 "Photo: Caitlin Coughlan/Collegian")
The University of Massachusetts Quidditch team will compete in the second national multi-college Quidditch World Cup Tournament for the first time next week, hosted by Middlebury College in Vermont.
Quidditch is a sport played by characters in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series.
In 2005, Middlebury College brought the game of Quidditch to the "Muggle," or human, world. It's played on the ground instead of the air, but many rules closely mirror Rowling's literary portrayal.
Muggle Quidditch has four positions: three Chasers, two Beaters, a Keeper and a Seeker. The game combines elements of tag, football, lacrosse and rugby.
Since its creation, "Muggle Quidditch" has expanded into a national phenomenon, with over 180 registered teams nation-wide.
Fourteen colleges and universities are expected to join UMass and Middlebury in the tournament, including Amherst College, Boston University, Chestnut Hill College, Emerson College, Princeton, Vassar, Louisiana State, University of Washington, McGill University, Carlow University and Green Mountain College.
Junior Matt Drake started UMass' Quidditch last spring. This will be the team's first major competition. UMass Quidditch is a Registered Student Organization and has enough members for two full teams, allowing them to play games and practice scrimmages and drills.
"I think the best part about the world cup is that we can go in with no expectations, except for a good time," said Drake. "We're bringing 20 people and all of them are incredibly enthusiastic just to have the opportunity to play."
"I'm really proud of how the team has come together for the event," he said. "It's really been a team effort to plan out transportation, shirts, capes, a banner and general preparation for game strategies. There's so much that goes into it, and it's so great to see our group all working at that same goal."
"Middebury has been playing Quidditch for three years," said UMass Quidditch treasurer Kristina Moy. "So, I don't expect us to win, but I do want this to be a fun, once in a life time opportunity. It will definitely be a rough weekend since we need to be there by 9 a.m., and the game will not end until 6 p.m. A lot of gas, a couple of endless nights of little sleep, but as long as our team is in the bandwagon with us, then we are all set to go. And that's what matters."
Moy said she is delighted about the festival-like atmosphere accompanying the Tournament.
"It looks like a lot of fun because it's not just about Quidditch; there will also be entertainment like bands and such," she said.
The tournament will have activities relating to Rowling's novel. There will be live musical entertainment, a capella performances, owls, alpacas and other animals, exploding "potions" chemistry experiments and the "Flying Fists," a student fire-juggling club. As for the Quidditch game itself, it will feature live sports announcement, fully-equipped bleachers and tents and local Vermont food for sale.
"This will be a great opportunity to meet new people who like to play Quidditch as well, and potentially some Harry Potter fans," Moy said. "Seeing how other groups coordinate their teams will help us improve ours."
The tournament will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 in the middle of Middlebury campus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
More information is available at the College Quidditch website at www. collegequidditch.com.
Vincent Capone can be reached at Vincentcapone@gmail.com.
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