The Intervene Show with Arlena Jones - Kalamazoo Women's Contact Sports

Updated about 2 hours ago

On this episode of The Intervene Show, Arlena Jones sits down with members of Kalamazoo women's professional contact sports teams. Guests from the Kalamazoo Women's Rugby team, the Bears Women's Tackle Football team, and Kalamazoo Roller Derby share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in their respective sports. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of empowering women through sports, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. The episode highlights upcoming tournaments, recruitment efforts, and the unique aspects of each sport. Viewers are invited to support and join the teams, fostering a community of strong, empowered women athletes.

Chapters

Introduction and Host Welcome (00:00:00)
The host, Arlene Trevina Jones, introduces the show and welcomes the audience, expressing her belief in the show's excellence.

Arlene Trevina Jones opens the show with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to the audience for watching. She introduces herself and the show, 'The Intravenous Show', claiming it to be the best show ever.
Guest Introductions (00:00:43)
The guests, members of the Kalamazoo women's professional athletics, introduce themselves, starting with Lindsay Orkis.

Arlene introduces the guests, who are part of the Kalamazoo women's professional athletics teams. Lindsay Orkis, also known as Clover, introduces herself as a player for the Kalamazoo Women's Rugby team and a coach for a high school team.
Asha Harris Introduction (00:01:27)
Asha Harris introduces herself as Mama T from the County of Bears Women's Tackle Football team, discussing the team's inaugural year.

Asha Harris, also known as Mama T, introduces herself and talks about her role in the County of Bears Women's Tackle Football team. She shares her feelings about the team's inaugural year and expresses her excitement for the future.
Christie and Roller Derby (00:02:12)
Christie introduces herself and talks about playing for Kalamazoo Roller Derby, sharing her experiences and the impact of COVID.

Christie, nicknamed Killa, shares her experience playing for the Kalamazoo Roller Derby. She discusses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and her passion for the sport.
Recruitment and Social Media Presence (00:02:52)
The guests discuss recruitment efforts, social media presence, and upcoming events for their teams, encouraging new members to join.

The guests discuss their teams' recruitment efforts and emphasize the importance of social media in reaching potential new members. They share contact information and details about upcoming events, encouraging viewers to join or support their teams.
Christie Explains Roller Derby (00:05:26)
Christie gives a detailed explanation of roller derby, including the rules, the role of the jamer, and the scoring system.

Christie explains the basics of roller derby, describing the flat track, the role of the jamer, and how points are scored. She clarifies common misconceptions about the sport and highlights the physical demands and safety measures involved.
Discussion on Roller Derby Injuries (00:09:02)
The conversation shifts to common injuries in roller derby, such as concussions and ankle breaks, and the surfaces they skate on.

Christie discusses the common injuries faced by roller derby players, including concussions and ankle breaks. She talks about the different surfaces they skate on and how players adapt their equipment to minimize injuries.
Football and Roller Derby Parallel (00:15:16)
The guests draw parallels between football and roller derby, discussing the physical demands, injury prevention, and equipment used.

The guests compare the physical demands and injury risks of football and roller derby. They talk about the importance of proper equipment and safety measures in both sports to prevent injuries.
Rugby Explanation and Variants (00:21:52)
The discussion turns to rugby, explaining the differences between the fifteens and sevens variants and the basic rules of the game.

The guests explain the basics of rugby, focusing on the two main variants: fifteens and sevens. They describe the differences in team sizes, game duration, and the fundamental rules that differentiate rugby from other contact sports.
Rugby and Signature Moves (00:25:52)
The discussion includes signature moves in rugby, such as the chip kick, and the skills required to execute them.

The guests talk about signature moves in rugby, like the chip kick, and the skill and precision required to perform them. They discuss how these moves are used strategically in the game to gain an advantage over opponents.
Understanding High Tackle Rules (00:27:59)
Discussion about the rules regarding high tackles, which are any tackles over the sternum, and the importance of keeping tackles low.

The conversation opens with an explanation of what constitutes a high tackle in sports, particularly anything that goes over the sternum. It emphasizes the importance of keeping tackles low in order to avoid penalties. This is a key rule in the sport to maintain fair play and safety.
Penalty Box and Yellow Cards (00:28:09)
Explains the role of the penalty box, known as the tri zone, for yellow cards due to high tackles or dirty play such as kicking or tripping.

The penalty box, referred to as the tri zone, is used for players who receive yellow cards. Yellow cards can be issued for infractions like high tackles, dirty play, or tripping. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining discipline to avoid penalties.
Scoring System in Sports (00:28:51)
Discussion on how scoring works, where you must touch the ball down on the field, ideally under the uprights, for easier kicking.

Scoring in this sport requires the player to touch the ball down on the field, with the ideal placement being under the uprights for an easy kick. If the ball is touched down at the edges, the player must bring it back to kick it through the uprights. A score is typically five points with an additional two for a successful conversion kick.
League Rules and Adjustments (00:29:45)
Explains the league's rules, including playing under NCAA rules and specific adjustments like 'down by contact'.

