80 in 80: Falcon Warriors

• 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 Alex Matheny, coach of the Falcon Warriors Quidditch Club.
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  Photo by Amy A. Utley
  

  
  

  Quidditch Post: First, we’ve got to start with the obvious question: how does it feel having qualified for World Cup?
• Alex: Great, especially considering it being only a second year B team.
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  QP: Without a doubt. So, you've already achieved one goal in qualifying for World Cup. What goals do the Falcon Warriors have for World Cup?
• Alex: Not many. I would like to keep two games within snitch range regardless of win or loss, and of course making Day Two would be phenomenal.
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  QP: So, for the Falcon Warriors, it's more about the experience?
• Alex: Absolutely. We have, I think, five or so people who played quidditch before this year, so the team is very green. The more they play at top levels, the better they will get.
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  QP: That's a very reasonable thought process. So, would you say that's what the Falcon Warriors are looking forward to most about World Cup?
• Alex: Yeah. I'm sure the experience will be amazing for all of us and will hopefully push us to work even harder for one of the only 60 spots next year in a pretty strong new region.
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  QP: So, what do you think it will take for the team to achieve its goals at World Cup this year?
• Alex: If we continue to grow at the same rate as individuals and as a team, I think we will be very close to doing it. We just have to be able to take the losses I expect in stride when we get there.
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  QP: Which players do you think will make the biggest impact for the Falcon Warriors at World Cup this year?
• Alex: I for sure see Korey Johnson showing up in exactly the way we need him to at chaser/seeker, and Max Portillo and Tessa Mitan at beater is a great thing for our defense. Also, a great keeper with Justin Warren if he does return.
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  QP: Korey has definitely been making a name for himself as one of the toughest seekers in the region, gritting out and catching a lot of snitches for your team this year.
• Alex: Yeah. We for sure owe a big part of our low point differential going into Day Two of the regional championship to some great catches by him, and with Max Portillo motoring around as fast as he does to keep Korey alone on the snitch was great to watch.
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  QP: Without a doubt. I love watching Portillo play because he just doesn't give up. I love seeing that kind of fight in a player.
• Alex: Exactly. It’s great to see as a captain as well.
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  QP: Well, congratulations on leading the Falcon Warriors thus far, and best of luck to you in the spring! Thanks for your time.
  Alex: Thanks, and to you.