Most of us were in grade school when “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was released in 1997. Most of our memories don’t go much further back than that.
It’s no secret that the Harry Potter series is something our generation grew up with, and we think it suffices to say that though the series has ended, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Now let’s look at the television series LOST. The show began in 2004 and ended in 2010. That’s four years shorter than Harry Potter, and it clearly had way fewer fans. Now, just a bit longer than a year after LOST ended, the buzz about the show has died down (for most of us).
Nonetheless, the Organization Resource Group was willing to give [“LOST at Mizzou”](https://theorg.missouri.edu/SearchByOrganization.aspx?organizationID=17865) ORG status, but is reluctant to give the school’s unofficial Quidditch team the same honor.
In an article published in this issue, junior Erin Weinrick said she and others on the team have sought out recognition from MU, but it hasn’t been accepted. The reason? Concerns about safety, and the “longevity of the game.”
“They’re really wary of the sport,” she said. “We’re having trouble proving to them that they really should invest in us. We’re having more people show interest, and there’s such a growth to Quidditch.”
We’re pretty much sure that we can say — with confidence — that “longevity” isn’t even in the question when it comes to Harry Potter. The series has one of the most devoted fan bases we’ve ever seen. It’s miles away from being just a “fad.”
Before coming to the university, students are told that there are more than 400 student organizations to choose from, and if MU doesn’t have something they want, they can gather a group of 10 others with a similar interest and start a new organization.
Well, about 35 people have already shown support and interest in a Quidditch program. Whether the university supports them or not, they’ve already started playing games against other schools, completely aware of the potential dangerous nature of the sport.
When the Quidditch team has an easier time catching the Golden Snitch than official organization status, we’ve got ourselves a problem.
