As many of you have probably seen, 800 Meter professional phenom Phoebe Wright wrote a BRILLIANT blog comparing elite distance running groups across the U.S. to their Harry Potter counterparts. What I'm sure was delirious post-workout amusement, turned into one of the funniest comparative pieces I've read, and inspired me to continue the nerdfest even more.
My life is centered around the NCAA (or, for comparisons sake, The Ministry of Magic), and I thought it would be fun to take a look at how teams throughout the NCAA match up to the three wizarding teams in the infamous TriWizard Tournament, featured in Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire.
As Albus Dumbledore proclaims, "Eternal glory! That's what awaits the student who wins the NCAA Championship"... or something like that.
My life is centered around the NCAA (or, for comparisons sake, The Ministry of Magic), and I thought it would be fun to take a look at how teams throughout the NCAA match up to the three wizarding teams in the infamous TriWizard Tournament, featured in Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire.
As Albus Dumbledore proclaims, "Eternal glory! That's what awaits the student who wins the NCAA Championship"... or something like that.
University of Arizona Women's team
as the
Beauxbatons!
This ones pretty easy. Both the U of A women's cross country team, and the Beauxbatons are beautiful, vivacious women who know how to compete and win. Also, to take an even nerdier spin on this- the etymology for "Beauxbaton" in French is "Beaux Baton" which translates literally into "Beautiful Sticks"- If that isn't a fitting comparison for the runner babes at U of A, I don't know what is!
Also... Kayla Beattie and Fleur Delacour's resemblance is uncanny.
Also... Kayla Beattie and Fleur Delacour's resemblance is uncanny.
North Central College
as the
Durmstrang Institute
North Central College, led by the legend Al Carius is a program that has dominated Division III men's cross country and track for nearly five decades. Winning 15 National team championships, 108 All-Americans and seven national champions in XC, and over 400 All-Americans and 49 national champions in track and field- this team doesn't mess around.
Run by a mafia-like assortment of coaches and groupies, North Central dominates with their radiating sense of achievement, expectation, and pure toughness. They are an easy pick to represent the Durmstrang Institute, minus all that nonsense about meddling in the dark arts.
The NCC "cult," if you will, has been such a consistent force in Divison III history that they're an easy target for anyone seeking to steal their glory, not unlike the man-child Viktor Krum.
Run by a mafia-like assortment of coaches and groupies, North Central dominates with their radiating sense of achievement, expectation, and pure toughness. They are an easy pick to represent the Durmstrang Institute, minus all that nonsense about meddling in the dark arts.
The NCC "cult," if you will, has been such a consistent force in Divison III history that they're an easy target for anyone seeking to steal their glory, not unlike the man-child Viktor Krum.
Harvard's Maksim Korelev and James Leakos
as
Hogwart's Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory
Minus the fact that both Maksim and Harry both have a serious thing for winning trophies (as seen above), these two young men are the heroes at their schools. Running fast, saving the wizarding world, all in a days work.
Maksim and James, Harry and Cedric, despite being teammates, are in it to win it. The facial comparison may be a stretch, but would you look at that hair? Twins. James Leako, another good ole Harvard boy fits perfectly into the roll of Cedric Diggory, Hogwarts golden boy.
The Yule Ball
as the
NCAA XC Banquet
In Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire the Yule Ball is a celebration that takes place at the start of the TriWizard Tournament. While it serves to celebrate the tradition of the games, really it's just a place for the students to find love from different wizarding schools.
What did you say? Yea, that does sound familiar to the NCAA cross country banquet!
Let's be real people, they don't feature the "Beautiful People of the NCAA XC Banquet" photos on Letsrun.com for nothing. Nor, do girls squeeze their feet into high heeled shoes days before the biggest race of their season in vain. It's for love! Impress or be impressed, it's the name of the game. Besides, how often in your life do you have an entire banquet room full of other skinny, neurotic, crazy, runner people who get what you're all about, and actually like it! You know you're checking out that guys team at the table to your left, or staring at the cute girl posing for a pic in front of the NCAA banner. Guys totally dig chicks with mustaches, right?!?
What did you say? Yea, that does sound familiar to the NCAA cross country banquet!
Let's be real people, they don't feature the "Beautiful People of the NCAA XC Banquet" photos on Letsrun.com for nothing. Nor, do girls squeeze their feet into high heeled shoes days before the biggest race of their season in vain. It's for love! Impress or be impressed, it's the name of the game. Besides, how often in your life do you have an entire banquet room full of other skinny, neurotic, crazy, runner people who get what you're all about, and actually like it! You know you're checking out that guys team at the table to your left, or staring at the cute girl posing for a pic in front of the NCAA banner. Guys totally dig chicks with mustaches, right?!?