PAGE TWOQuidditch Player Profile - Eric BastienBarnaby SnellThe best Keeper in France has come to Britain--and in fact, he's coming home. Eric Bastien grew up in France, but was born in Cornwall. After a fantastic few years guarding the rings for Quiberon Quafflepunchers, Mr. Bastien has crossed the Channel to join up with Falmouth Falcons--one of two big-name signings pulled off by the Falcons this summer. Normally press-shy, Mr. Bastien was quite gracious to grant this interview; he's sure to let his play speak volumes for him this season.
What drove you to play Quidditch professionally?It was the only thing I was both good at, and enjoyed doing. It was never a real choice for me, simply what I was going to do. Had I not been picked up by a team, I would likely have pursued a career outside of the Wizarding World.
What's the hardest part of being a pro Quidditch player?It is not hard. Demanding, oui, but not hard. We have to keep in top physical condition and play through aches and pains, but we still work only part of the year, are well paid, and enjoy a great deal of freedom, so it is a fortunate position, not a hard one. Though there are days when five a.m. practices are difficult to get out of bed for.
It is less of an issue here, but the most wearying part is usually the press, when it is all pushed together in a bundle. No offense intended.
What is the best part of it?The game. There is nothing else like the feeling of playing, or being part of a team who are all as invested in the idea of winning and playing their best as you are.
What is your training regimen like?It is not so very special. I run, do weight training, and a great deal of stretching and flexibility work. I try to vary my routine enough that it is not dull, but that doesn't always work.
What do you think of your team's chances for the coming season?I think that it will be an excellent season. The line up has gone through many changes, and having Viktor Krum seeking for us is only going to make us more formidable. We are already a very strong team and as the season progresses and we become more cohesive as a team, I think you will only see us grow stronger.
What are the biggest differences you've seen between the French and
British leagues?It is much bigger, of course. There is a great deal more focus on the League games and the local cup than on International play, which is strange to adjust to.
Which matches are you most looking forward to?It is always exciting when you go up against the favorites, so I am looking forward to Puddlemere for several reasons. I am also excited to play the Harpies, as I followed them when I was younger.
Who is your favourite player, not counting yourself?Difficult to say. It is hard to not respect players like Gwenog Jones and veterans like Lacroix, who helped me when I was new and was a great source of advice not only on the Pitch, but in navigating the press and fans as well. But my own idol growing up was Darren O'Hare, who I read everything ever written about, regardless of factual content or no. Yes, including that awful novel loosely based on his life. I promise, the translation into French did not help improve it.
Who is your biggest rival on the pitch?That remains to be seen? It is a new League for me, and many of those I will play against I have not come up against before.
The World Cup is coming up next year--Are you looking forward to it?I am. Should I fly for Britain, it will be strange to go up against my former teammates, but it is a challenge I hope to rise to.
Despite your Cornish roots, some detractors are against your representing England on an international level, given that you've already flown for France. What is your opinion on this, and what would you do to convince them you're fit to wear English robes?I was born here, and am living here. I was recruited and am legally qualified for the British league. I'd think that would be enough. Hopefully those who doubt will be won over when we begin to win this season.
If you aren't selected for the English squad, would you consider playing for France again?I would not be eligible to play for France until after the next cup, and then only if I returned to live there. I have no plans to do so at this time. If for some reason in the future I did move home, then I might consider playing for the French team again, but I expect to stay where I am.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring pro Quidditch player, what would it be?Do not sign contracts without reading them? But no, I would simply say to focus on the game, practice as often as you can, and never assume that you can't improve. No matter how talented or successful, there is always ways you can be better, and complacency is never a good thing in professional Quidditch, as there are many people waiting in line to prove that to you by knocking you down a few rungs.
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