Quidditch for Muggles
Do you like Harry Potter? Then you will absolutely love this sport. You remember the game. You read the books, saw the movies, and maybe you even own your own broomstick. I cannot be the only one who was absolutely mystified when I saw Harry catch his very first snitch as the youngest Seeker in a long while. Well, it is time break out your Nimbus 2000, because now you can use it. Quidditch has come to the muggle world, and I know at least I am excited about it.
I will admit, the game, while still very exciting, loses something when the broomsticks do not fly and the snitch is really just a person dressed in yellow running away from two people with a broom between their legs. Believe me, though, this is any Potterheads dream game. The rules are essentially the same, no curses, hexes, or jinxes are allowed (that is cheating), also no dementors will be allowed entry to any games (you know why). You have your traditional teams, each made up of one Seeker, three Chasers, two Beaters, and one Keeper.
Chasers are responsible for scoring goals by throwing the quaffle (in this case, a volleyball or the like) through one of three hoops. Each goal is worth ten points. Chasers can either run the ball, pass it to other chasers, or kick it to travel down the field. It is the job of each teams Keeper to be the goalie and defend the hoops (exactly like in soccer). The Beaters job is to hit the other players with the bludger (a dodgeball). When a player is hit with the bludger, he or she must run back and touch their own goals to get back in the game. This will continue for as long as it takes the Seeker to do his job.
The Seeker is arguably the most important player of the game. Without him, the game could never end. Only once the Seeker catches the golden snitch (some crazy guy running around the field in yellow) will the game be over. The snitch is worth 30 points. Whichever team has the most points after the snitch is caught wins the game.
Over 138 quidditch clubs can be found all over the U.S., but are mostly centered in the northeastern states. There are not any in Kentucky, but hopefully that will change after you read this. Come on, it is a real thing and we need to respect the legacy that J.K. Rowling has passed onto us. Our generation needs this!
Quidditch Club Boston is currently at the top of the national rankings, so if Berea wants any hope at all in beating them and winning the US Quidditch Cup, we need to start this yesterday. The 11th US Quidditch Cup is will be held in Round Rock, Texas on the 14th and 15th of April. Grab your wands, pull on your robes, and apparate out there for this huge event. (As stated before, no dementors allowed).
