Archive for month: March, 2019

Glenn Borland Jr., grew up in Oelwein, Iowa, just eight miles from my mother Carolyn. He was adopted by his parents Glenn Sr. and Linda as a three-month-old.

Like my mother, he too played and excelled at basketball. He went on to play college basketball for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, where he served as team captain and played against the likes of Wilt Chamberlain.

After graduating, Glenn, Carolyn and their three kids lived primarily in Madison, where Glenn was a prominent educator and academic administrator.

He passed away in March of 2016.

Rules

Women’s basketball was created in 1891 but until 1990, it was seen as a very limited contact sport. Of course, through the 50’s and 70’s, the sport became extremely complicated and was named “Six on Six.” Here, only 3 girls were forward court and allowed to shoot. The other 3 were guards that had to remain on the opposite side of the court. After Title IV, five athletes could go onto the court and play both offense and defense. Now, the rules for women’s basketball are the same as men’s at all levels. It wasn’t until 1969 where women’s basketball was offered at a collegiate level.

Uniforms

1920’s

Uniforms were made of wool since there was hardly any trace of athletic fashion in the early 1900’s. Skirts were long and heavy, and the look was typically accompanied by a tied garment around the neck in the earlier years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1940’s

The long skirts were ditched for less-restrictive clothing for physical activity.  Cotton was still being used as the main uniform material. Bottoms were originally worn with belts until elastic came along. Shorts were no longer mid-length. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1950’s

Uniforms finally switched over from the original heavy wool for something a little more breathable, according to an Athletic Shop article. Nylon and polyester materials were used to make these new uniforms consisting of shorter skirts and a cropped shirt. Elastic was incorporated into the skirt design so belts were no longer needed. However, women were required to wear knee pads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1970’s:

Although knee pads were no longer required, athletes wore iconic high tube socks that still remain a staple athletic piece today. The recognized sleeveless jersey started to become more popular. 

 

 

 

Today

Now, basketball jerseys are made up of 96-100% polyester and the shorts are knee-length. The material is extremely breathable and athletes are able to move about freely. Basketball socks, although the socks aren’t as tall, they are typically worn with supportive basketball shoes.