While the story ended with a book series and movie franchise, J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter universe remains alive in the hearts of some students as they gear up to revive Bradleys Quidditch club.
Quidditch, a popular sport in Rowlings fictional wizarding world, is a mixed gender contact sport with a unique mix of elements from rugby, dodgeball, and tag when adopted into a real-life sport, according to the U.S. Quidditch website.
Although it doesnt have the same magic as the book version, Alex Cline, president of the Bradley Quidditch club, said its opportunities are endless.
Im definitely excited to play it, but I want this club to grow even after Im gone. From what I understand, the [past Quidditch] club ended after the people who started it left, said Cline, a freshman game design major.
To kick off the re-establishment of the club, an informational meeting was held on Wednesday evening, during which students were invited to Meinen Field and given a chance to practice their Quidditch skills.
Quidditch is played at universities all over the country and can be played for competition or just for fun. Secretary of the club, Susan Falk, said the unanimous goal of the Quidditch club is to be inclusive.
I really hope that a lot of people from everywhere, from all departments, come, and I hope they can participate and get to know people that they never could have before, Falk, a freshman theater performance major, said.
The sport includes four different positions with three different types of balls used to represent the snitch, quaffle and bludgers from the books.
Despite its earthly tethers, Falk said she hopes playing Quidditch can serve as a form of escape for students.
I think [Quidditch] is just one thing where its like [students] can just take [their] minds off of all the schoolwork [they] have to do and all of [their] other obligations and just play and have fun and know that [they] are doing something that [they] love, Falk said.
One thing that separates Quidditch from most sports is the gender rule. According to the U.S. Quidditch website, each team is allowed a maximum of four players, [out of a starting seven], who identify as the same gender in active play on the field at the same time.
While this may be a hard rule to maintain, Cline said he is determined to make sure everyone who joins the club feels like they can freely express themselves and their interests.
Our main objective is to grow a safe community around Quidditch, Cline said.
Falk also said there are no restrictions as to who can join the club.
Anyone can come. Anyone can play. Anyone can participate, Falk said. All you really need is a broom or a stick.
Quidditch club will meet at 3 p.m. this upcoming Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on Meinen Field.
