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Wheel It Up with Bellingham Roller Betties

by Theresa Carpine6/25/2010 1:48:07 PM

Photo courtesy Bellingham Roller Betties

Roller derby wheeled its way into Whatcom County in 2006 with the Bellingham Roller Betties, an all-female flat-track roller derby league. Inspired by a similar league in Seattle, the Betties give local women the chance to engage in a theatrical yet legitimate competitive team sport. With about 50 skaters and a loyal fan base, the Roller Betties continue to showcase tough, athletic women in a positive environment.

Roller derby began in the 1930s, but the sport has made a comeback in the past decade; there are currently more than 200 leagues in the United States.

"I became involved with the Betties when I attended the Zombie Prom fundraiser at Rumors Cabaret," explains Roller Betty Jennifer DeLuca (aka D'Luca Brassie) in an email interview. When she and her husband were crowned Zombie Prom King and Queen, they won tickets to a Roller Betties bout. Roller derby fascinated Jennifer, so she also attended the 2008 Championship bout and was even inspired to try out for the team. "I love to roller skate and I guess it showed because I was asked to join the Betties at the end of that week," she says.

Jennifer enjoys roller derby because it allows her to take part in a full-contact sport with other women and to look good while doing it.

Photo courtesy
Bellingham Roller Betties

"At a Bellingham Roller Betties bout, you can expect to see tough, athletic women of all shapes and sizes participate in a full-contact sport that is virtually unheard of outside of some high school athletics," she says.

Bellingham Roller Betty bouts occur once a month from March to July and currently take place at Whatcom Community College. "The bouts usually consist of two games that last an hour each. We have a halftime and breaks between the thirty minute periods," explains Jennifer, adding that you can buy food from the local vendors at the bouts.

While roller derby may seem a little intense, Jennifer encourages families to attend Roller Betties together. "There are a lot of kids at the Betties' bouts and many of the skaters are moms," she notes. Be aware that some skater names reference mature themes, but Jennifer says it's nothing worse than what they might hear on daytime television.

Oh, yeah, what's up with the derby names, D'Luca Brassie?

"Every player has a derby name that represents her persona in the game," Jennifer says. "This tradition started back in the early days of derby (1940s - 1950s) when individual skaters came to be known for their antics and style on the track."

Photo courtesy Bellingham Roller Betties

Some roller derby leagues offer "derby brats" teams so kids can learn derby basics. Although the Betties don't have a junior league, they do allow youths to volunteer at bouts, which Jennifer says "is a great way to let the Betties learn your name and face" when young ladies are old enough to try out.

Women interested in roller derby who are over the age of 21 and have some basic skating ability can attend an 8-week "Booty Camp" training with the Roller Betties. "If your skills are obvious and your attitude is positive, you just might be asked to join the team!" Jennifer says.

The 2010 Bellingham Roller Betties Championship Bout takes place at WCC on July 17th at 5 PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for kids age 6-12, and free for kids age 5 and under. You can purchase them online at Brown Paper Tickets.

And if you just can't wait for the bout to get your derby fix, meet the Betties at the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema on June 26th for a viewing of the 2009 film Whip It.

For more information, visit Bellingham Roller Betties.

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

Theresa Carpine graduated from WWU in 2006 with a BA in English Literature. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, riding her bike in downtown Bellingham, and babysitting really cute kids.