Your Story: Alex Scheer
We were so inspired by everyone sharing their stories of how quidditch made a positive impact on their lives on Facebook that we would like to publish your story. Simply send an email to editorial@internationalquidditch.org telling us how quidditch has made a difference for you, and we may publish it on the IQA website.
Photo by Michael E. Mason/IQA Staff.
Quidditch to me is defined by two different things: A love for athletics and a love for fiction. Combining these elements are key to make any person want more. In quidditch, I found that more. I have all my life been told no, I couldn't play sports because of my heart condition, resulting in two heart surgeries by the time I was 15. The doctor told me at a very young age that I would never be able to play sports and that I should stick to focusing on a "white collar" lifestyle, and work hard to get what I want later. He often told me that music was my best choice, as over time I have made attempts to become an accomplished musician. Back in January 2011, the doctor had finally released me to participate in varsity athletics, and I was devastated. I had missed out on my middle school and high school years of sports, and thought I didn't have a shot. I remained determined and tried out at running back for the Ohio Northern University Polar Bears, and made the roster, and began team workouts. The following year, finances forced me to transfer to the University of Toledo, where I was starting all over and beginning a new life. I had made the attempt to start a quidditch team at ONU, and those plans fell short. I decided I needed the wacky, outlandish, organized chaos and athleticism that quidditch allowed, and immediately pushed hard to begin a team. I immediately faced several units of support, from BGSU, Ohio State, and Miami (OH), who all wanted to help. The community I found here was overwhelming and made it that much easier to push harder. September of 2012 Toledo took their brooms to the air, and well, the rest is history. People know Toledo and what Toledo has done for the sport, to help legitimize it, in our own small way. This sport gave me a home, and the desire to compete has never been higher. I can't even begin to thank quidditch for what it has poured into my life, through victory and defeat, both personal and public, quidditch is something that will always be a part of my life, something I will hold on to, and use for my future, attempting to give back what it has given me.
This is what quidditch means to me.
Alex Scheer snitching during World Cup VI. Photo courtesy of Lauren Hutchinson.
