roller Girls celebrate a ‘Decade of Derby’
The Chattanooga Roller Girls will celebrate their 10th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 11, with a doubleheader against the Big Easy Rollergirls of New Orleans. The bout will be held in the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St.
“Decade of Derby” will open with a B-team bout at 5 p.m. followed by the Roller Girls’ match-up.
Macy Licht, a blocker on the roller-derby team, explains the sport.
“We hit each other,” said Licht, known by teammates as Lady MacDeath.
“You have a circle called a track. You have five players from each team on it. Four of those are considered blockers and one of them is called the jammer. That’s for each team. The jammers have a star on their helmets and they are the ones who score the points. You score points by passing an opposing blocker,” Licht describes.
“So basically, the blockers are trying to keep the other team’s jammer from getting through what are called walls. You make walls by forming them with your bodies, so you’re trying to stop the opposing jammer while also letting your jammer get through the opposing wall,” she said.
With players padded in kneepads, mouth guards and helmets, it’s a safe way to release steam.
“It lets you channel some aggression,” she said. “It’s good therapy and it’s a lot cheaper than traditional therapy sessions.”
About 30 women founded Chattanooga Roller Girls in 2008. The women’s flat-track roller-derby league played its first bout in December 2009, and attracted crowds of more than 1,000 people by mid-2011. The women organized the team on the basis of embracing diversity, said Licht.
“One of my favorite things about roller derby is how inclusive it is,” she said. “No matter your size, body type, age, background, even if you’ve never skated before, you are welcome and we want you.”
Women ages 18 and older interested in joining the team may contact the group at JoinCRG@ chattanoogarollergirls. com
Proceeds from Saturday’s bout will benefit Bridge Chattanooga, an outreach of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The group connects Dalewood Middle School students to outdoor adventures and various career opportunities.
Sarah Quattrochi, the church’s youth and community engagement director, will attend her first roller derby match Saturday.
“It’s awesome to have the opportunity for women to compete and show strength,” she said.
Tickets are $10 before the day of the event or $12 at the door. Purchase tickets from derby participants or online at https:// bpt.me/3518798 up to the night before the bout.
Contact Yolanda Putman at yputman@ timesfreepress.com or 423757-6431.