This past weekend on Saturday October 27, OSDA League the Penn Jersey She Devils (representing the USA) took on the ladies from Hammer City (representing Canada) in a game skated under OSDA rules. It was a tough game with a lot of excellent skating but when all was said and done, the She Devils took it 85 to 57. Both teams joined each other for a victory lap around the track with their flags held high. This event was held in conjunction with the 2007 Roller Derby Hall of Fame Induction Event & many Old School Banked Track Skaters were in attendence including stars such as Buddy Atkinson, Judy Arnold & Little Richard Brown. For many, this was their first Flat Track Game and the reaction was very favorable to the OSDA style.

The following night, the Hall of Fame held their induction dinner making 6 more skaters members of the Hall of Fame. The She Devils were in attendence along with representatives from other OSDA teams like Corpus Christi Rolling Thunder & the South Jersey Derby Girls. The She Devils were chosen to model uniforms from Roller Derby's past and did a fashion show during the event. After the induction ceremonies, the She Devils were surprised by the Hall of Fame with a Special Merit Award for keeping the spirit of Old School Derby alive. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Buddy Atkinson, former coach of the incredible Eastern Warriors, running an unplanned training session with the OSDA skaters in the hallway outside the banquet room. One could feel the love & respect that these two generations of skaters had for each other. From the many offers of coaching & training assistance offered to the OSDA by these banked track legends, I think we can safely say that doors that had long been closed were opened to the OSDA that night.

Ken Sikes
Founder, OSDA

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