80 in 80: BGSU

As part of our efforts to preview all 80 teams competing in USQ World Cup 8, the Quidditch Post is chatting with representatives from each team. Today we spoke with Zak Hewitt, keeper for Bowling Green State University (BGSU).

Photo by Amanda Beaver

Quidditch Post: Two years ago, BGSU had the Cinderella run to the Final Four before bowing out to the University of Texas at Austin. Last year, BGSU made it to the Sweet 16 before bowing out to Baylor University. What would you say the team's goals are for this World Cup?

Zak: Our team’s goals are to rebuild for next year since we are losing myself, Daniel Daugherty, Alex Closson, and Chad Brown i believe we will make a strong showing at World Cup but fall short similar to last year.

QP: Sam “Sunshine” Roitblat has been viewed as a dangerous seeker for so long, but in my opinion, he is one of the most overrated players in our region. Do you think that has to do with snitches learning his game and being prepared for it?

Zak: I mean, obviously snitches are going to learn his game just like they learned Harry Greenhouse’s. Yeah, perhaps he is overrated. However, the seeker game of BGSU as a whole is underrated because many players can launch themselves into high-level games and make catches.

QP: I agree that BGSU has quite a few players who can perform at that high level. Sunshine alone does not make up the seeker game for the squad. So, what would you say the team is looking forward to most about this World Cup?

Zak: Being able to let the new recruits shine and the veterans to keep the composure should they get cocky. Everyone wants to prove themselves, it is up to our opponent to allow them to do that.

QP: Speaking of new recruits, what players might the general public not know all that well who could really make a significant impact for BGSU at World Cup?

Zak: Noah Cochran for his hands-behind-the-hoops goals, Max Portillo and Nick Gallmeier for their speed/agility, Kendall Kuhn for his physicality, and Joshua Scott for his tenacity, physicality and assertiveness.

QP: Sort of touching back on some previous topics, are there any teams in particular that BGSU wants to play at World Cup, or teams that you think you would match up well with?

Zak: I mean, I really want to play against the Silicon Valley Skrewts, Maryland Quidditch, and the University of Texas.

QP: Why those teams, if I may ask you to expand on it a bit?

Zak: Well, I want to play Greenhouse again after getting to know him through fantasy tourneys however Maryland’s seeker game closely matches ours. The Skrewts’ beater game vs. our beater game will be a true test. I am also looking forward to Brown’s leadership vs. that of Willis Miles and Kyrie Timbrook of the Skrewts. I’m also excited to play against University of Texas because I, along with some of our better players were injured when we played them at World Cup VI and I think the match would have been different if both teams were at full strength battling each other.

QP: Alright. I think that just about does it. Thanks a ton, Zak! Best of luck to BGSU in the spring.
Zak: You’ve got it.