March 15, 2009
Article by Malia/Quinn McAvoy
Header above made by Armiece

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Well, good morning to all you Hogwartians! It is my utmost pleasure to introduce the school paper's newest addition: Quidditch with Quinn. As many of you know, those in charge of disciplinary procedures (I'm a familiar face in many a professor's office) have forbidden that I partake in any school Quidditch try-outs, matches, reserve lists etc and to be honest, I can't really blame them. I'm rather brash on a broomstick, and the staff members must always consider other students' safety first! With this in mind, the closest I can get to the most amazing, awesome, incredible sport in the world is through journalism, and that's where my new column comes in.

I'll be presenting all the latest news and scores from the Quidditch world; you'll get interviews, broomstick tips, Hogwarts, National and International League coverage, and anything and everything related to the Quaffle, the Bludger and the Snitch, so keep your eyes peeled for my regular slot, because it's going nowhere first.

After thinking long and hard about who my first victim guest should be here at Quidditch with Quinn, there's only one option. Ladies, be jealous.



That's right, Ian Cuddyer, the Tutshill Tornadoes maverick that has broken so many hearts defending those hoops. He came over from the Canadian Quidditch scene (and thank Merlin for that), and who better to grill him about the ins-and-outs of the pitch, with maybe a few personal questions thrown in for girly good measure. I uncover his real passion for Quidditch, the family behind it, the truth about his on-pitch rivalry with Weidman and rumours of that 'special lady' in his life.

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QM: Well, Ian Cuddyer, please may I start by giving you a massively ginormous thanks for letting this interview happen.

IC: You're very welcome, Ms. Quinn. My publicist said that  one of my biggest fans was a student at Hogwarts. And I'm sure if there is one there are plenty who go here.

QM: First up, let's talk about Quidditch and the family. It's a little known secret that both your mother and aunt were rather sick chasers in the French Quidditch league, and that your grandfather was a big player in his heyday. Did everyone in your family expect you to just fall into the game, or was your introduction a wee bit more gradual?

IC: Well, I grew up first in Canada and my first exposure to athletics was the muggle sport of hockey because of my dad. But, as soon as we moved back to France to be closer to my mum's family - who as you all know is very Quidditch oriented -- that became the norm. And I wouldn't say that I just fell into the game....it does require a lot of hard work and practice. Luckily for me, I had a lot of people to show me the way. Between my grandfather, my mother, my uncle and my aunt, I had plenty of coaches. And then between my cousins, I had plenty of practice partners. Hanover family get togethers had plenty of pick up matches.

QM: With all of that mind, did you ever feel pressured to perform? After all, Quidditch is in your bloodline, so is there always an effort to impress the family? Was there any issues concerning your mother's fame in regards to your development in the game?

IC: Well, I won't lie. It's always been in the back of my mind....living up to the standards set from my family members before. But in a lot of ways, it's like the muggle phrase of comparing apples to oranges. A lot of things about the game are different now. In my grandfather's era, he didn't have to deal with as much media as we have now. He was able to focus on playing. And then he got hurt and had to retire prematurely and he moved on to managing and owning. Same thing with my uncle. And my mom--her career was cut short by having a family. Even my aunt....she wasn't big on league play and stuck more to international play. I think my development has always had a different spin to it. International Quidditch Superstar is more what this era is all about. I'm in the prime of my career. I have the world at my fingertips and can play anywhere I would like. And I'm not limiting myself as far as goals of having a family or playing for national pride. It's certainly hard to compare. But I'm always proud, nonetheless.

QM: You're a Beauxbatons big-shot on the Canadian scene, so it was some time before I actually caught wind of you as a player. Did your previous international experience cause any difficulties when trying to make it in the British league? How different is it playing over here?

IC: Well, it definitely took some time getting acclimated to the style of play here and even getting to know my teammates on the Tornados. But overall, I think Quiddy players and their fans are pretty standard no matter where you go. My philosophy has mainly been to play hard and the fans would come around once they saw that.

