Emily Zadny
Contributing Writer
The magical world of Harry Potter has merged with North Central College’s student life as a group of students work together to form the college’s first Quidditch team.
It has become a college campus craze over the years; even major universities like Harvard and Michigan State have competitive teams. Junior Caitlin Struss wanted to bring that experience to North Central and with the help of her friend Joanna Bodigor, her dream became a reality.
“I met Joanna my freshman year and her love of Harry Potter was as great as my own,” said Struss. “We both decided it would be a great idea to start up this fun and energetic sport where everyone can act goofy and share their love of all things magical.”
The game can be difficult to learn, considering there are close to 700 rules. But with a little time and practice, anyone can develop a love for the sport. In Quidditch, there are three goals on either side of the field and three balls – ranging from soccer balls as bludgers and a dodgeball as the quaffle-which players must throw into the upright hoops.
“So essentially, since we are non-magic folk, or Muggles, we have to change all things magical to accommodate,” Struss added. While players do not get to fly in the air on their Nimbus 2000s, the basis of the game is the same as seen in the movies.
The big question that many interested students have is, “What is the Snitch and how do we catch it?” Struss says not to worry; while the game may look different, the key principles are still the same.
“The game is modified to be played on the ground,” said Struss. “There is still a snitch, but it is not a flying golden ball; it is a person who dresses in all yellow or gold with a sock tucked in their waistband and the seekers have to chase them around.”
There has been a considerable amount of interest in the club. According to Struss 100 people signed up at the activities fair which is five times the number of people who signed up to the Chronicle.
With such high interest Struss hopes that one day, the Cardinals can play competitively. “I am really excited to meet all the Harry Potter lovers around campus,” said Struss. “We are going to have a really fun year!”
The club will hold its first meeting on Oct. 6 on the upper level of the Eva White Activity Center.
