Gig Em Gazette
Fansided

Texas A&M Quidditch belongs on ESPN8 The Ocho

By Cahil Murchison

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 05: A view of the logo during ESPN The Party on February 5, 2016 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for ESPN)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 05: A view of the logo during ESPN The Party on February 5, 2016 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for ESPN) /
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(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /

On Friday, August 4th, I spoke to TAMU Quidditch President Alex Stewart, Vice President Courtneney Youngs, Intermural Coordinator and Tournament Director CJ Choquette and Head Coach for the Silver Phoenix Ryan MacKay to try and give me some insight on what it’s like to play this game that’s captivated so many people. They each gave some awesome insight on what it’s like to be a collegiate athlete in an up and coming sport. For those of you still having a hard time wrapping your mind around Quidditch, I think Mr. Choquette explains it beautifully. He breaks each position down and relates them to positions in other sports.

"“The Keeper is like the quarterback and catcher. He sets the team up and can see everything that’s happening. Not only must he do that, but he must also be the goalie, preventing the other team from scoring.” “The Chasers are like wide receivers and defensive backs. They are the quicker and agile ones on the team. They do the scoring on offense and then pretty much stay in man coverage on defense the whole time.” “The Beaters are like offensive linemen and linebackers. Not only do they disrupt people and even tackle them on defense, but when they take someone out, they create a lane for the Chasers.” “Of course, the seeker is is unique in its own way. His sole job is to get the snitch.”"

The next question I asked seemed to be one of great importance to the players in the Quidditch community. I asked Ms. Stewart, “Some would be stereotypical and imagine only “nerds” or “book worms” playing. What’s the culture of the players like?” To which she responded:

"“We defenitly consider ourselves athletes. Most of us were athletes in high school who just couldn’t find a spot on other school teams. We come from all sorts of backgrounds so there’s really all sorts of people who play the game. It’s a co-ed sport too. So, if you think all the girls are soft and weak, then you’re wrong. We have to be just as competitive.”"

This idea of all Quidditch players not being athletic or sports fans is a huge misconception that society has develop. Quidditch players come from backgrounds far and wide looking to just compete and have fun.