Brockport Muggles were given a rare glimpse at a normally hidden wizarding game, Quidditch, on Saturday, April 30. Originally set for the Townhomes fields, the Quidditch World Cup was moved to Tuttle South due to wet ground.
The six teams — Weaslys, Dementors, Huff ‘n' Puffs, Badassalisks, Inquisatorial Squad and Batbears — played each other in opening matches, then separated into winners and losers brackets.
The Badassalisks proved themselves early on, passing the Quaffle and throwing Bludgers at opposing teams with rapid succession. Starting on opposite sides of the gym-turned-pitch, the players multitasked by keeping their brooms between their legs while running and aiming Bludgers and Quaffles at their intended targets.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the tournament was every time the living Snitch entered the pitch. The Snitches took delight in taunting the Seekers, sometimes jumping in front of the players before springing away. On more than one occasion, the Seekers and the Snitches skidded on the ground, once slamming into an innocent table. Seeing as how capturing the Snitch (a tennis ball in a black tube sock) ends each match, it's no wonder some of the teams reacted with such enthusiasm. Bryan Jones and Chad King, both sophomores, and Maurice Brown, a freshman, shared the responsibility of acting as the Snitch. They each agreed that avoiding the two Seekers was their biggest obstacle. "The Seekers got smarter," Brown said.
With more than 100 Muggles in attendance, including the players, the Late Night staff considered the event a success, though not one without its own hurdles.
"The biggest challenge was the equipment," said Kevin Speer, graduate assistant for Late Night with Ellsworth, said. "The brooms are in shambles, which is fine. People had fun. We hope to put it on next year."
Some players mentioned Quidditch becoming an intramural sport. If this goes through, Brockport would join the ranks of SUNY New Paltz, Smith College and Vassar College.
While some players walked away with minor injuries — some even drew blood — most shrugged it away, stating "it's part of the game."
The final match was certainly well deserved. The Badassalisks asserted their dominance by going undefeated and landing the championship spot. After an initial defeat, the Dementors fought back, climbing their way to the final match. While the Badassalisks faced their first defeat, they ultimately won the championship.
The prizes included a trophy, Easy Money and the newest Harry Potter DVD, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part I. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II is out in theaters July 15.
There was a mix of competitiveness and camaraderie at the event. When one player slammed another into the ground, they often helped them up and apologized, making sure the fallen wasn't too seriously hurt.
To keep the spectators entertained, music was played from something called an iPod, a seemingly magical device that stores invisible songs played through speakers. Such devices wouldn't be allowed in the wizarding world, as the magic and electricity would interfere with each other.
During a 10-minute break, the Late Night staff and volunteers performed their now campus-known flash mob dance in the dark, with glow sticks, as a way to advertise for Glow Fest II. Glow Fest II, partially sponsored by Late Night, takes place after Brock the Port at 9 p.m.
The Late Night staff also acted as referees, complete with whistles, hand motions and yellow cards.
Stacy Seyboth, a freshman and Harry Potter fan, enjoyed herself.
"It's definitely a good game to watch," she said. "I'd never want to play, though."
