[Oct 4] Quidditch Q&A: Ian Cuddyer

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Quidditch Q&A: Ian Cuddyer
by Maximus Bolide

Throughout the season, I will be bringing you the inside scoop on all things Quidditch, including interviews with some of the league's most talented and controversial players. This week, I tracked down the newest recruit for the Tutshill Tornadoes, who just prior to this season's start, snagged Ian Cuddyer to fill the post of Keeper. He's been making a name for himself over in North America for the past four years and now he's ready to make a splash here. This is what he had to say.

Maximus Bolide: You've been quite the world traveler it seems. Born in Canada. School in France. Then back to Canada to play. And now you're here in London. Tell us about that journey.

Ian Cuddyer: Well, my mother is a former Quidditch player for the French National Team and they were in Canada to play an international friendly match. She decided to take in the sights of Muggle Toronto, including a hockey game. That's where she met my dad who was a former player (sidelined by an injury) who had turned to coaching. They fell in love, got married and had me. We moved back to France to be close to her family. I attended Beauxbatons for school but when I graduated, I didn't get signed to play in any of the European Leagues. Ironically enough, I was approached to play for Canada because I held dual citizenship. The Stormers offered me a deal not long after. Unfortunately, after four years there, we had to part ways and when the Tornados offered me their deal, it was hard to say no. So here I am.

MB: Indeed, here you are. Their loss is our gain, apparently. It seems as though your athleticism runs deep in your blood. Were you always such a natural athlete?

IC: Yes and no. Yes I am the son of two talented, athletic parents. And there are obviously other athletes too who have provided the environment to grow an interest in sports. But I don't necessarily think that automatically makes you more predisposed to being successful at it. Ultimately, I think it comes down to one's personal drive and fulfillment in playing the game. I don't think that can be taught; It's either there or it's not. A lot of folks think that I was pushed into playing the game, but I really do love it.

MB: Why Quidditch?

IC: I was exposed to quite a few sports when I was younger, including hockey and Quidditch. Even though they are different, my reasons for liking the sports that my parents played are not far off. I like the idea of anything fast paced. Fast cars, motorcycles, speedy jets...even as a kid I was drawn to them. In hockey, you get to "fly" around the ice. And it's kind of ironic that's what drew me in because I eventually played the most stationary position of all--goaltender.

The ability to literally fly was what sold me on Quidditch. It's hard to argue with that or the high you get from it.

MB: What wisdom, if any, have you been given by mom and dad?

IC: Well, dad has always been a proponent of physicality. He's a pretty big guy and that alone can be intimidating on the ice (or just about anywhere, really). But it's not all about size because I'm nothing like my dad as far as build goes. I mean, I do my share of lifting weights to bulk up, but he's built like a freight train and I'm more like a passenger trolley. But anyway, his philosophy is not saying that a person should instigate roughness or play dirty, but you need to be aware of how to protect yourself. And letting others know what they can and can't get away with around you can go a long way.

With my mom, she's all about working hard. Her motto is, "You get out of it what you put into it." So that's why you'll see me putting extra hours in on the pitch. I'm constantly looking to improve my game, even if it means I'm the first person to get out to practice and the last one to leave.

MB: You are a third generation family member to play Quidditch. Your grandfather played and both your mother and your aunt played. Do you ever feel the need to live up to that legacy?

IC: It's there. There's not much I can do about that but play and see where it gets me. I can only be me and do what I need to do on the field to play well. I can't worry about living up to anyone else's expectations but my own. But at the same time, I do enjoy the distinction of being a family that is known for playing the game well. And at least it makes family get togethers interesting.

MB: Who did your family root for when Canada played France?

IC: *laughs* That question isn't allowed. I can't answer.

MB: After some initial coolness from the fans in Canada, they eventually embraced you as one of their own. What would you say are your fondest memories playing for the Canadian National Team and also the Stormers?

IC: Well, four years is a lot of time to narrow down to just a few memories. But as a whole, my first year playing is hard to forget. I learned a lot about the kind of player I wanted to be. That was in large part due to the mentors and coaches I had. But if I had to choose a time more memorable than that, it would be the whole 2006-2007 season. The Canadian team did well in the World Cup and then the Stormers did well in the league. Everything seemed to work in our favor. [MB's note: Cuddyer is quite modest, but the Stormer's won the Canadian Quidditch League title that season and he was selected as MVP for his efforts.]

MB: Shifting gears a bit, let's talk about your life in the public eye. My fellow journalists imply that media attention tends to make you uncomfortable. In fact, they seem to think that you hate it. Is that true?

IC: At times, all the attention on my life outside of Quidditch can be a tad much for me. I'm still adjusting to this kind of spotlight, but I'm slowly getting used to sharing more of my personal life with the public. I don't really like it, but I kind of see it as a part of the job. I'm still the same guy who likes to go about his business and play the game of Quidditch. I don't think that's going to change.

MB: Speaking of that personal life, you've always been quite popular with the lady fans. Who you are dating gets a lot of speculation on a regular basis. Care to set the record straight on your status? Any special lady in your life or are you single?

IC: I really don't have as much time to date. I'm sure everyone thinks the life of a Quidditch star is glamorous and exciting, but I think I'm rather boring, actually. After practice or a match, sometimes all I have the energy to do is veg. So yeah, I'm single.

MB: But if you were dating, what kind of gal would you be interested in?

IC: I wouldn't say there's one specific mold, but I guess I'd be drawn to someone who is genuine and a lover of sports like me. Someone who has her own interests is also a plus because obviously a lot of my life is tied up in Quidditch. I'm not always going to be able to focus on a relationship and that's not easy for everyone to deal with.

MB: Okay, last question. What are you most looking forward to playing with the Tornados?

IC: I'm excited to get to know my new teammates and establish that working relationship with them. Seeing what works and what doesn't. I also like the idea of playing against a new set of opponents day in and day out. It's something different to conquer and it motivates me.

Enjoy this interview? Stay tuned all season up close and personal interviews with your favorite Quidditch stars!

*This article was written by Ian aka Erika

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[Oct 4] Quidditch Q&A: Ian Cuddyer

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[Oct 4] Quidditch Q&A: Ian Cuddyer