Casper, WY – When preschool teacher Melanie Tuck swaps “Miss Mel” for her derby moniker “Miss Meladjusted,” she joins the A’Salt Creek Roller Derby team at Wagon Wheel Roller Skating, a beloved local rink that the Odlin family saved from permanent closure.
Owners restore a community fixture
Jon and Elisa Odlin purchased Wagon Wheel in December 2022 after the rink faced an uncertain future post‑COVID. Elisa recalled spending time there in middle school and wanted their children and grandchildren to enjoy the same community hub that has operated since 1948.
Since taking over, the Odlins have added arcade games, commissioned local artist Amanda Gorsuch to paint colorful murals of cowboys and aliens on the concrete walls, and preserved a wall of photographs documenting generations of skaters. They are now applying for a liquor license to enhance adult skate nights, with plans to enforce a drink maximum for safety.
Derby makes a comeback
Casper’s roller derby history began in 2009, but the sport halted during the pandemic. In spring 2023, Tuck and original members revived the team, and the Odlins supported the effort. The league rebranded as A’Salt Creek Roller Derby, a gender‑inclusive league that now fields an adult team of about 20 skaters and a junior team.
Derby offers a full‑body workout and a strong sense of community. “Putting skates on your feet kind of levels the playing field for everybody,” Tuck said, noting that the sport welcomes all body types and skill levels. Practices run Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the junior league meeting Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Adult skate nights grow
In addition to derby, Wagon Wheel hosts adult skate nights twice a month, now expanding to the first and third Thursdays. The next event, a Halloween‑themed skate, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, 7–9 p.m. DJ Travis Johnson, known as DJ Koldbrüe, supports the nights and plans to bring his equipment back when his schedule allows.
Regular skaters, calling themselves “No Coast Rink Rats,” help maintain the floor, assist with advertising and foster a vibrant skate culture. All‑ages skate nights continue every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays.
Community impact
A’Salt Creek Roller Derby operates as a nonprofit, funding itself through dues, fundraising and ticket sales while running food drives and supporting the Casper College food pantry. The rink also hosts birthday parties, themed events and other community gatherings, drawing more customers on cold, snowy evenings.
Upcoming bouts include an away match in Colorado Springs on Oct. 17 and a home bout on Oct. 24, with tickets priced at $5 and free admission for children two and under.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
