Anteater Quidditch
"Turning Nerds Into Jocks And Jocks Into Nerds Since 2013"
If you were to walk through Aldrich Park on a Friday afternoon, you might see students napping against trees or chatting with their friends. You might happen along squirrels scurrying up trees or a sign warning you against falling branches. And in the heart of the park you might come across twenty or so students running around with PVC pipes in between their legs.
No you’re not experiencing a finals coma induced dream. You are simply witness to our resident Quidditch team honing their flying skills with a practice scrimmage.
All throughout practice students coming from class stop along the road to gawk at the sight. Many chat animatedly with their friends, some pull out their phones to record, a couple even stop to ask questions.
As I approach their afternoon practice to observe and report I am immediately taken back by the amount of agility the players seem to possess. For every theatrical component existing in the game there are twice as many brute elements. As they race up and down the “pitch” in their grey shirts, emblazoned with a crest representing an anteater and two brooms, one can’t but help appreciate their sense of camaraderie. Panting and sweaty with exhaustion, their eyes are still full of mirth as they pass the quaffel back and forth. High-fiving each other and shouting out words of encouragement, it is clear the players bonds extend past the duration of practice.
The Anteater Quidditch team has not been a staple at UCI for very long. Originating in fall 2013 students of all majors, all grade levels, Gryffindor and Slytherin alike, have united.
No you’re not experiencing a finals coma induced dream. You are simply witness to our resident Quidditch team honing their flying skills with a practice scrimmage.
All throughout practice students coming from class stop along the road to gawk at the sight. Many chat animatedly with their friends, some pull out their phones to record, a couple even stop to ask questions.
As I approach their afternoon practice to observe and report I am immediately taken back by the amount of agility the players seem to possess. For every theatrical component existing in the game there are twice as many brute elements. As they race up and down the “pitch” in their grey shirts, emblazoned with a crest representing an anteater and two brooms, one can’t but help appreciate their sense of camaraderie. Panting and sweaty with exhaustion, their eyes are still full of mirth as they pass the quaffel back and forth. High-fiving each other and shouting out words of encouragement, it is clear the players bonds extend past the duration of practice.
The Anteater Quidditch team has not been a staple at UCI for very long. Originating in fall 2013 students of all majors, all grade levels, Gryffindor and Slytherin alike, have united.
Their first game, a tournament a couple of weekends ago, was a two-day process, morning to night at UCLA. With fifteen teams in attendance, including one from Mexico and another from Canada, the Anteaters, the newest team played well.
“My favorite part is the community. Its ridiculous how many people you meet that are so incredibly nice and welcoming. Even going to the tournament, there were people from other teams who would come over to our area and just be like ‘Hey, we haven’t seen you around before because this is your first one! How’s it going’. So many people introduced themselves, new Facebook friends.” - Clare, team member
For some of the most dedicated members Quidditch provides many opportunities outside of UCI as well.
This isn’t senior Francis Juliano’s first year playing Quidditch. Previously playing for both the Hollywood Harpies and the Moorpoark Marauders, Francis has had his fair share of Hogwart’s worthy adventures. He was able to travel to New York to watch and play briefly in the Quidditch World Cup. He sat on the Harry Potter panel at Comic-Con and received free admission. As well, Francis participated in a floor demo at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo.
Anteater Quidditch Coach James Luby also has aspirations of playing in the World Cup next year. A graduate of UCLA and hoping to enroll in UCI next year, James encourages everyone to try their hand at the unique sport. “I have plenty of friends I know that have played Quidditch and that are not at all Harry Potter fans.”
This isn’t senior Francis Juliano’s first year playing Quidditch. Previously playing for both the Hollywood Harpies and the Moorpoark Marauders, Francis has had his fair share of Hogwart’s worthy adventures. He was able to travel to New York to watch and play briefly in the Quidditch World Cup. He sat on the Harry Potter panel at Comic-Con and received free admission. As well, Francis participated in a floor demo at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo.
Anteater Quidditch Coach James Luby also has aspirations of playing in the World Cup next year. A graduate of UCLA and hoping to enroll in UCI next year, James encourages everyone to try their hand at the unique sport. “I have plenty of friends I know that have played Quidditch and that are not at all Harry Potter fans.”
An inside look at an Anteater Quidditch practice in Aldrich Park.
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Chase Kahlo, a visitor to UCI, stops by practice and tries his hand at Quidditch for the first time.
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