UMass Quidditch vs. Amherst College
Both bludgers and spirits are bound to fly at the December 6 quidditch match between the UMass Amherst and Amherst College quidditch teams. The event will mark the end of play for the winter.
Quidditch is a formerly fictional sport originated in the Harry Potter novels. The version for "muggles" began at Middlebury College in Vermont in 2004. Since then, the sport has spread to over 180 teams. Amherst College and UMass Amherst both started their teams in the spring of 2008.
The sport consists of four positions per team: Chasers, Beaters, Keepers, and Seekers, and a neutral Snitch. Chasers score 10 points by throwing the quaffle through their opponents hoops. Beaters control the bludgers as a defense mechanism. Keepers must block incoming quaffles from going through their hoops. Seekers attempt to capture the Snitch, which scores 30 points and ends the game.
"Quidditch retains the magic of Rowling's series while providing the thrill and edge of modern sports," says fan Tristan Macdonald. The sport gets very intense by encouraging tackling, tripping, and other rugby-esque techniques.
The quidditch match will be free and open to the public, and will take place outside of McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the UMass campus. Come on down, dress warm, and enjoy the most unique entertainment on this side of the Mississippi.
