Releasing the Snitch

Book Series Inspires New Sport on Campus

Written by: Michela Castellana
November 21, 2013

The Harry Potter book series has inspired a new sport that is quickly gaining in popularity. As a fictional game from these novels, Quidditch features an intense battle of agility in a sport played on flying broom sticks. While broomsticks are not involved in the “muggle” version of this game, players must run while keeping broomstick-sized PVC pipes between their legs as a handicap of sorts.

The sport was created in 2005 at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. Texas State University began their Quidditch Association in the fall of 2011. This registered student organization is dedicated to playing the sport of quidditch and sponsoring social events centered on the book series.

Tyrell Williams, a sophomore participant in the game of quidditch, describes the sport as, “the only coed full contact sport. It is growing extremely fast. It really includes everyone to play.” This organization provides more than 120 members with the opportunity to participate solely in social events, play in house games, play on the intercollegiate (IQA) team or a combination of any of these.

Unlike most collegiate sports, quidditch is not a seasonal sport. It is played year round and features the International Quidditch Association World Cup in the spring.

According to Texas State senior, Richard McEvoy-Kemp, "there are tournaments throughout the year. Leading up to regionals and how you do in tournaments determines where you are seated in regionals… If you do really well you go to the world cup.”

Being held in North Carolina this year, the World Cup tournament will feature 80 college teams from 36 states and four nations. With over 1,500 uniformed, broom-riding athletes in attendance, the tournament offers concerts, live commentary on the fields and many wizardly inspired foods, treats and memorabilia.  

Texas State University will be hosting their second annual Diamond Cup on February 1, 2014. This tournament will feature games against teams such as UT, A&M, Rice, Baylor, Texas Tech, Sam Houston State and more.

One student, Jordon Parisher, began a campaign in order to raise money for the tournament. When asked about his efforts to raise these funds, Parisher said, "I'm raising money for a cause I care about, but I need your help to reach my goal! Please become a supporter to follow my progress and share with your friends."

To make a donation or to learn more information on becoming a supporter, please visit https://fundly.com/texasstatequidditch.

For more information on becoming involved with the Quidditch Association, please see the Texas State team’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateQuidditch, or follow them on Twitter, @txstquidditch.