The magician Caitlin Clark & the Iowa Hawkeyes sold out Carver Hawkeye Arena (again) this weekend. Our state’s long history of leadership in girls’ & women’s basketball is now a major national story.
In addition to Caitlin’s skills on the playing floor, I’m impressed that she always gives credit to her teammates in post-game interviews. I also love watching her assess the field as she’s dribbling down the floor. She’s so quick with those assist passes when she drills one to the post players. Then she’ll toss one without looking, so her teammates have to be ready at all times. That look of determination on her face during the game leaves no doubt she wants to win. And now that the country has seen her in action, she’s more than Iowa’s Caitlin. I hope she becomes this year’s National Player of the year. #CaitlinSeptuagenarianFanGirl, aka Mary Riche, IA grad ‘70 and ‘92
I shared this post with my older brother, who commented, "The Union Whitten-Everly girls high school championship game that was referenced in the Offenburger article--I remember watching that game on the TV in the old family room."
CC has pizzazz & the skill to back it up that's raising the standard in women's b-ball. She's comparable to Steph Curry, including an amazing b-ball IQ. And, for all her pizzazz & media attention, she seems to have excellent rapport with her teammates, always sharing the credit, as Mary Riche notes. Allowing emotional displays (not directed at the opponent) to come into the game is a welcome development. CC's spunk & enthusiasm infects both teammates & fans. Great stuff. And thanks for the reference to John McPhee on Bill Bradley and the Olsen-Long battle royale. Yes, I'm old, too! Go Hawks! (IA '76/'79)
Loved WaPo piece..and remember the McPhee tribute to Bill Bradley. Glory days indeed! For sports journalism and the Holy Game of Basketball! Thanks for your lovely contribution to both arts!
Chuck I hope you read these. Yes I am one of those who remember 1968 and also really appreciate Caitlin Clark. The podcast 99% Invisible had a wonderful podcast about 6 on 6 basketball which really highlighted Iowa. Since you are an Iowa boy I hope you have listened to that-or will now. It is a wonderful history. And I believe Lisa Bluder was a 6 on 6 player.
In addition to Caitlin’s skills on the playing floor, I’m impressed that she always gives credit to her teammates in post-game interviews. I also love watching her assess the field as she’s dribbling down the floor. She’s so quick with those assist passes when she drills one to the post players. Then she’ll toss one without looking, so her teammates have to be ready at all times. That look of determination on her face during the game leaves no doubt she wants to win. And now that the country has seen her in action, she’s more than Iowa’s Caitlin. I hope she becomes this year’s National Player of the year. #CaitlinSeptuagenarianFanGirl, aka Mary Riche, IA grad ‘70 and ‘92
I shared this post with my older brother, who commented, "The Union Whitten-Everly girls high school championship game that was referenced in the Offenburger article--I remember watching that game on the TV in the old family room."
CC has pizzazz & the skill to back it up that's raising the standard in women's b-ball. She's comparable to Steph Curry, including an amazing b-ball IQ. And, for all her pizzazz & media attention, she seems to have excellent rapport with her teammates, always sharing the credit, as Mary Riche notes. Allowing emotional displays (not directed at the opponent) to come into the game is a welcome development. CC's spunk & enthusiasm infects both teammates & fans. Great stuff. And thanks for the reference to John McPhee on Bill Bradley and the Olsen-Long battle royale. Yes, I'm old, too! Go Hawks! (IA '76/'79)
Loved WaPo piece..and remember the McPhee tribute to Bill Bradley. Glory days indeed! For sports journalism and the Holy Game of Basketball! Thanks for your lovely contribution to both arts!
Chuck I hope you read these. Yes I am one of those who remember 1968 and also really appreciate Caitlin Clark. The podcast 99% Invisible had a wonderful podcast about 6 on 6 basketball which really highlighted Iowa. Since you are an Iowa boy I hope you have listened to that-or will now. It is a wonderful history. And I believe Lisa Bluder was a 6 on 6 player.
Amazing writing as always, Chuck!
This article, Chuck, was the hook to get me to subscribe! I love it, and thank you, and to your photographer, Mary!
This is one of your best articles, Chuck.
Tracy Lepeltak