One must give credit to St. Charles County-based roller derby franchise SCDC.
They’ve not been afraid to tackle any challenge so far during their 2024 campaign.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
They skate their third straight competitive road game Saturday in Springdale, Arkansas to face Natural State Roller Derby’s Natural Disasters.
SCDC (0-2) has been perpetually growing and building as a collective unit during their opening flat-track sprints.
“Primarily, we’re excited to be playing again,” said SCDC’s Trekkie Monster. “These first two games have helped us pinpoint which areas of gameplay we need to work on going forward.”
With a small charter of home-based members, the squad has had to implement “fosters” from nearby roller derby leagues to fulfill a 15-skater roster on game nights in order to compete, which has been totally accepted and welcomed by their two prior opponents, the developmental squads from Arch Rival Roller Derby and COMO Roller Derby.
It’s a necessity for SCDC to remain active and give their charter experience. The assistance by others is greatly appreciated.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
“As much as we’d love to field a full roster on our own, we’ve loved the opportunity to connect with other leagues,” said Monster. “Our fosters are all incredible people.”
Already having two games under their skates heading into the weekend has been an overall benefit. Saturday’s match-up will be the third in the past six weekends but the pace hasn’t been fully-exhausting.
“It has felt fast, hasn’t it?” questioned Monster. “We had a few shifts in the schedule as we got closer to the start of season, so the back-to-back weekends weren’t fully intentional. I think we’ll be ready for the little break in between this weekend and our game with Rolla at the end of June.”
This season alongside Monster, SCDC returnees STAG, Sailor Goon, Blue, Ella Trick Mayhem and Killipso have been components of their nightly complexion.
In addition, four new skaters have gained important reps early in their derby careers: Dimebag Cheryl, Benny Drillz, Ganymede and The Creature.
“They’re so excited to be on the track and we’re excited to have them with us,” beamed Monster of the rookies. “They’ve all put in so much work, both at practice and outside of practice.”
Saturday’s opponent, the NSRD Natural Disasters (0-1), suffered a 167-143 heart breaker to South Central Roller Girls (Oklahoma) in early-March.
Photo Credit: Brian Ledford
SCDC’s meeting with the hosts’ b-team will be the inaugural match-up between the pair and the push for both teams to raise their collective “Derby IQ” will be key.
“I appreciate Natural State so much,” said Monster of the goodwill. “We’ve had some great discussions going into this game in terms of what to expect from each other, and it sounds like we’ll both be bringing quite a few, new skaters. I’m hopeful that this game will be about learning and growth for everyone.”
That’s accurately the most important part of SCDC’s trek to a state that previously promoted itself with the nickname, “Land of Opportunity.”
“The question for us after Saturday won’t be, ‘What was the score?’” said Monster. “It will be, ‘What did you learn and dd you have fun?’”
Wise words, indeed!
For more info on SCDC, go to their official website.
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.
