Appalachian Roller Derby provides meaningful experience
Members of the Appalachian Roller Derby skate around during a recent practice session.
September 13, 2019
For Rebecca Tobiassen, roller derby is worth all the bruises the physical nature of the game causes.
“I would say it changed my life, really,” Tobiassen said. “I’m a mom of two, and so, it’s really great to have the team. You become friends with them, and it’s just a great release, all the physicality. I need it to help keep me sane.”
Tobiassen is the Appalachian Roller Derby president and “fresh meat” training program coordinator.
Appalachian Roller Derby is “an 18+ all-female, skater-run flat track roller derby league based in Boone,” according to its website.
The team started in 2010 after an App State student made a post to Facebook about creating a team. Tobiassen, or “Bam Bam Becca” on the derby track, is starting her third season with the team and has become close with many of her teammates through all the work they put in together.
Appalachian Roller Derby president Rebecca “Bam Bam” Tobiassen skates during a recent practice.
“You work out with them outside of practice; you end up talking about your lives in general,” Tobiassen said. “The losing, and the winning, and just constantly practicing with them, and spending time with them. We all work at it together.”
Junior biology major Shannon Pate, or “Strawberry Burn,” said how important the team is to her and what it adds to her life.
“I’ve gained supportive friends that are there for whatever you need,” Pate said. “I’ve gained positive role models and sources of positive energy.”
App State graduate Brianne Armstrong, or “Bullyt (sic) Bri,” has also formed close relationships with her roller derby teammates.
“They’ve given me a second family that I know I can be around and not be judged,” Armstrong said.
Appalachian Roller Derby isn’t associated with App State, but the school does have a roller derby club and some students are members of both. ARD is split into two teams: the Appalachian Roller Derby is the “A” team and the ARD Booneshiners are the “B” team.
The basic objective of the game is for the jammer to get through or lap the other team’s blockers to score a point. Both teams have five players on the rink at a time, usually four blockers and one jammer. The blockers often use physical force to try to prevent the jammers from scoring. Sometimes, the jammer will try to physically break past the blockers. Other times, the jammer will try to use speed and agility to get past the blockers and score a point.
Both teams practice and play at the Youth Outreach Skating Rink in West Jefferson.
On Aug. 17 in West Jefferson, the “A” team beat a Charlottesville, Virginia, team 178-166 and the Booneshiners beat a team from River City, Virginia. It was the last bout of the season for the ARD and the Booneshiners.
“Sometimes you’re able to do it with sheer speed and talent just by kind of flying through around the outside,” Tobiassen said. “But, generally, it’s pretty physical.”
Games consist of two 30-minute halves and an overtime period if the score is tied.
“We are required to wear helmets, mouthguards, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads and then you can wear whatever equipment other places,” Tobiassen said.
The ARD hosted its annual boot camp on Aug. 25 and is gearing up for its upcoming season. The schedule has not been released.
“It’s a great sport; it gives you a great workout, and we try to be as welcoming and open to all different sorts of people. It’s just a great thing to do,” Tobiassen said.
