US Quidditch Cup 10 Preview: The Fifth Day of Kissimmee

On the Fifth day of Kissimmee, we have a first year Carolina team fighting to make a name for itself, a second year Austin team looking to surpass last year’s loss at the Round of 16, a three time champ looking to reclaim its throne, and a fourth and fifth time qualifier each looking to do its relatively isolated state proud.

US Quidditch Cup 10 Preview: The Fourth Day of Kissimmee

On the fourth day of Kissimmee, we have a community team looking to maintain last year’s strong showing, two regional champions looking to make national claims, a regional transplant fighting for pride for both its home and adopted region, and a college team with a historic pedigree making its long awaited return to the national stage.

US Quidditch Cup 10 Preview: The Third Day of Kissimmee

On the third day of Kissimmee, we have a college team with dreams of its first national title, some isolated teams that were surprise qualifiers, and a regional champion who surprised many with a deep run last year and will be looking to repeat the feat. 

Texas State University - San Marcos

By Carrie Soukup

Editor’s note: The author is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Texas State Quidditch Organization.

If Texas State comes to your tournament, there is a fair chance it will take home silverware, as five of its six tournaments this year have ended with a first- or second-place victory. Its only elimination this year came at Diamond Cup V at the hands of Texas Cavalry, while at Alamo Cup, Texas State went 5-0, victorious on its quest for a trophy at last. At the Southwest Regional Championship, Texas State again came in second place behind Lone Star Quidditch Club, after knocking off tournament favorites Texas Cavalry.

Rapid Reaction: US Quidditch Cup 10 Pools

By Andy Marmer, Austin Wallace, Christopher Dewing, Alex Russell, and Carrie Soukup 

Editor’s Note: The following is a quick analysis. While the Quidditch Post’s editors did their best to ensure the accuracy of all stats and information, due to our desire to provide quick and timely information, some errors may have arisen. We apologize for any mistakes and will do our best to correct any incorrect information that is pointed out to us.

The Tuesday 11 days before a major tournament means one thing: pool draws. A favorable pool can be the springboard to Day Two glory, as it allows for easy wins, high point differentials, and a top seed entering the bracket. On the other hand, a difficult pool can be a death sentence that causes tough games, lower than-expected seeding, and of course the possibility of elimination. With USQ announcing the pool draw for US Quidditch Cup 10, we break down each pool, games, and fun facts on our way to identifying the 36 teams that will advance to bracket play.

US Quidditch Cup 10 Preview: The Second Day of Kissimmee

On the second day of Kissimmee, we have a pair of college programs that once dominated their regions, but have since taken a backseat to local rivals, one of the world’s most established community teams, the lone B-team competing, and one regional champion. 

The Silver Phoenix

By Alex Stewart  

Editor’s Note: The author is a treasurer of Texas A&M Quidditch Organization.

US Quidditch Cup 10 Preview: The First Day of Kissimmee

With US Quidditch Cup 10 rapidly approaching, the Quidditch Post kicks off the 12 Days of Kissimmee with a pair of regional champions, a former juggernaut that fell on hard times, but is now on the rebound, a strong college squad looking to make its way deep into the bracket, and an oft-overlooked college team trying to leave a mark on the national scene.

Consolation Cup Provides Alternative to US Quidditch Cup

By Danielle Lehmann 

For many teams who did not earn a bid for US Quidditch Cup 10, competing against out-of-region teams is no longer a possibility. Last year, however, Texas State Quidditch changed that prospect for many who just missed out on national-level play. Texas State returns with Consolation Cup II this weekend, when 22 teams (Editor’s Note: One team has dropped from Consolation Cup II, but as of press time the identity of this team has not been confirmed) make their way across the United States to compete in the intense tournament.

Five Things We Learned from the South Regional Championship

By Kenny Stowe and Steven Paisley

From the cool South Carolina mornings to yet another reigning champion change, the 2017 South Regional Championship ushers in a new era of quidditch strength for the region.

1. Surprises should come as no surprise at the South Regional Championship: Gainesville Siege, the Flying Panthers Quidditch Club (FPQC), inTENNsity, and College of Charleston

As the South Regional Championship usually falls on Valentine’s Day weekend, it is very fitting to say that quidditch at its finest is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. When the deep South and Florida factions clashed February 11-12, it was difficult to predict what might happen. From USQ policy to breakout contenders, this tournament showcased quite a few unexpected surprises.

Finest Looks for the Gold at the 2017 South Regional Championship

By Joe Goldberg, Steven Paisley, and Emmanuel Cureton

The South will host US Quidditch Cup for the fifth time, and this year’s tournament will be held in Kissimmee, Florida. This weekend, teams will play in the South Regional Championship to earn one of five bids to US Quidditch Cup 10. The Quidditch Post has taken a look at the players, stories, and teams to watch as regional championships approach.

International Weekend Wrap-Up - January 21-22

Contributions by Chula Bruggeling, Lena Mandahus, TJ Goaley, Neha Korrapati, Kenny Stowe, and Nat Davis There is a lot going on in the world of quidditch on any particular weekend, and most of us only see the stories immediately relevant to our regions. However, it can be very interesting to look outside of our own bubble every once in awhile and take a look at the rest of the global community. To that end, each week the Quidditch Post collects information about tournaments and events that happened during the weekend around the world. This week we are covering the Dutch EQC Qualifier; the Austrian EQC Qualifier; USQ Southwest’s Brooms on the Brazos; USQ South’s Old Money Classic IV and the Horns up for Harambe Memorial Championship; and USQ Great Lakes’ the Grindy Slam Winter Jam.

