Although a banker by day, Michelle Tecza spends many of her off-hours taking part in the physically demanding world of Women’s Roller Derby action. Speaking at this week’s Rotary meeting, Tecza explained that the sport initially began as a racing competition in the 1920’s. During the next couple of decades, it became more physical with a point system and rules established. The sport evolved to more of a theater-aspect of entertainment in the 1960’s only to go through a decline of popularity. Interest rekindled with creation of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association in the early 2000’s.
The fast-paced Roller Derby action involves two opposing teams of five-members each roller skating around a track. Each of their runs are timed for two minutes. Each team designates a scoring player called a “jammer.” The “jammer” scores point by lapping members of the opposing team. Offense and defense are playing at the same time as players try to help their jammer past the opposition while blocking the other team’s jammer from getting through. There are extremely strict rules for how one maneuvers around the rink and pushes people aside without getting a penalty.
Tecza is a member of the “Barbed Wire Betties.” Besides the physical training needed for an actual competition, Tecza is also responsible for an extensive equipment list including helmet, mouth guard, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, skates, toe stops , and jersey and helmet covers. The Barbed Wire Betties are organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit group. They play home games at the Kishwaukee YMCA. Tecza said participants and members of the audience can all enjoy the strategy, skill, and excitement of the roller derby matches.
The fast-paced Roller Derby action involves two opposing teams of five-members each roller skating around a track. Each of their runs are timed for two minutes. Each team designates a scoring player called a “jammer.” The “jammer” scores point by lapping members of the opposing team. Offense and defense are playing at the same time as players try to help their jammer past the opposition while blocking the other team’s jammer from getting through. There are extremely strict rules for how one maneuvers around the rink and pushes people aside without getting a penalty.
Tecza is a member of the “Barbed Wire Betties.” Besides the physical training needed for an actual competition, Tecza is also responsible for an extensive equipment list including helmet, mouth guard, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, skates, toe stops , and jersey and helmet covers. The Barbed Wire Betties are organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit group. They play home games at the Kishwaukee YMCA. Tecza said participants and members of the audience can all enjoy the strategy, skill, and excitement of the roller derby matches.