Weekend Fun: If you’re one of the few people left that haven’t heard of Quidditch yet, it’s time you became educated on the small, Northeast Intramural sport that has turned into a world-wide sensation. Adapted from J.K. Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series, the muggle creation of Quidditch turned ten years old this month. It’s played with a broom between your legs, volleyballs disguised as quaffles, and dodgeballs taking the place of bludgers. Of course, you might be wondering, what about the snitch? This problem is successfully mitigated by having a human run around the field with a tennis ball in a sock tucked into the back of their shorts. Once a competing player grabs the snitch, the game immediately ends, just as it does in the novels. The sport is broken down in four positions: chaser, beater, keeper, and seeker, so there’s room for any type of athlete and skill-set. If you’re a college student looking for a new athletic adventure without the inherent intensity of playing D I/II/III sports, look no further than Quidditch. With varying levels of commitment and requirements, there’s likely a team for you no matter your location. In fact, your school might even have a team already, so don’t delay any further. The sport has come a far way from its capes and whimsical beginnings, evolving into a top alternative sport in our country in the process. Middlebury College, the sport’s creators, and the University of Texas are the only two teams to successfully win a World Cup. For middle and high schoolers, there are a number of teams popping up around the country each year. There’s even a special rulebook with modified physicality guidelines to keep the younger athletes safe no matter what. If you might be interested in creating a team at your school, head over to the International Quidditch Association‘s website for more information on getting involved. (Thanks to UBC Quidditch for the video!)
What To Watch: Friday, October 23rd: USMNT vs. Chile, U-17 World Cup, 7:00PM EST, FS2 For a surprisingly light Friday night sports-wise, we turn to the Under-17 World Cup in hopes that the USMNT can shift the tide and momentum in their favor. After two poor showings already, the USMNT are barely holding on to their Round of 16 hopes. The USMNT are in third place and need a win and the first place Nigerians to beat the second place team from Croatia to earn a guaranteed spot in the next round. Can these youngsters dig deep and push the squad into new territory? #18 Memphis vs. Tulsa, 8:00PM EST, ESPN With only a few games on the College Football slate, junkies will have to make do with the newly-ranked Memphis team looking to confirm their new popularity. Memphis pulled off one of the early upsets of the season last week when they took down Ole Miss, but can they take care of business against unranked Tulsa? Saturday, October 24th: Arsenal vs. Everton, EPL, 12:30AM EST, NBC Fresh off Arsenal’s incredible 2-0 win against Bayern Munich during the mid-week Champions League fixture, the Gunners look to continue their run at the near top of the EPL table. Everton were embarrassed by Manchester United last week and will look to recover against one of the league’s best defending teams. Manager Arsene Wenger just lost Aaron Ramsey for up to a month and may rest Alexis Sanchez , will wingers Joel Campbell and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain step up? Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals, ALCS Game 7*, 8:07PM EST, FOX Of course, this is just merely speculative, but something tells us that the Blue Jays will ramp it up in Friday’s pivotal, win-or-go-home Game 6. Marcus Stroman, a Blue Jays rookie, would the get the ball in the biggest game of his lifetime. The last time he pitched in an elimination game, Stroman shut down the Texas Rangers, can he do it again? Either way, the Mets should be very scared of whichever powerhouse team comes out of the American League. Buckle up! Sunday, October 25th: Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, London, 9:30AM EST, FOX Look, we know this might be a total snoozefest, Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins are out, and the Jaguars are still awful. But, but, but, early morning football is back! Can you truly beat waking up with football on? (We know, West Coast, y’all have it every week) Besides, Blake Bortles, Allen Hurns, and Allen Robinson are garbage-time miracle workers and this game might be in that range from the opening kickoff. Manchester United vs. Manchester City. 10:00AM, EST, NBC The Manchester Derby is one of the tastiest matches of the entire season and ultimately results in loads and loads of goals between the same-city rivals. City will look to keep their 2 point lead over Arsenal and United will try to climb back into the title race. For any casual fans trying to get into the sport, look no further than this game. Highly, highly recommended and we wouldn’t be surprised to see 6+ goals. New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25PM EST, FOX We know the NFC East is a garbage pit of sorts right now, but any game between these two rivals have the potential to be an instant classic. The Giants looked like the early favorites to the win the majorly underperforming division but Eli Manning and company faltered against Philadelphia on Monday Night Football last week. There’s a small chance that Dez Bryant will make his triumphant return after breaking his foot in Week 1, so all signs point towards a ridiculously crazy game again.
