Roller derby teams duke it out

On Saturday, July 11, Columbia’s two QuadSquad Roller Derby teams—the Miss B-Havers and the RQS All-Stars—will host Greenville’s Derby Dames and Steel Hurtin’, who are visiting from Pittsburgh, in a pair of bouts at the National Guard Armory.

Although roller derby has been around since the 1940s, it hit its peak in popularity in the 1970s, possibly due to the cult sci-fi flick “Rollerball.” In the early aughts it experienced a revival, which is still going on today.

Points in roller derby are awarded to a “jammer” each time she laps the opposing team. Blockers protect her from rival skaters – who will do just about anything to slow her down – as she makes her way around the rink. There are plenty of spills (tripping is legal), errant elbows and pileups; players end up covered with bruises, cuts and “rink rash,” from skinned knees and elbows. “I love that you get to play offense and defense throughout the entire match,” says player “Rox Ann Stones.” “It keeps it interesting.”

Players are fiercely competitive – and as loyal as tiger moms. “Our sole purpose as teammates is to build each other up, on the rink and off,” says Stones. “It’s a great group of women.”

Women with awesome roller derby names. No one knows how the tradition of roller derby players creating tough-as-nails alter egos began, only that it’s a huge part of the sport’s culture.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Faith Kill

Injure Rogers

Punky Bruiser

Scarin’ Blockovitch

Malice in Wonderland

Full Metal Jackie

Eleanor Bruisevelt

Sandra Day O’Clobber

Susan B. Agony

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for junior and men’s bouts; the Miss B-Havers hit the rink at 5; the RQS All-Stars match kicks off at 7. For more information, visit columbiaquadsquad.com or facebook.com/columbiaquadsquadrollerderby

Katie McElveen, Special to The State