Following an undefeated season, Emerald Coast Roller Derby takes to the flat track again gearing up for the first bout, a doubleheader, March 28. ECRD President Tabitha “Thump” North said this season may be different with five to six new promising girls lacing up skates and a teammate taking a step up to head coach, Ariel “Ragin’ Cajun” Staten. Additional news for ECRD is a changeover from operating a business to a nonprofit organization.
On the sports side, North said last season went so well due to a good coaching plan and good, passionate skaters. She said no other sport has the kind of diversity roller derby does with players who are also florists, teachers, nurses, and military with ages ranging from 22 to grandmother. New this year, North said an art student and a business owner are on the squad.
ECRD also has two returning members who had taken time out last season. Jennifer “G.I. Jen” Couty has been off since October. Debby “Deb Autry” Meyer, ECRD treasurer, said she’s also excited for Kathleen “Knuckles” Atwill’s hitting skills to return to the track.
With a new direction on the track, ECRD also is taking strides off track with the process of becoming a nonprofit almost completed. Meyer said ECRD will have more opportunities as a nonprofit since some events such as Skratch Ankle only allow nonprofit organizations to take part while other events, like the Lumberjack Festival, charge nonprofits nothing to be there.
North said ECRD may represent in the March 7 Tough Mudder challenge and plans to attend the masquerade ball at the Imogene Theater for Mardi Gras. Meyer said ECRD already holds some fundraisers but will be able to increase this activity as a 501(c)3. As it is, she said every ECRD bout benefits other local nonprofits like Cram the Van and Favor House. As ECRD grows and changes, expect to read more about them as the season commences.
For those interested in joining, ECRD holds practice at Skateland on Sundays at 5:30 for beginners with an example scrimmage the second hour. Regular practices are on Wednesday at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Meyer said ECRD is always on the lookout for new talent as well as referees. Meyer also hinted ECRD is interested in starting a junior league, but they’ll need help to run it.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Roller derby gets back on track