Harry Potter fans on campus have found a new way to express their love for the series. Potter enthusiasts can now be seen sprinting on broomsticks and hurling dodgeballs in a game of “Muggle Quidditch” on the quad. Sophomore Erin Weinrick (on left side of photo) cofounded the MU Quidditch team with sophomore Wendy Walden last year in an effort to play the wizarding sport, minus the magic.
“Muggle Quidditch” was developed at Middlebury College in 2005 as an intramural sport. The International Quidditch Association (IQA) was founded shortly after and has gained a large amount of attention. Thanks to the IQA, Quidditch is now played at hundreds of colleges and high schools in over 10 countries. Although the sport is not recognized as an MU student organization yet, interest in the team is quickly growing. Erin is working to organize funding, new equipment and matches against other schools.
Despite pouring rain and freezing temperatures, Quidditch players show up for the love of the game. “It is great to be surrounded by so many like-minded people who love what you love,” Erin says. “Quidditch is the best way to continue being involved with something so many of us grew up with.”
Erin encourages all Potter and sports fans alike to participate in practices at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays near the columns. Don’t forget to B.Y.O.B. – bring your own broom!
Her Campus Mizzou: How did you come up with the idea of starting a Quidditch team at Mizzou?
Erin Weinrick: I saw a commercial on MTV for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. As a huge Harry Potter fan, I had to know more, so I looked it up and found a pretty decent-sized following for “Muggle Quidditch,” as well as an actual organization (the International Quidditch Association) that keeps tabs on all the teams and tournaments. I asked for a rulebook on a whim and ended up coming in contact with several other people who wanted to start a team. So, when I met Wendy and found out she was trying to start a team, too, we decided to join forces.
HCM: How do you compensate for the lack of magic? Are the rules any different?
EW: I think most people who are on the team like to pretend they have magic. But because we don’t, there’s obviously no actual flying and no enchanted balls. The Snitch, which in the books is a tiny golden ball with wings, is a tennis ball in a long sock that you tuck in the pants of The Snitch Runner, who has free reign. The quaffle and bludgers are a volleyball and dodgeballs.
The rules and fouls are actually pretty much the same as in the books. Contact is allowed but no grabbing someone’s broom or cape. The major differences are that there is generally a time limit on Muggle Quidditch games, substitutions are allowed and the Knockout Effect – which is applied when you are hit with a bludger.
HCM: What is your favorite position to play?
EW: I really love playing Beater. It is a defensive position, which I prefer, and you get to throw giant dodgeballs at the other players.
HCM: Who is your favorite Quidditch player from the Harry Potter series?
EW: I feel like I should say Harry Potter, but I love Oliver Wood.
HCM: Have you found that there is a big following for Quidditch on campus?
EW: There has been a surprising amount of interest! So many people have read the Harry Potter books or seen the movies and want to continue being involved with the series in some way. Even the few people who have no interest in the Harry Potter element of the game enjoy it because of how physical it is. Overall, Quidditch is still relatively unknown on campus, but the word has been traveling.
HCM: What has been the most successful aspect of the Mizzou Quidditch team?
EW: The amount of interest and enthusiasm people have shown has been our greatest success so far. Our first ever meeting, which we held just to see how many people would actually want to play Quidditch, had over 30 people. We had just put it together quickly and did not do much advertising for it, so we were beyond shocked. Our first practice was in the freezing, pouring rain, and about 25 people came and played! The people who want to play are extremely dedicated and excited to be a part of this.
HCM: Do you think Quidditch deserves more recognition as a serious sport?
EW: Yes! And I’m not the only one. There is actually a petition going around to make Quidditch a NCAAP sport. Anyone who has played or seen a Quidditch match can tell you how physically demanding the sport is. It’s nonstop running and requires excellent hand-eye coordination and balance. Quidditch combines soccer, dodgeball and handball. Plus there is the addition of the Snitch, which makes the sport unique. Basically, we’re like any other sports team but on brooms.
HCM: Are there any funny or interesting team traditions, quirks or jokes on the Quidditch team?
EW: We joke about getting sued if someone gets injured while playing. There is actually one girl who always gets hit in the face with a bludger; that’s become something of an inside joke. Wendy and I may even buy her some goggles. We joke about Hufflepuffs, too.
HCM: Do you think Quidditch is a good way for Harry Potter fans to become involved in their passion for the series?
EW: Definitely! Many people on the team live for Harry Potter. Even if someone does not want to play but still wants to be involved, we will find a way. For us, Harry Potter will never end.
HCM: What advice could you give to anyone interested in starting a student organization?
EW: My main advice is to get all the information you can before going to student orgs. We were asked questions we had no idea how to answer, like how many PSIs were supposed to be in the game balls. A lot of preparation makes it easier in the long run. Secondly, don’t give up hope!