By Chad Neal
Fifteen years ago, or so this writer regaled the revival of Roller Derby in this area. Many of the athletes on the local roster of the Enchanted Mountain Roller Derby (EMRD) squad were actually featured in weekly interviews and the organization was growing. The lady rollers of the Hellbilly Heartbreakers squad were all in and were doing it for fun as they didn’t get paid, they loved the sport and the action and the idea. The Heartbreakers would travel around the Mid-Atlantic and host teams from that zone as well -in Olean. The Villager asked a newer proponent of the rambunctious fast paced sport, Jennifer Pavlock, about the reinvigorated physical game of Roller Derby.
“Unfortunately,” Pavlock initiated, “COVID had a huge impact on the sport as a whole; many teams lost their practice without venues over the course of the pandemic, and with not being able to gather and practice, many more teams folded due to lack of players and support. We are very fortunate to have survived that time, and to be growing again. The teams that did make it through COVID are gaining traction again, and most are back to being able to play competitively. Internationally, the WTFDA –(Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) Global Championships were just held in November 2024, the first since COVID.”
The Villager then asked about the teams and the players. Pavlock answered, “Our league name is Enchanted Mountain Roller Derby; currently we only have one active team, our A Team, the Hillbilly Heartbreakers. In the past, we also had a B Team, the Allegany River Rats. We’re very hopeful that with all of the recent interest and influx of new training pool skaters, they we will soon be able to bring that team back as well. We currently have 13 roster skaters, and another 11 training pool skaters, who are working their skill levels up to safely play at the competitive level.”
Pavlock told The Villager the bouts take place at the William O. Smith Rec Center in Olean, NY. “We typically have only one home bout each month during our season, as well as one travel game each month.”
The EMRD need fund raisers to help them with travel and other needs for the sport and have an on-going one with Allegany Beverage & Redemption. “We often receive donations of cans from league members, family, friends, and community member. Community members who wish to donate can also drop cans directly at the redemption center, and just let them know they would like proceeds to go to EMRD.”
And for the upcoming holiday they came up with a “pop-up” fundraiser where they will “hide Easter eggs for you filled with candy, stickers, and other goodies.” Two different size packages to choose from she noted would be 15 eggs for $20, or 25 eggs for $30. For more details you can check out their Facebook page Enchanted Mountain Roller Derby.
“One of our biggest and most fun fundraisers to date has been working with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association on their spring and fall competitions; we come in after each competitor to replace the popped balloons on their course, as well as cleaning out the horse stalls at the end of the weekend. It’s loud, messy, and fast, just like us, and we love working with them!”
Pavlock has been playing in the sport for a little while now so The Villager asked about her position, “I typically play as a blocker, but have found myself pivoting quite a bit in the last year especially. I really enjoy having the versatility, and it’s helping me grow my leadership skills on the track every time I do it!” She then added, “The only other thing I’d really like to add is that if your are interested, but think that you’re ‘too old/young/inexperienced/clumsy/etc.’, you’re wrong! Almost all of us came to this sport with virtually no experience, and we’re no different than anyone else, and I say this as someone who thought exactly that a few years ago. If you love it, try it!”