Yule Ball raises travel funds for Quidditch team

Freshmen Carson Bickley and Catherine Horvath took a study break Sunday evening to dance together underneath the twinkling lights of the IU Midnight Snipes Quidditch team’s inaugural Yule Ball.

The team transformed the Indiana Memorial Union’s Frangipani Room into the world of Harry Potter for more than 70 students Sunday night.

Attendees wore floor-length gowns and suits as they walked down the decorated steps onto the dance floor.

Caroline Alexander, senior member and president of the Midnight Snipes, and junior Tisha Burks organized the ball to raise money for the team.

The team of 30 students is sponsored by anthropology professor Phillip LeSourd. In its third year, the team has traveled to three fall tournaments — two fewer than it did last fall.

The group’s travel has decreased this year due to a lack of funds, Alexander said.

Money raised at the Yule Ball will allow the team to increase its tournament participation in the future.

A mix of volleyball, football and rugby, the sport is played at more than 300 schools throughout North America, Australia and Europe, according to the International Quidditch Association website. 

Alexander used to be a keeper for the team before suffering two concussions, which forced her to change positions to beater. She said she ordered the team helmets to protect them.

“We don’t have enough money for everyone to travel,” Alexander said.

Alexander said the team’s goal was to raise $1,600 to cover tournament expenses.

The Midwest Regional is required if the team wants to qualify for this year’s world cup, which takes place in April in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

This year, the IQA raised the membership fees to $50 per player, $35 per coach and $150 per team. Fees include tournament entry.

This year, Baked! of Bloomington named a cookie after the Midnight Snipes, called “the dirty snitch,” Alexander said. The cookie has oatmeal dough with M&M’s, a hidden Oreo and marshmallows on top.

The group danced and socialized for several hours until attendees filtered out by 11 p.m. 

“We’re just a big group of goofy people who run around on broomsticks and chase each other,” Alexander said. “Even in the cold.”

Follow reporters Hannah Alani and Matt Bloom on Twitter @hannahalani and @matthew_bloom.