Once upon a time, roller derby was more about theatrics than athleticism.

Not anymore.

Today’s derby is flowing, fast-paced and full-contact – as Ariel Ogden can attest. The marketing coordinator with Theatre Arts skates with the Eugene team, Andromedolls, part of the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association league of amateur skaters competing at a regional and national level.

Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller-skating in the same direction around a track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups in which both teams designate a scoring player – the "jammer" – who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.

The sport has seen a number of iterations, from its roots in the 1930s to the sports-entertainment theatrics of ensuing decades to its consideration for the 2020 Olympics. Ogden was invited to try out and quickly got hooked.

Got a suggestion for someone we should spend “a couple minutes with …”? Send an e-mail to AroundtheO editor Joe Mosley.

We’re looking for people whose personal interests make them stand out. We’ve focused on cheerleading instructors, tai chi teachers and soccer fanatics. If it catches your eye, share it!

-- by Dillon Pilorget, UO Office of Strategic Communications intern