STATE COLLEGE — Roller derby is back at C3 Sports on Saturday, Sept. 12, and for State College Area Roller Derby, the evening is about much more than what happens between the first whistle and the final jam.
SCAR will host Iron Mountain Roller Derby with the first whistle set for 5 p.m. The bout will also feature a 50/50 raffle benefiting Burrowes Street Youth Haven, continuing the league’s tradition of supporting local nonprofit organizations.
League secretary Grateful Shred said SCAR has made a point of broadening its community partnerships.
“We have been trying to find more and more different places around State College that we can kind of benefit just to kind of share the wealth and bring more awareness to different places,” Shred said.
As a nonprofit organization itself, SCAR understands what it’s like to work behind the scenes.
“We’re just kind of trying to reach out a little bit more to maybe some places that don’t have as much support, because as a nonprofit ourselves, we understand how that feels to not always be recognized,” Shred said. “People maybe don’t know that you’re there.”
The partnership with Burrowes Street Youth Haven came through a league member who works with youth experiencing homelessness, helping shine a light on an organization that serves teens facing difficult situations at home.
While veteran skaters will lead the charge against Iron Mountain, fans may also get to see several newer faces on the track.
Shred said Christine could be skating in just her third or fourth bout, while Levi and Shrapnel are both hoping to make what would be their second official appearance.
“We would really like to put them out on the track,” Shred said. “I really hope they’re able to skate this one.”
For those who have never attended a roller derby bout, Shred promises an energetic atmosphere that often surprises first-time spectators.
“It’s very high energy, it’s very loud,” Shred said. “Everybody’s there to just have fun and do their best on the track.”
More importantly, Shred hopes visitors leave with a different perspective of the sport.
“I think people will see that roller derby is more than just hitting into other people on the track,” Shred said, explaining today’s game emphasizes athleticism, teamwork and sportsmanship rather than the theatrical image many remember from television decades ago.
That sense of teamwork extends well beyond game day.
A bout begins with teammates and volunteers sharing lunch before spending hours setting up the track, livestream equipment and seating. After the final whistle, the work continues as everyone helps tear everything down before gathering together to celebrate another day spent with friends.
“It doesn’t have to be a long day,” Shred said. “We choose for it to be a long day just because we like hanging out.”
According to Shred, that spirit is what keeps people coming back.
“I think just overall it’s the people that keep you coming back,” Shred said. “Everybody wants you to be the best person you can be. They want what’s best for you. We’re just there to have fun.”
The support doesn’t stop when practice ends. League members routinely check on one another, help injured skaters get to appointments and encourage teammates who may be dealing with life’s challenges.
“It’s not just on game days and practice days,” Shred said. “It’s all the time.”
Anyone inspired by the action won’t have to wait long for an opportunity to become part of the league.
SCAR will host a recruitment night at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at C3 Sports. Whether someone wants to skate, volunteer or simply become involved with the nonprofit organization, Shred said everyone is welcome.
“We don’t expect anybody to be on skates if they don’t want to be,” Shred said. “We just want to have more friends to hang out with during the week.”
