Roark (anime)

Roark is a Gym Leader appearing in Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl.

Biography
Roark first appeared in the episode Shapes of Things to Come where both Paul and Ash show up at his Gym for a battle. Since Paul was the first to show up he was able to battle Roark first.

Roark, using a team of Geodude, Onix and Cranidos battled Paul's team of Azumarill, Chimchar and Elekid. Roark's strong abilities were shown as he was able to defeat two of Paul's Pokémon, though his Cranidos was unable to withstand Elekid's power leaving Paul the victor.

In the next episode A Gruff Act To Follow, Ash battled Roark the day after Paul's battle. Using a team of Pikachu, Turtwig, and Aipom, Ash battled his way through Roark's team. In the end though, Ash was defeated by Roark and would need to challenge him again.

In O'er The Rampardos We Watched, Ash would have a rematch with Roark using the same Pokémon. Roark's newly evolved Rampardos proved to be difficult but was defeated by Turtwig. With Roark's defeat, Ash had earned his Coal Badge.

Trivia
Roark is one of few Gym Leaders who had their Pokémon evolve in the anime. Others include Brock, Sabrina, Koga, Clair, Brawly, Wattson, Flannery, and Cilan.