A Muggle typically doesn’t pass up on a chance to live like a wizard.
Ohio University’s Quidditch Club will hold its second annual Dobby Memorial Quidditch Tournament on Saturday at the Athens Soccer Complex, near 929 E. State St.
Quidditch, a sport in the Harry Potter series, is played at more than 300 universities and high schools throughout North America, Australia and Europe according to the International Quidditch Association’s website.
“The best way to describe the game is a soccer/dodgeball/rugby/basketball hybrid,” said Ryan Altenbach, a senior studying broadcast journalism and OU’s club president, in an email. “It’s fast-paced, exciting, violent — everything a good sport should be.”
In Quidditch, teams typically consist of about 15 to 20 players, who throw several types of balls corresponding to those featured in the book series all while keeping a broomstick between their legs.
Players in the fictional series use magic to fly around on broomsticks, so real-life Quidditch players have had to adjust a bit.
“Part of me thinks it’s ridiculous, but the other part thinks it’s pretty cool,” said Whitney Putman, a senior studying psychology, who doesn’t play the sport.
OU’s Quidditch Club, which started in 2012, follows a rigorous training schedule and meets four times a week, including a conditioning practice at Ping Center.
“Just like any other sport, you need speed and strength,” Altenbach said. “If you think it’s a joke sport, I’d really invite you to come watch this weekend, and see if we can’t change your mind.”
OU, Ohio State University, University of Miami, Bowling Green State University and Ball State University are among 12 schools scheduled to attend Saturday’s tournament.
The club doesn’t receive funding from the university, but raises funds throughout the year. Costs for the upcoming tournament amount to about $100.
Among the 155 teams listed on the International Quidditch Association’s website, OU’s team is currently ranked 94th.
“We’re hoping its not gonna be too muddy, but we’ve played in worse weather,” said AJ Davis, a junior studying broadcast journalism and an assistant captain and treasurer for the club.
If You Go:
What: 2nd Annual Dobby Memorial Quidditch Tournament
When: Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: Athens Soccer Complex, near 929 E. State St.
Admission: Free
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