Elizabeth Schreckenberg
Contributing Writer

In high school, the closest thing to a sport that Dot Lindhurst came to was marching band. But today at 40, she is just as strong of an athlete as any.

Two years ago, Lindhurst joined a roller derby team, and has since gotten stronger, faster, and most importantly, more confident than ever.

"Modern roller derby isn't just a side show as it was back in its earlier years," said Lindhurst. "Today, it's about women supporting each other and feeling empowered. Almost anyone can do this."

Lindhurst played in St. Louis until recently when she and team members Amy Whited and Jennifer Hylton decided to start a league in Illinois. Their team, Confluence Crush, practices at Funtown USA in Pontoon Beach. They have about 40 members so far, and will hold an informational session on January 17th for anyone interested in joining the league.

"We came up with the name Confluence Crush because our plan is to draw ladies from both sides of the river. Confluence means the joining of two rivers, or in our case, of two states."

If you've ever watched a Derby bout, you'd find it hard to believe that anyone can skate, bump, and jump like Derby girls do. But in this new league, the goal is to make it not so much a competitive sport but more of a fun way for women to get together and enjoy exercise.

"We have ladies from 20-50 who skate with us, including hairdressers, college students, moms - even some local professors," said Lindhurst. "Some of them have skated all their lives, but many have never skated before and we teach them. It is so empowering to see women around you get better - to see their confidence build."

Team members are required to be at least 18 and have health insurance, because although roller derby today isn't as rough as it was in the past, it can be dangerous. Lindhurst has never broken a bone but has had injuries.

"I've had rotator cuff problems, and some girls have shattered their ankles," she said. "But it's a controlled sport. The rules of Flat Track Derby keep us from getting punched and thrown around as derby is portrayed in some Hollywood movies."

Every skater must also wear protective gear, along with the creative outfits they choose to wear. Rainbow tights, fishnet stockings, and glittery shorts are just a few of the fun ways for derby girls to express themselves. Some of them also wear their "Derby names" on the back of T-shirts.

"When you join, you get to pick a name that suits you, and it has to be approved by a national Derby registry called Two Evils," said Lindhurst.

Since she is a science teacher, she chose the name Splat 'em Curie, in honor of scientist Marie Curie. Her number is the year that Curie won the Nobel Prize. Other team members boast the names Joanie Rollmoan (Whited), LipstickLezgo (Hylton) and Roed Reyj (Denise Roedner).

The league hopes to begin bouts in March, and is looking for players, referees, and volunteers.

"If you're interested in a fun way to exercise and meet new friends, we'll train you," said Lindhurst.

The informational session is January 17th from 8 to 10 PM at Funtown USA. For more information, email info@confluencecrush.com, or visit the ConfluenceCrush Facebook page.