Roller Derby in Oneonta started in the fall of 2010 by a group of fierce, fun loving women and men who saw a need in the community. They felt the need to be roll models outside of the box and to contribute in such a way that we have fun while doing it and to grow strong as individuals while making a stronger Oneonta.
In keeping with the rich history of Oneonta, The Hill City Rollers have a railroad theme. Our two teams so far are the Derailing Darlings, the skaters who will hip check you off the tracks and our officials, the Rinkertons, a play off of the Pinkertons, who were the rail road policing agency back in the Rail Road Hey Day! Our
Sponsorship levels also reflect the train flavor: The Caboose(ties up loose ends!), The Locomotive(keeps us going!), The Conductor(steers us right!), and The Rail Road Baron(our strength!) Our partners in derby, a mens league of their own(yes men play, and it's fun to watch!), are the Roundhouse Rebels, you'll probably get a sternum check from them!
The Derailing Darlings first year was dedicated to learning the sport and how to skate. Our first home bout in 2011 at
Interskate 88 was attended by over 500 people. Proceeds from that bout and every bout thereafter have been donated to local charities and groups in need; food and blood drives, homeless shelters, winter coat collections, women's shelters and children's schools. We are continuing to participate in the community in fun ways as well by being in parades, playing at the Hometown Fourth of July (with water balloons and baked goods!), helping at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, and donating time to the Lords Table. Supporting us supports the community. Go Team!
In 2012/13, year three, season two, we discovered the world of roller derby to be full of life, fun and rules! We continued our education through travel, playing other teams and going to clinics. It paid off! We had a winning season, and some changes as well. Our league name went from being Oneonta Roller Derby (due to paperwork snafus, see, learning!) to the Hill City Rollers. As a volunteer and skater run league, we are challenging ourselves to be an even bigger presence in the community and by being more competitive. The Derailing Darlings is only one of more teams we hope to build.
The 2013/14 season we are expanding the Rinkertons, our Referees and Non Skating Officials(NSOs), mostly to keep us in line! We continue to train new recruits, from skaters to volunteers. As you can see, we are always looking for people who want to team build in a different way.
Being a derby player is rich, and full of life. We have many ups and downs, and a scramble for that ever elusive thing: more time! Roller Derby builds strength, both emotionally and physically. It makes a person be more of themselves, and through that a better part of the community of Oneonta. WOOT WOOT!