Like most international roller derby leagues idle during the pandemic, the St. Chux Derby Chix had to wait over two full years for their return to the flat-track this summer.
They claimed a road victory at their July re-launch and this Saturday they have an opportunity to snare a second straight duke at their home base.
SCDC (1-0) hosts Cape Girardeau Roller Derby (0-0) at Steel Shop Athletics and Events (49 Lawrence Street, St. Charles, MO) with a 6:30 pm first whistle.
The Pack in Black last competed as a unit in March 2020 and the pandemic shutdown forced the cancellation of their entire season.
In 2021, staying in stride with other franchises competing within the Women’s Flat-Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA), the team remained idle and the patient wait extended.
The sport’s re-emergence into interleague play started earlier this year and SCDC’s July 10 return resulted in a 206-97 victory over Circle City Party Crashers in Indianapolis, Indiana.
No doubt, the successful comeback after a lengthy absence provided positive vibes.
“Everyone’s adrenaline was on high octane with a kick of nitro for our first game,” reflected St. Chux Derby Chix President Al B. Hatin’ of the triumph. “Our bench coach, Oh No, followed our strategy and set packs, which any bench coach knows can be challenging.”
For this Saturday’s contest against Cape, the Pack in Black’s 15-skater line-up consists of numerous starters that skated in past seasons. Alongside Hatin’, the blocking schematic contains SCDC captain Tara Eyes alongside Shakilla and Poison Ivy while jammers LaDi DaDi, Trekkie Monster, Rocky WHO and STAG aim to post points.
New in the mix for the Pack in Black this season are Iron Megan, Sailor Goon, Bomber Betty, Rusty Nails, C.C. Devillian, Slay Anything and CyBorg.
“The team is still very small, with (plenty of) new recruits,” said Hatin’. “We were very lucky in January to get such a great group of skaters.“
Having the combination of derby veterans and rapidly rising recruits will be key for SCDC in earning another tally in the victory column.
Cape Girardeau endured a lengthier layoff than the host and is playing their first game since August 2019.
As Saturday’s contest is SCDC’s lone home appearance this year, they would greatly appreciate a robust, vocal crowd for support.
“We would love for all our fans to come cheer us on,” said Hatin’. “It feeds our souls to know that this sport is still going strong in the St. Louis area.”
Tickets at the door are $10 while children 12 and under are free.
For more info on SCDC, go their official website.
Arch City Media will be at Saturday’s contest and will provide a full report Sunday.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
