Seekers, quaffles and snitches —
Muggle Quidditch hits the Quad

by Amy Zuroweste, posted Nov. 8, 2011

Every Wednesday afternoon the MU quad is filled with an interesting site.  The stretch of grass leading the way to campus trademark columns will be filled with up to 20 students running around on broomsticks, trying to put the quaffle through one of three hoops. The fantasy world of Harry Potter has found a way to crash-land right onto MU’s campus, with Muggle Quidditch.

Muggle Quidditch was founded in 2005 at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Va., according to IQA.org. In spring 2008, Middlebury College road-tripped to six different colleges to play, alerting the press and media. That led to the formation of hundreds of teams nationally. By fall 2010, 43 colleges and three high schools competed in front of 15,000 spectators and more than 40 media outlets at the 4th Annual Muggle Quidditch World Cup.

According to IQA.org, The International Quidditch Association, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of Quidditch and inspiring young people to lead physically active and socially engaged lives.

In fall 2010, Muggle Quidditch came to MU. Since muggles are unable to cast spells or perform magic, players must carry a decorated broomstick between their legs at all times. Each team consists of a seeker, a keeper, two beaters, and three chasers, as well as a cross-country runner with a sock acting as the snitch.  Each player has a designated role and wears a colored headband to distinguish their position. The goal is to put the quaffle through the other teams’ hoops and capture the snitch.

The group is trying to convince MU to give it official organization status and become an official member of the International Quidditch Association.

There are many benefits to Muggle Quidditch.

“We all get along so well,” said Travis Zimpfer, junior co-captain. “Everyone is so accepting of what everyone else can bring to the table. I have become more athletic, I am losing weight. I also feel that as co-captain I have gained leadership skills.”

Besides the athletic and leadership aspects, players enjoy the bonding and shared interests of Muggle Quidditch.

“We all love the same things,” Michelle Rathe, a freshman member of Muggle Quidditch, said. “It is such a great way to bond.”

The team recently traveled to the Midwest Cup in Indianapolis on October 8 and 9. They played many schools, such as Purdue, The Ohio State and Pittsburg University. MU finished in the top 12 out of 18 teams.

“I love the friends and memories I have made,” Rathe said.  “I will definitely continue this next year.”

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