The Society for Creative Anachronism
October 11, 2006
Adam Gallippo
Student Life Editor
For the last six years, the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) has been active on the IUSB campus.
The SCA, according to club President Alfred “Gatebreaker” Brekewall, is part of something much bigger.
The Barony of Whitewaters was formed in the 1960s and encompasses all local areas and those interested in the medieval period. The SCA is tied in with this organization.
The SCA consists of between 80-100 members, according to Brekewall, with membership costing between $15-35.
“Our purpose is to recreate and study medieval life,” said Brekewall.
Cindy Vukovits, IUSB Student Services Coordinator for the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), joined the SCA 11 years ago for that reason.
“I like researching things from different time periods and then trying to recreate it myself,” said Vukovits. “It’s both fun and challenging.”
Vukovits is the SCA’s Chatelaine. In other words, she greets and addresses club newcomers.
What about the fighting?
According to Brekewall, the fighting is what usually gets most of the attention.
“We use either bought or self-made armor including steel helmets,” said Brekewall. “Our weapon of choice is the rattan, a medieval battle weapon made of wood.”
Brekewall earned the nickname “Gatebreaker” during the Pennsic Two Week War at Cooper’s Lake in Pennsylvania.
“Our group leader told us to form a charging column so we could attack the castle gate,” said Brekewall. “When I charged, I broke through that wooden castle gate with my body.”
Fighting is not what the SCA is all about though, according to Brekewall.
“Creative people join the SCA,” said Brekewall. “Some members do everything from sewing Elizabethan gowns to brewing their own beer.”
Most importantly, the SCA gives back to the community.
October 14, they’ll be holding their “Saint Nick’s Tourney” for Toys for Tots. All proceeds go to purchase gifts for children, according to Brekewall.
Fencing and archery are just a few things to look forward to with general admission at $8 and $5 for members.
According to Brekewall, the SCA is also setting up divisions for the children to participate with buffer (foam padded) weapons.
