Quidditch comes to ASU

The word “Quidditch” brings to mind images of witches and wizards flying through the air on broomsticks, something only possible in the world of Harry Potter — until now, that is. Three ASU students are bringing the magic of the wizard sport to life on campus this semester.

Taylor Machen, Rachel Machen and Richard Bailey are the founders of ASU’s first Quidditch team, The Redweres.  Rachel Machen, a junior psychology major of Sherwood, said that the idea came from — of course — being a Harry Potter fan.

The game is played almost exactly how J.K. Rowling envisioned it in Harry Potter’s world, other than the flying of course. Team positions include Chasers, Beaters, Keepers, and Seekers. A volleyball is used for the Quaffle and dodgeballs are used as Bludgers. The Snitch is played by a team member usually dressed in gold, with a tennis ball wrapped in fabric attached to them.

In addition, the Snitch is allowed more movement than all the other players. Snitches are allowed to run outside of the game area and have been known to climb trees, throw water on the Seekers (players who catch the Snitch), and even get in line at a concession stand for a hot dog.

“The Snitch is meant to be a crowd pleaser,” Taylor Machen, a sophomore exercise science major of Alexander, explained.

Team members also have brooms that they use. Beginner teams often start out with PVC pipes, which they are allowed to decorate, but players can get true broomsticks if they wish.

“You can buy from a Harry Potter site and it looks official,” Machen said.

Although the team is just beginning, Machen added there is a scrimmage in Fayetteville she hopes they can attend on Jan. 26, even if they are just spectators. The first real tournament the team hopes to participate in is the Hog’s Head Tournament in April, which is also hosted in Fayetteville.

There are already eight Quidditch teams in Arkansas (the U of A team ranks 22nd in the nation), and hundreds across North America. Many are registered through the International Quidditch Association. The IQA hosts a World Cup every year for these teams.

“Our goal is to be at the 2014 World Cup,” Machen said.

The team needs more than just players for the field. Machen said positions are open to help with equipment, fitness routines, social media, and advertisement.

Anna Caldwell, a junior psychology major of Jonesboro, said that she wants to be involved without playing but expects the experience to be “awesome and nerdy.”

“It makes me feel bubbly and magical,” she said.

Carrington Pittman, a junior graphic communications major of Amity, is also a big Harry Potter fan that is excited to run around with a bunch of other nerds.

“It’s nerdy and athletic,” she added.

Pittman is interested in trying out for Keeper (the goalie) or the Snitch.

“The Snitch sounds wonderful,” she said.

For more information about joining the team, contact Rachel Machen at rachel.childers@smail.astate.edu, or Taylor Machen at taylor.machen@smail.astate.edu. The team’s official means of communication is the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/redwolfquidditch.  Visit www.internationalquidditch.org to learn more about the game.