80 in 80: Macaulay

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 Shenuque Tissera, captain/coach of the Macaulay Honors College Marauders.

Photo courtesy of  Macaulay Marauders

QP: Last year must have been a bit of an up-and-down World Cup with the win over Texas State University- San Marcos but the team’s ultimate failure to advance to bracket play. What did the team take away from that?

Shenuque: It was definitely a tough situation for us, but we realized that we were a young team that had a lot of potential. We have a lot of talent and heart, but that can only take us so far. We need to work extremely hard and for the right reasons. If we actually want to compete at a high level, we have to continue to learn from the negatives.

QP: Do you and the team have any goals for this World Cup?

Shenuque: Step out on the pitch and win each game as they come! I want this team to prove to itself and the rest of  USQ that despite all that's happened this season, Macaulay will not die.

QP: Is there a particular adversity you feel the team needs to overcome?

Shenuque: Inexperience is going to be our biggest challenge at this World Cup.

QP: How is the team preparing for World Cup?

Shenuque: We practice once a week and ask players to condition on their own time.

QP: Are there any players who you think will be key to the team's success?

Shenuque: I think that this team will have to rely heavily on each player to step up. While I'm sure other people speculate on who is going to be Macaulay's star, I really think that this year every player on the team will have to make significant contributions on-pitch if we hope to make noise at World Cup. Macaulay will really have to embrace its family mantra this year.

QP: Would you attribute a certain style of play to the team?

Shenuque: Not particularly! We're working on a few things to try at World Cup!

QP: Any opponents that you'd like to face?

Shenuque: Haha, new teams are always fun! It sucks going to World Cup to play teams that you could have played if you drove down to Maryland. Maybe University of Miami, but both teams have changed a lot since last year.

QP: Are there any players who you think don't necessarily get the attention they deserve?

Shenuque: Every player on the team.

QP: Is there anything else you think our readers should know?

Shenuque: This team has only gotten better since the fall. I can't wait to watch it take the pitch at World Cup. Don't doubt Macaulay Quidditch.

QP: Thanks, Shenuque; we appreciate your time.

Shenuque: Any time! Enjoy the rest of the week and stay warm!