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With the 20th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or in America Sorcerer’s Stone) being earlier this week, we decided to name which character each Big 12 school would be if they were in the series.
Oklahoma State - Ron Weasley:
Much like Ron Weasley, Oklahoma State is loyal & true. The team never shies away from who they are. Like Ron, they’re like a loyal best friend. Oklahoma State, like Ron, does some awesome things throughout the series (the season) but, he always seems to be overshadowed by his more-famous friend (OU). Much like Ron, it seems like people are always underestimating Oklahoma State. The Cowboys always seem to take a backseat. Gundy's record against the team may have something to do with this.
Oklahoma - Voldemort:
Did you really think that I would choose anyone else for OU? OU is the ultimate antagonist of the Big 12. If there’s one thing that the rest of the schools can agree on it’s that nobody likes OU. They’re the “School who must not be named.” Much like Voldemort, we love to hate them.
Texas - Draco Malfoy:
Much like Draco, Texas always seems to think it's the greatest thing ever. It's a bit entitled and snobbish. Texas is the bully of the Big 12. But they don’t really do anything to back up all of their talk. But, there are parts of the story where you feel for Malfoy. However, you realize that he’s a jerk and go back to not liking him, kind of like Texas.
TCU - Neville Longbottom:
TCU, like Neville, was a late bloomer. No one really thought much of them and they were a bit nerdy. But then, they started to get better and earn respect. They started winning some big games and got close to winning the conference outright. They always tend to do well when you least expect them to. Much like Neville and what he does at the end of the series. (I don’t want to spoil it.) TCU always wants to tag along with the bigger schools in the Big 12, like Neville wanted to with Harry, Hermione and Ron and, begrudgingly, they let him. Like the Big 12 let TCU in, even though it didn't bring anything new to the conference.
Baylor - Deloris Umbridge:
Much like Umbridge, Baylor seemed all sweet and nice on the outside, but on the inside it is full of secrets. Like Umbridge, everyone kind of got bad vibes from the Bears, but didn’t pay attention. No one really liked Umbridge and they all wanted her to go away, like Baylor right now with all the scandal. Like Baylor, she used her power to her advantage, and she ultimately paid the price for it.
Texas Tech - Fred and George Weasley:
Much like Fred and George, the Red Raiders never takes themselves too seriously. They like to have a good time. But, when they need to be serious, they are. When Tech wants to go out destroy someone's unbeaten season, they will. Texas Tech is always there when you need a good laugh, like Fred and George.
Kansas State - Albus Dumbledore:
The Wildcats are coached by the old and wise Bill Snyder much like Hogwarts is ran by the old and wise Dumbledore. K-State has been through some stuff, yet always comes out of it with dignity and pride, like Dumbledore. Dumbledore is the kind of person who would write a letter to a kicker that kicked the game-winning field goal to beat his team and tell him that he admired him and that took a lot of courage like Bill Snyder did for Ben Grogan.
West Viginia - Hagrid:
Just like Hagrid, West Virginia is rugged. The Mountaineers know the value of hard work and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. I feel like if Hagrid could burn a couch after a victorious quidditch match, he definitely would.
Kansas - Severus Snape:
Like Severus changes throughout the series, KU sports change throughout the year. The Jayhawks go from terrible (football season) to really good (basketball season). They’re simply misunderstood like Snape. No one understands how they’re so good at basketball and so bad at football.
ISU- a common house elf:
Like house elves, Iowa State knows its purpose. Do what the Big 12 needs it to do. Make the NCAA tournament in basketball, be an underdog winner in football every once in a while, but never any more. Until one day, the Cyclones recieve their socks and are free elves. Free to do whatever their hearts desire!