UT San Antonio Quadball is practicing for nationals this week, which will take them to Sacramento, California. Starting their practice on March 26 off strong, participants split into teams to begin their drills. The intensity of the game became apparent within the first few minutes, showing true “Harry Potter” grit for the sport. The co-ed teams of six players put their all into their play as soon as they took to the field. Although “Harry Potter’s” Quidditch inspired Quadball, UT San Antonio participants aim to be known for their play rather than for the book series.
As the team walked onto the field, players began running drills to brush up on their skills. Junior public health major Paulina Dominguez explained the players’ positions to The Paisano. The Chasers whizz around the field to score points for the team, throwing the quaffle through three elevated hoops lined up on each end of the field. The Beaters’ main goal is to act as defense and to open up opportunities to score points. Pushing back against the chasers, Beaters use their blunt force to throw the bludgers. All players straddle a pole during gameplay, calling to mind images of wizards upon their flying broomsticks.
While many well-known sports centers play on one ball, Quadball incorporates three different balls. A volleyball replicated the quaffle, and a dodgeball was used as the bludger. The golden snitch is a small ball attached to the shorts of the most experienced chaser.
After the first 20 min of scoring, Snitch on Pitch commenced. Two of the chasers came off of the field, and the one adorning golden shorts with the snitch attached took back to the field. At this moment, the seekers entered a two-on-one against the snitch. The mission for both teams is to capture the snitch. In a normal game, after 20 minutes, the snitch takes to the field. Whoever catches the golden ball wins three points for their team. To not get caught by the beaters, a snitch must be lightning fast.
Regardless of not having any real magical talent, the UT San Antonio Quadball team creates their own magic through teamwork and friendship. While on the field together, the team creates a camaraderie between each other. From a muggle’s point of view, this sport might seem farfetched. However, the Quadballers use their physical and mental strength to bring this fantastical pastime to life.
UT San Antonio Quadball will continue to practice in preparation for their national competition. This year, the team will be competing in division 2 for nationals in anticipation to win their second national title. The UT San Antonio Quadball team is always looking for new witches or wizards to join their community. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Quadball participants meet at rec. field 8 from 5:30-8:30pm. Their instagram is @utsaquadball, and important dates can be found in their Linktree. All experience levels are welcome to join the team in their journey to defeating their national competitor, the dark lord.