The league plays under NCAA rules but with some adjustments such as 'down by contact'. This means that if a player stumbles but is not touched by a defender, she can continue running. However, if touched, she is considered down. The discussion highlights the nuances and flexibility in the rules to accommodate the league's gameplay.
Commitment to Sports and Teamwork (00:31:06)
Emphasizes the importance of commitment to the team, attendance at practice, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The discussion shifts to the importance of commitment to the sport and the team. Regular attendance at practice and a healthy lifestyle are emphasized as key factors for success. The speaker also mentions the support system within the team to help each other with gear and transportation, fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork.
Personal Journey in Sports (00:32:23)
A personal account of overcoming fear and gaining confidence in playing defense in football.

The speaker shares her personal journey in sports, describing how she overcame initial fears and doubts to play defense successfully in football. Her coach's encouragement and her own determination helped her gain confidence and become a valuable team member. This narrative highlights the personal growth and empowerment that can come from participating in sports.
Roller Derby Team Dynamics (00:36:00)
Introduction to roller derby, the positions, and the team dynamics, including the role of the jamer and pivot.

The segment introduces roller derby, explaining the different positions such as the jamer, who is the point scorer, and the pivot, who can take over as jamer if needed. The speaker describes the teamwork and strategy involved in the sport, emphasizing the collaborative and dynamic nature of roller derby.
Building and Maintaining a Team (00:41:09)
Discussion on building a team from scratch, recruitment strategies, and the importance of inclusion and support.

The focus shifts to the challenges and strategies involved in building a sports team from scratch. Recruitment efforts, inclusivity, and support for team members are highlighted as essential components. The speaker shares her experience of starting with a small number of players and gradually building a committed team through persistence and community engagement.
The Role of Sports in Personal Development (00:47:00)
Exploration of how sports like roller derby and football contribute to personal development, discipline, and community.

The discussion explores the role of sports in personal development, discipline, and building a sense of community. Participants share how engagement in sports like roller derby and football has helped channel aggression, foster teamwork, and create a supportive environment for personal growth. The narrative underscores the transformative power of sports in individual lives.
The Origin of Nicknames (00:51:58)
Discussion on how nicknames are assigned in rugby and personal stories of obtaining nicknames such as 'Clover' and 'Little T'.

The conversation begins with a discussion on how nicknames are often given rather than chosen in rugby. One participant shares how they were initially named 'Scavenger' in college, which evolved into 'Clover' due to their knack for finding clovers in fields. Another participant recounts how they started as 'Little T' because of a taller player named 'Big T' and eventually became 'Mama T' as they took on a nurturing role in their team.
Choosing and Changing Nicknames (00:52:34)
Exploration of how nicknames evolve over time and the challenges of renaming oneself in team sports.

The discussion continues with anecdotes about how nicknames can change over time based on team dynamics and personal growth. One participant talks about how they transitioned from 'Little T' to 'Big T' and eventually 'Mama T' as they moved teams and roles. Another shares their experience in roller derby, where players often choose their own names, contrasting with rugby's tradition of assigned nicknames.
The Roller Derby Naming Tradition (00:53:57)
Insight into the roller derby culture where players choose their own names, often reflecting personal interests.

In roller derby, players typically select their own names, which can be a fun and creative process. One participant explains how they chose the name 'Killer Bell Lecter,' inspired by their favorite movie 'Silence of the Lambs' and their interest in serial killers. This contrasts with other sports where nicknames are often given by teammates based on actions or characteristics.
Designing Team Jerseys (00:54:52)
A participant shares the experience of designing a team's jersey, reflecting personal and team identity.

The conversation shifts to the creative process behind designing team jerseys. One participant proudly showcases their jersey design, explaining the symbolism behind the colors and motifs, including claw marks and a bear. They discuss the importance of team identity and how the design process can help distinguish the team from others.
The Role of Sports in Self-Discovery (01:00:53)
Discussion on how sports like roller derby and rugby can help individuals discover their true selves.

Participants discuss how engaging in sports can be a transformative experience. One participant explains how roller derby allows people to reinvent themselves and discover hidden strengths, particularly for those who may feel constrained by societal expectations or past experiences. They emphasize the empowerment and confidence that comes from participating in these team sports.
Fundraising and Community Engagement (01:02:37)
Details on upcoming community events and opportunities for sponsorship to support women's sports teams.

The segment provides information about upcoming events where the community can get involved and support women's sports teams. Participants mention opportunities for sponsorship, volunteering, and being a vendor at events like KTown Shakedown. They encourage connecting through social media to stay updated on these initiatives.
Empowerment Through Cross-Training (01:04:01)
A program designed to empower women through cross-training and trying new activities.

One participant describes a cross-training program aimed at empowering women by encouraging them to try new physical activities. The program includes yoga, speed and agility training, and nature walks, all designed to build confidence and promote body awareness. The goal is to help participants discover their strengths and gain confidence in various physical endeavors.
Personal Hype Songs and Themes (01:05:31)
Participants share their personal hype songs that motivate them before competitions.

The conversation turns to personal hype songs, with each participant sharing the music that gets them energized before competing. From heavy metal to hip-hop, the choices reflect individual personalities and the diverse ways they find motivation and focus. The segment highlights the role of music in sports as a tool for mental preparation.