Whidbey’s own derby gets rolling

Is it a sport? A game? Entertainment? Yes and no. It’s the Whidbey Wenches Roller Derby team. These ladies aren’t messing around when it comes to skates and a rink. They come equipped with heavy-duty skates, body pads, mouth guards and a competitive drive to win.

April 17, 2010 5:00 am
Whidbey Wenches Roller Derby Team members take a moment to rest on the bleachers before an endurance practice Thursday afternoon. Left to right: Neela Jarrott (Smack Skellington)
Whidbey Wenches Roller Derby Team members take a moment to rest on the bleachers before an endurance practice Thursday afternoon. Left to right: Neela Jarrott (Smack Skellington)

Is it a sport? A game? Entertainment? Yes and no. It’s the Whidbey Wenches Roller Derby team.

These ladies aren’t messing around when it comes to skates and a rink. They come equipped with heavy-duty skates, body pads, mouth guards and a competitive drive to win.

“It’s a lot of fun and a lot worth it,” said Coty Reynolds, the woman behind the Wenches. “It’s a good way to socialize and get in shape.”

Reynolds, a 26-year-old Dallas, Texas native, and the rest of the newly-formed team recently met at the grass fields adjacent to the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool for group endurance training.

The ladies drill every other Thursday at the park and skate twice a week at Skagit Skate in Burlington on Friday and Saturday nights.

Although the team is still in its infancy, Reynolds hopes to have a group ready for the upcoming derby season, which runs from August through November.

“We’re just trying to get the foundation,” said Katie Blahnik, a derby team member who’s helping with the group’s formation.

They’re in the process of becoming a nonprofit and hope to gain local sponsorship for the upcoming season, she said.

So far the group has drummed up interest from their Facebook fan page, Whidbey Island/Oak Harbor Roller Derby and support from the BBQ Joint.

Flat track women’s roller derby gained popularity in the early 2000s, according to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

Each race consists of two teams of five and runs for one hour divided into two 30-minute halves. There are three positions: jammers, pivots and blockers. Jammers score points by skating through the blockers, pivots guide the team members and set the pace, and blockers keep the jammers from scoring.

Monthly dues are $40, which cover Women’s Flat Track Derby Association dues and skater insurance. Each athlete also must have their own gear, including skates, pads, helmet and mouth guard.

Contact the group by email at ohrdleague@gmail.com, or call Cody Reynolds at (214) 578-7733. The Wenches Web site, www.whidbeyderby.com, will be up and running within the next week or two.