Red Wreck-Her: Roller derby saved her soul

Roller skating seems to be something that attaches to many childhoods, but barely sees the light of day once adulthood strikes. Recently, this recreational activity has made a comeback as a fierce and physically demanding sport: roller derby.

Two years ago, Sheryl Ecker-Moyer, heard through the grapevine that a roller derby team was forming at the place she once considered a second home as a child—Pheasantland Roller Rink.

The next evening she showed up at Pheasantland with her skates and mouth guard, ready to practice and train as Red Wreck-Her: Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstar. Through personal hardship, this rockstar perseveres.

“Once I joined, I became part of an instant family; no one can really understand unless they’re living it,” said Moyer.

Moyer, a Boyertown resident, began skating at 10-years-old and has yet to hesitate when the opportunity to put wheels on her feet arises.

When she isn’t working her trade as a hairstylist or taking care of her daughter, Moyer is training hard in the roller rink with about forty other dedicated women. “I’m going to keep at it until I can’t anymore,” she said.

Moyer expressed that derby requires dedication and physical training in order to succeed. “You have to love the sport—a lot of us are moms, or are going to school. Players need be prepared and crossed trained.”

She is now captain of the PRDR’s Flogging Mollies team, and a member of the derby’s All Star travel team.

“She was one of the reasons I came to derby boot-camp the night of my birthday one year ago,” said Dana “Knuckles” Wagner, a fellow derby player.

It’s not just the sport but also the people — the players, the referees, the non-skating officials, and the executive board members that make the Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars what they are today.

There is a saying in derby that ‘Roller derby saved my soul,’ and according to Moyer, that statement is definitely true for her.