By Tena Thau
Although this is only their first season, the B-CC Quidditch Team has quickly established itself as the best Quidditch team in Montgomery County. It is also the only Quidditch team in Montgomery County.
But despite their lack of opponents, the team, consisting of roughly 25 able-bodied Muggles, is very active. Every Sunday, they have scrimmages on the football field, bringing to life the sport J.K. Rowling conceptualized in the popular Harry Potter series.
Unfortunately, Quidditch’s most important piece of equipment – the flying broomstick – has eluded B-CC’s squad; players are forced to substitute Swiffers for Nimbus 2000s.
So how, exactly, do Muggles play Quidditch?
“We run around with brooms between our legs and throw dodge balls at each other,” Junior Captain Alice Howard explains. “It’s fun!”
In Rowling’s novels, “Chasers” score ten points for their team by throwing a “Quaffle” through one of three goals. 150 points are earned – and the game is ended – when a “Seeker” captures the golden “Snitch,” a tiny winged ball that whizzes around in the air. Hard black balls called “Bludgers” are bewitched to fly towards players. “Beaters” use clubs to hit Bludgers in the direction of unsuspecting opponents, trying to knock them off their brooms.
In B-CC’s Muggle-friendly adaptation, Chasers score by throwing a ball through one of three hula hoops. A member of the track team plays the role of the Snitch, and the game ends when he is tagged. Beaters throw dodge balls at the other team.
In addition to being a fun way to make friends and get exercise, Howard added that participation on the Quidditch team could be a unique addition to a college application.
It is unknown whether playing on the team improves one’s chances of acceptance at Hogwarts.
If Quidditch enchants you, it’s not too late to join the team! Stop by a meeting most Wednesdays at lunch in Room C310, to learn more about this spellbinding new sport. Accio Firebolt!
Team Barondor has won the house cup!