Six months ago, the women of the WestCo Roller Derby team were getting ready to mark their 10th anniversary and play their first game since 2019 when it was unexpectedly canceled at the last minute.
“It was an emotional blow to us, but we’re a resilient team,” said WestCo President and captain Sarah “Sham Pain Sadie” Welch of Youngwood. “It’ll be wonderful to reconnect with other teams and our audience.”
The team has found a new home at Palmer Imaging Arena in Salem, and will host its first game Saturday against the Warrin’ Wrecking Dolls, a roller derby team out of Pine Grove Township, Warren County.
Basic roller derby play involves short periods called “jams,” in which each team lines up five skaters, four of whom are blockers and one designated as the “jammer.” Each team’s jammer begins behind both teams’ blockers and must pick their way to the front, scoring a point for each opposing blocker they lap. Blockers compete for superior position and try to prevent the opposing team’s jammer from getting past, while helping their own jammer make it through.
“It’s been a joy to bring this sport to the community over the years,” said longtime WestCo team member Karen “Code Red” Struble Myers of Unity. “We’re excited to bring it back and make our debut (at Palmer Imaging Arena).”
Welch agreed.
“It’s such a fun night out for people looking to see the sport for the first time,” she said.
The game is at 7 p.m. Saturday at the arena, 100 Center Ice Drive in Salem, near Delmont. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For tickets, email westcorollerderby@gmail.com.
WestCo team members range in age from 20 to over 40, and they host periodic recruitment events and skill camps throughout the season. For more, see Facebook.com/Westcoderby.