QM: I'm a Harpies girl, so I'm all about the 'sisters doing it for themselves' shizzle, but I have to say that the Tornadoes have been pulling some pretty awesome moves out of the bag recently. What secrets have you lot got up your sleeves for this coming season, and how is the team dynamic in a club that has so much prestige and support?

IC: Well, we're still in third right now (behind the Magpies and the Falcons) so we're by no means perfect. We have a lot of work to do as the season goes on. But, considering we have some new components to our team, we're doing well as far as the chemistry is concerned. I think one thing that makes the Torrnados stand out is the fact that we're a franchise that is committed to winning. From the top down we want to win and we're willing to work hard to make that a reality. We're ball players and we take pride in what we do.

QM: You're twenty two man, and you've achieved so much. How on earth do you keep that head screwed on your shoulders? Is the Quidditch sportstar lifestyle all hot witches and rock 'n' roll?

IC: *laughs sheepishly* Well, it helps to have family and friends who make a point to keep you in check. I may have a Canadian Quidditch League title under my belt as well as all star and MVP accolades, but there are plenty of people willing to point out that I haven't yet conquered the world. I'd love to play on a Canadian National Team that goes deep into the World Cup in just a few years...and my league title across the pond doesn't mean squat to many people here unless I can duplicate that magic come the post season. And as for being a sportstar....I wouldn't believe everything you read in the tabloids. I'm just really a very, very ordinary person.

QM: There's always going to be rumours in the tabloids about our players, it's unavoidable, and there's been an absolute storm over how all the gossip detracts from the game. Do you think your personal life and public image can be completely separate now you're head first in the professional league?

IC: I think when you reach the point in your career that I have, it's hard to expect that your life will be your own anymore. It's all part of the game. Like I said, my grandfather and even my mother and aunt's generation before me did not have to deal with this like I have. But I do. It's just one more thing that I have to deal with to be a good player. I could complain about it if I wanted, but that wouldn't necessarily make me any better at my job. So, I just deal with it. And I just try to be the best that I can on and off the pitch.

QM: And how about any lucky ladies? Got that special someone right now? Call me rude, but some of the girls would kill me if I never asked haha!

IC: Another hazard of my job, no doubt. To keep it simple, let's just say that I'm still single.

QM: You're no stranger to conflict it seems Cuddyer, and there have been reports that you have something of a rivalry with Dominik Weidman. Pure rumour or is there really an axe to grind?

IC: Well, I can hardly deny some sort of a rivalry when there are pictures from Fan Fest to prove it. I think we are both just coming from different places which makes it difficult to relate to one another.

QM: Okay okay, so I'm going to ask a few questions and I want the first thing that comes into your head! Alright?

- First broom. Silver Arrow
- Current broom. Silver Arrow (although working on an upgrade)
- Favourite team growing up. Marsielle Metros (the French team my grandfather owns, my uncle played on and most of the Hanovers support)
- Favourite all-time player. Isolee Hanover.
- Most memorable moment so far. World Cup play.
- Favourite food. Anything my mum makes.
- Favourite band or artist. Three Owl Standard.
- Biggest sporting regret. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like playing for the French National Team that my aunt currently coaches.
- Glitter. Yay or nay? On me or on others? I guess it can be okay...

QM: Well, Cuddyer, I can only thank you so much for granting this interview, it's been an honour. But lastly, what advice would you give any soon-to-be graduates interested in taking up Quidditch professionally?

IC: I know it must seem like such a cliched thing to say, but being yourself really is the way to win over fans. I know for some people who follow the sport, I'm not their cup of tea. They might follow a Wiedman or maybe even a Juno Grimulken. That's nothing to sniff at because there's room in our sport for everyone. You just have to find your home and be willing to stay true to who your are.

QM: Cheers, mate. Peace out!

IC: Thanks, Quinn! It was a pleasure. Hope to see you around!