In the realm of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series, there was one sport that truly captivated the wizarding world.

While it originated as nothing more than a fantasy, Quidditch has found it’s way into the real world. It is taken lightly among the vast majority of athletes, mainly because most don’t realize that the sport is more than just a game from a popular series.

Muggle Quidditch, or Quidditch played by non-magical folk, doesn’t have wizards flying around on broomsticks in an attempt to throw the Quaffle through one of the three large goals at the end of the pitch — or catch the Golden Snitch.

And while college teams are playing an adapted version of the game, they have popped up rapidly across the country. This year there are more than 170 active club teams across the country playing the game that continues to captivate Harry Potter fans around the world, according to the official U.S. Quidditch website.

“It’s a lot of fun, and it seems weird at first,” said club president Jacob Vogts. “But once you give it a shot, most people come away from it and say, ‘Hey, that was a lot more fun than I thought.’ Or they come out of it more tired, not expecting it to be as physical.” 

Iowa State Quidditch is already ranked No. 30 in the country, despite being a relatively young group. The Quidditch club is at its peak of potential and is en route to an exciting and successful year.

“This is probably the best team we’ve had the whole time I’ve been here,” said senior Andrew Folkmann, who has been with the team since its creation. “We’ve always had pieces of a complete team, but this year is finally a year where we are going to have it all together.”

Around the league, Iowa State has a reputation of a hard-hitting team with a high level of physicality.

“We run three different defensive formations. No other team in the Midwest runs different defensive formations and that is something that sets us apart,” said coach and player Marcus McWilliams. “We are very dynamic and fluid in how we attack as well as defend. We are known as a hard-hitting team. That is our national recognition and no one really wants to play against us.

“My goal is to set Iowa State as a top tier physical team. When teams play us, they know what is coming,” said McWilliams.

Iowa State is currently 1-3 this season after losing three games to teams ranked in the top-10. Despite the rough start, the team is predicted to rack up victories in upcoming games.

The team will take on Marquette, Minnesota and Illinois State in the Marquette Fall Classic on Nov. 7.