Columbia Basin Roller Derby club aims to promote the sport

SOAP LAKE – Moses Lake's Kim Becht was at a conference related to her work when she met a woman from Atomic City, the roller derby team from Tri-Cities, and struck up a conversation.

“I thought that was the coolest thing ever,” she said. “I wanted to do that someday.”

Becht was 41, nearing 42, and she decided that some day had arrived. She contacted Apple City in Wenatchee and became a member of that team.

“I drove the hour and a half to Cashmere 2-3 days a week to learn this awesome sport,” she said. “I had never played a sport in my life.”

Becht now has her own team, formed on May 1 of this year. She is president of Columbia Basin Roller Derby. It operates out of Moses Lake and Soap Lake, depending on which facilities are available.

It took a lot of practice to become game ready. Columbia Basin did not have its first actual bout until October, when it lost 123-73 to Rodeo City of Ellensburg.

Becht wants to share the fun. She is inviting all women from the Basin to give roller derby a try. Additional teams will be formed as more women join. And teams could be formed in communities like Mattawa, Royal City and Quincy.

“This was the easiest thing I have ever done,” Becht said. “The derby family is the most welcoming group of athletes I have ever met. It is a great sport for all levels of athletes. I try hard and have a great time, but I am not the best skater by any means. But there is a spot for me, and my team is encouraging.”

You don't even have to know how to skate to try out. Columbia Basin coach Benita Matheson did not know how to skate when she first jumped in.

Matheson, of Quincy, heard a radio commercial about a new team in Ellensburg – Rodeo City. She had no clue and tried out anyway.

“The first time I skated around the track without falling, I felt like I was flying, and I've loved it ever since,” she said.

“I love roller derby because it's the only thing I do that's for me,” she added. “Derby gives us a chance to just be ourselves.”

Roller derby, which was big on television in the 1960s, is catching on again, like wildfire. There are teams all over Washington, three in Spokane.

Roller derby is played at all levels. Teams of equal ability are pitted against each other. The basin team is involved in flat track roller derby. It is played wherever a non-banked track can be set up.

“Safety is our biggest concern,” Becht said.

The Columbia Basin ladies are required to purchase insurance through the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. They are required to abide by the minimum skill requirements before playing in a bout or even a scrimmage. Elbow, knee and wrist guards are required, as well as a helmet and a mouth guard.

Before the bout with Rodeo City, Columbia Basin scrimmaged with Yakima, Spokane and Hermiston. There are 20 skaters, three referees, two coaches and guest coaches from other teams involved.

“My favorite part of roller derby is the relationship with my team,” Becht said. “I love the strategy of the sport, the skating and, I'll be honest, the hitting, but the bond we have as a team is irreplaceable. We would do anything for each other.”

Columbia Basin Roller Derby has a community service component. The ladies have participated in Coats for kids and Relay for Life in Moses Lake. They are helping the Soap Lake Food Bank with various projects.

If you are interested in joining the Columbia Basin Roller Derby program, there are openings for all levels, including skaters and referees. You may call Katie Hall at 594-9509 for further information.

Practices are held at Lakeview Roller Skating Center in Soap Lake on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Carpools are available.