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2022 Skatemare Part 1 Program

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OHIO ROLLER DERBY 2020 SEASON UPDATE

2020 SEASON UPDATE

With the initial spread of the COVID-19 virus, Ohio Roller Derby suspended our season in hopes that our games could safely be delayed to later in the year. At this time, with the safety of our members and fans as our highest priority, we have canceled our 2020 season. Our volunteers will be reaching out to ticket holders and sponsors regarding refund or transfer options. Though we are disappointed that we will not get to share our 15th anniversary together and with our fans, we look forward to the day that we can all safely gather for some roller derby. 

Ohio Roller Derby Season Update

As we all do our part to mitigate the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, and to follow the guidelines set forth by Governor Dewine, Ohio Roller Derby has suspended our season for the time being. Roller derby is a DIY sport, and months of hard work went into preparation for the opener of our 2020 home season. While it is disappointing to suspend our season, we are #InItTogetherOhio.  We are working closely with the Ohio Expo Center to reschedule our events when we are safely able to do so. We will keep you updated on changes to our schedule on our website and social media accounts. If you have already purchased tickets for suspended games, the cost of your ticket can be applied to a future game, donated to the league, or refunded. You will receive an email with details regarding refunds and ticket exchanges from our Ticketing Committee.  We want to thank all of our fans, volunteers, and advertising partners for your patience and continued support during this unprecedented scenario. We look forward to seeing you at the next game!

2020 Season Opener Postponed

In an effort to do our part to mitigate the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, and to follow the guidelines set forth by Governor Dewine to cancel or postpone mass gatherings, we are rescheduling our doubleheader event on March 21st at the Ohio Expo Center. Roller derby is a DIY sport, and months of hard work went into preparation for the opener of our 2020 home season. While it is disappointing to reschedule the game, we do so with the best interest of our fans and all Ohioans at heart.   We are working closely with our venue, the Ohio Expo Center, to reschedule the event for later this spring. We will keep you updated on changes to our schedule on our website and social media accounts. If you have already purchased tickets for the 3/21 game, the cost of your ticket can be applied to a future game, donated to the league, or refunded. You will receive an email with details regarding refunds and ticket exchanges from our Ticketing Committee. The committee will also reach out to season ticket holders. We want to thank all of our fans, volunteers, and advertising partners for your patience and continued support during this unprecedented scenario.

Ohio Roller Derby 2020 Season Preview

UPDATE 3/13/20: In an effort to do our part to mitigate the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, and to follow the guidelines set forth by Governor Dewine to cancel or postpone mass gatherings, we have postponed our season opener at the Ohio Expo Center. Read about it here. After an intense interleague schedule culminating in a repeat appearance at the North America East Continental Cup, Ohio Roller Derby prioritized fun, rest, and recovery in late 2019. The league played two themed mixed-level games and then packed the stands for the annual Skatemare Before Christmas exhibition event. In January, skaters returned to strength training and skating fundamentals, ramping up for another season of exciting competition at all levels. Celebrating their fifteenth anniversary this year, Ohio returns to their home track at the Ohio Expo Center from mid-March through the end of June. While last season brought a handful of retirements and an influx of fresh skaters, the 2020 All Stars roster remains largely unchanged from the 2019 postseason. Captained by Amy Spears, Kelsey Khaos, and Vyles, veteran players Betty Me-Owww (formerly Betty T. KayO), Bigg Rigg, Birch Slap, BrussKnuckles, Catch Mikachu, Chainsaw, and KloverKill also return. A strong core of experienced crossover

OHRD at Battle of the All-Stars

The Battle of the All-Stars (BOTAS) has taken place in Hatfield, PA, every year since 2011. It is a tournament meant to showcase the best talent from states and provinces across North America. Ohio started fielding a team in 2013 and they haven't missed a year since. Team Ohio may be comprised of skaters from leagues all over the state, but there are several names on the roster that will be familiar to OHRD fans! Betty or not, Birch Slap, Belle A. Trix, Catch Mikachu, and active alumnus Paige Bleed were all members of Team Ohio for 2020's tournament. Skaters weren't the only ones seeing action at BOTAS this year. Each state is also represented by talented volunteers from various leagues. Head Referee Stray Taco and home announcer Final Straw filled those shoes for OHRD. Team Ohio prepared together all over the state including practices in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Playing such a demanding sport can feel daunting and playing with new teammates can be a challenge. However, OHRD's Paige Bleed says, "It was awesome! We had to attend at least five practices after making the team and learn to skate well together

The OHkapi Way

Ohio Roller Derby has a newish group in town called the OHkapi Krew. What is an OHkapi, and is it related to the African animal called an okapi? The answer: kind of.  OHRD is comprised of skaters, but also of officials--both skating and non-skating ones--who not only know the rules, but ensure safe gameplay while tracking scoring, penalties, and many other statistics. They frequently have to know how to deal with issues quickly while maintaining game flow, all while maintaining a professional, “no fun” demeanor in front of a cheering crowd. How they manage all that they do is a mystery, or just takes a lot of practice!  In not-so-recent history, referees were called zebras for obvious reasons, and non-skating officials (NSOs) wore pink shirts and were called flamingos. Recently, uniform requirements for NSOs changed, and they now wear black shirts at games. It suits them, as they run much of the behind-the-scenes work and are ninja-like. However, OHRD officials wanted to have a united identity. Someone learned of the okapi, a rainforest-dwelling relative of the giraffe which looks like a small horse that was being painted into a zebra, and whomever was doing the painting got interrupted before they could finish.

2019 Rookies!

As their first season with Ohio Roller Derby winds down and preparations begin for the next round of OHRD tryouts in September, we caught up with some members of the 2019 rookie class to discuss their experiences, joys, and growth over the past year. How did you first hear about roller derby, and what made you decide to get involved with OHRD? Slayna Scully: I first heard about roller derby back in college in 2009! I was in my first year at BGSU and went to see the Glass City Rollers and fell in love. I bought a pair of quads that year, but never had the money or the time to get involved. I skated casually and recreationally until I finished graduate school last spring, and then I was free to join OHRD, aka the league of my dreams! Nick Tater: Slayna Scully, who I knew mostly just as an acquaintance through my sister, was involved with OH-Rec League (OH!RL) and convinced me to join because she thought I would enjoy it. I've always been athletic and she just reached out randomly one day and told me to come try a WannaBe Clinic. I was hooked from that first night. I joined

Countdown to the Cup

The countdown to the WFTDA North America East Continental Cup is on! Catch up with skaters and coaches from the OHRD All Stars to find out how they’re preparing, what they loved most about the regular season, and their secrets to making magic happen on the track. OHRD took a summer break after the last home game in June. How did you spend it? Betty T. KayO: Ugh, that feels like so long ago. Elektra Magneto: There was a break? I read at least 6 books by the pool, kept up/progressed with exercise, and did derby work. Vyles: I took a fairly disastrous trip to Spain, my dad needed to have some very serious surgery, and I had to move! Let's just say I am ready for some roller derby. Kelsey Khaos: Mostly sleeping on practice nights, and enjoying some down time. The second week I started preparing my life for more intense training leading up the cup. Catch Mikachu: I spent my break training for my Ironman, playing rugby 7s, and getting back into my firefighting workout regimen. Amy Spears: Doing DIY projects around my house (I painted the trim on 23 windows!!!) and catching back up with aerial silks/trapeze classes. Birch Slap: Swimming. Traveling to Cincinnati,