Favorites Look to Hold Serve at Four US Weekend Tournaments

The second half of the USQ season picks up quickly this coming weekend with four tournaments across three regions, featuring teams from five different regions. Our writers go around the country with an eye on what to watch out for.

Horns Up for Harambe Memorial Championship

By Audrey Wheeler and Kenny Stowe

Editor’s Note: Audrey is the President of Florida State University and President for the Florida Quidditch Conference. Kenny is a player for Florida’s Finest Quidditch Club

Date: January 21

Number of Teams: 7 (1 unofficial)

Host: University of South Florida (USF) Quidditch

Location: Tampa, Florida

Western Slugfest Headlines Two Tournament Weekend

With US Quidditch Cup 10 fast approaching, the Quidditch Post is taking you around the country to follow what’s coming up in the weekend ahead. Tegan and Sara Invitational

By Christopher Dewing Date: January 14

Number of Teams: 7

Host: Fighting Farmers of Arizona

Location: Sacramento, CA

International Weekend Wrap-Up - November 11-13

Contributions by Chula Bruggeling, Kyle Carey, Serena Cheong, Rebekah Page, Arjun Patel, Ashara Peiris, Carrie Soukup, Cameron VomBaur, and Austin Wallace

There is a lot going on in the world of quidditch on any particular weekend, and most of us only see the stories immediately relevant to our regions. However, it can be very interesting to look outside of our own bubble every once in awhile and take a look at the rest of the global community. To that end, each week the Quidditch Post collects information about tournaments and events that happened during the weekend around the world.

This week we are covering the Eastern and Western Canada Regional Championships, Coupe de France, the UK’s Northern Cup, the US’s Midwest Regional Championship, Next Best West, Hub City Cup, and Officially BAQC At It.

MLQ Championship Preview: Pod 3

Fourteen intense teams will come together this weekend, August 20-21, for the second Major League Quidditch (MLQ) Championship. These teams were divided into four pods for pool play and we were able to talk to some of the managers and players who will be fighting for the gold in League City, Texas. To know more about these three Pod 3 contenders, watch our conversation with players from the Boston team and read more about Kansas City with manager Mikayla Hoffman and San Francisco with manager Natalie Stottler.

World Cup From Their Perspective: Team USA Head Coach James Hicks

My name is James Hicks, and I have been involved in quidditch since 2011. I was the head coach of the 2016 Team USA.

Team USA Head Coach James Hicks at the closing ceremonies for the 2016 Quidditch World Cup. | Photo Credit: Ajantha Abey Quidditch Photography

Before I get started, I would like to thank the Quidditch Post, and particularly the sections abroad. For the past year, I believe that your coverage of international teams and events has helped keep us updated on quidditch around the world, not just in America, and I’ve enjoyed following international quidditch because of it. I would also like to thank you for reaching out for a different kind of interview - for giving me a platform to share my personal experience and my feelings after a tough weekend for USA quidditch. Not many sporting media outlets do that after a tough loss, so it’s very much appreciated.

World Cup 2016: Spotlight on the United States

By Danielle Lehmann and Bruce Donnelly  

History

The United States has the honor of saying that quidditch started here, at Middlebury College in Vermont (in the northeastern United States) by Xander Manshel and Alex Benepe in 2005. As freshmen that year, Manshel and Benepe created the groundwork for quidditch, but it was quite different from the sport we know today.

World Cup 2016: Spotlight on Team USA South Representative Bernardo Berges

By Talitha Brys

In mid-March, USQ released the roster for Team USA. Players from across the country were chosen by an interregional committee to represent the United States, and these passionate athletes will travel to Frankfurt, Germany for the World Cup 2016 this summer. Out of the 21 rostered players, only one hails from the South Region: the University of Miami’s (UM) very own Bernardo Berges.

Gender Rule Excludes Womens Colleges

By Taylor Veracka

What does quidditch have in common with horseback riding? For now, the sports’ only similarity is the fact that both allow all genders to compete with and against one another, though many hold out hope that quidditch will eventually join equestrianism in the Olympic Games. Gender inclusivity is something that not only sets quidditch apart from most other sports but also presents many unique challenges, specifically in governing the politics of a full-contact sport where all genders can participate.

Soaring to South Carolina Preview: Pools 10-12

This weekend, April 16-17, 60 teams will fight for a chance to hold up the championship trophy of US Quidditch Cup 9. The University of Texas is the three-time defending champion, but 59 teams will look to unseat it. In the week leading up to the tournament, the Quidditch Post will run through the pools and highlight some of the players, teams, and stories to watch this weekend.

Soaring to South Carolina Preview: Pools 7-9

This weekend, April 16-17, 60 teams will fight for a chance to hold up the championship trophy of US Quidditch Cup 9. The University of Texas is the three-time defending champion, but 59 teams will look to unseat it. In the week leading up to the tournament, the Quidditch Post will run through the pools and highlight some of the players, teams, and stories to watch this weekend.