OSAGE | A new sport has come to Mitchell County and its participants are burnin’ rubber in the Cedar River Complex Events Center.
For the past seven weeks, 25 youth ages 5 to 17 have been participating in Mitchell County’s first non-profit junior roller derby league called the Derby Devils.
The group was organized in April by the Dames of Anarchy (DOA), a women’s flat-track roller derby team based in Mason City.
Members represent cities from across Mitchell County including Osage, Riceville and St. Ansgar. Skaters provide their own skates, helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and mouth guards.
Participants are divided into different age groups and skill levels.
Each was taught the proper techniques in skating, from forward, backward and speed skating. In addition, participants were taught the rules and regulations of Flat Track Derby.
“The program is designed to develop character, confidence, leadership and school interaction,” said Deb Nash, DOA member and league organizer. “Everyone receives the necessary personal attention to nurture and to grow their skating skills as well as have a deeper understanding of the sport.”
“My mom was in roller derby,” said Austin “Jaw Breaker” Clayton, 10, Osage. “I like to skate. It’s like riding a bike — once you do it you never forget.”
Nash also said the goal of the project was to bring to Mitchell County a different type of sport that serves boys and girls of all ages.
“It exposes them to a different sport than the traditional sports already being done in Osage,” she said.
“The roller derby league has brought variety to the community along with helping kids find another way to meet new friends,” Nash said. “It also provides a way for them to show their own personality while being guided with positive reinforcement.”
“I was looking for a challenging sport,” said Krissi “Devil Pup” Blodgett, Osage, 16. “My mom is one of the Dames.
“I like roller derby because it’s a hands-on sport.”
Brianna “Cheetah Speed” Niemeyer, Osage, 10, said, “I thought it would be fun and a chance to meet people from other towns.”
Funding for the project was provided by a grant from Shop on State.
Nash said the $1,275 grant was used for weekly Events Center rent, T-shirts and to help with USARS insurance, as well as for promotional expenses to encourage students to participate in the program.
The junior league is partnering with the Osage Chamber of Commerce by providing help with the bounce house and train for the kids’ activities during Friday Night Outs.
“We would love to find area businesses to help sponsor our practice sessions,” said Nash. “We intend to have a fall and spring session each year.”
The Derby Devils ended their spring season with a final scrimmage earlier this month during half-time of a Dames of Anarchy bout in Mason City at the North Iowa Event Center.
Helping Nash with the league were Erin Meyers, Sunny Kline, Dawn Krebsbach, Trinda Dight and Jess Clayton.