James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, and five years later, the first five-on-five college basketball game was played at the University of Iowa against the University of Chicago. Since then, Iowa has cemented its prominent role in the sport’s history, from its popular six-on-six girls’ basketball high school state tournaments to the Hawkeye women’s basketball team that recently made back-to-back appearances in the national championship game.
Do you or your family have ties to the pioneers of Iowa basketball, particularly to the young women who played in the state during the early years of the sport? If so, please email us your stories and photos.
With respect to the comment about Taylor Swift by UI instructor Candice Wuehle (08BA, 14MFA) in “Inside the Tortured Poets Department” [fall 2024] that “There’s never been an artist like this in my lifetime, someone who—whether you like her or don’t—you have at least one strongly held opinion on her,” may I suggest she take a look at the incredibly deep repertoire of Bruce Springsteen, who is often described as singing the story of our lives? Born to Run, his book, provides much guidance, in addition to his music, films and podcasts, and college classes studying his works. I wish you much joy studying the young Swift.
Bev Clark (75MSW, 80JD)
Baxter, Iowa
Martin Waldinger’s (61BBA) letter “Quarterbacks Remembered” [fall 2024] brought memories of former Iowa quarterback Wilburn Hollis (71BA), whom I knew through civil rights work back in the ’60s. I had sadly noted his passing in an earlier Iowa Magazine.
Hollis, which is what my friends and I called him, was indeed unassuming, sweet, and friendly, with a delightful laugh. He was the total opposite of an ego-ridden football star. Also noted in the letter was that he was one of the rare Black college quarterbacks back then and received extra attention because of that. This he handled with quiet grace.
The ’60s were an exciting time to be a college student, as major changes were happening in society. Very slowly, more folks were waking up and addressing some of the ills besetting this country. For a small-town Iowa girl, being a small part of the civil rights movement changed my life. It was by far the most meaningful experience I had at Iowa.
Barbara Doughty (65BA, 70MA)
Portland, Maine
I about fell out of my chair when I read about Iowa and the history of Voyager [“Bon Voyage,” fall 2024]. I was utterly flabbergasted to read that scientists at my alma mater were receiving data from the far reaches of the solar system. Keep up the great work, Dr. Allison Jaynes and Dr. William Kurth (73BA, 75MS, 79PhD)!
Warren DeKraay Jr. (81BA)
Racine, Wisconsin
I loved reading “Twice as Bright” [summer 2024] about the UI Academy for Twice-Exceptionality. As a mom of a bright, neurodivergent son who is now a senior in college at a smaller school (because we were afraid he would’ve been lost at such a big university), having this program would’ve been so valuable. My son has done well academically as a data analytics major but socially would have benefited from this program.
Angie Ellerbroek (96BS)
Waverly, Iowa
I enjoyed your recent piece on former Hawkeye quarterback Chuck Long [“The Long Road Home,” fall 2024]. I transferred to Iowa in fall 1985 to major in English and soak up Iowa’s famed literary culture. It was certainly exciting as well to follow the football team as it rolled to a 10-1 record and a Rose Bowl appearance. One special memory involved grocery shopping while the Hawkeyes hosted Illinois. The radio broadcast was played on the store’s audio speakers, and it seemed like every time I moved to the next aisle, the Hawkeyes would score again. The final score was 59-0!
As a lover of wordplay, I used to regale fellow English majors with a fun question about Long: “How long would Chuck Long chuck, if Chuck Long could chuck long?” The only problem with my creation was that of course Chuck Long could chuck long!
Tim Wiles (87BA, 89MA)
Guilderland, New York
Whenever I hear Chuck Long’s name, I feel a close connection. It all began in the early ’80s when I was president of the National Iowa Varsity Club (now known as the Iowa Letterwinners Club). I’m a former Hawkeye and played on the 1958 Big Ten and 1959 Rose Bowl championship football teams. What I did was mail letters to high school seniors, emphasizing the beauty of Iowa football and Iowa City. Long sent a letter from Wheaton, Illinois, wanting verification that Hayden Fry really wanted him. When the Iowa staff read the request and got over the shock, the rest became history!
Al Miller
Flushing, Michigan