Letter to the Editor - Absolutely Worth Leaving the Mud For

If no one funds local news, your community is just rumors. Help Decorah News bring facts home. Dear Mr. Carver and the Editor, Thank you for your notes and for reminding everyone that Iowa women's basketball is absolutely worth leaving the mud for. You're right: the talent, speed, toughness, and pure competitiveness on display at both Iowa and Iowa State is elite-level entertainment, and it's something our state should be proud of. The fact that Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Hilton Coliseum can pack the house for women's games says a lot about how far the sport has come and how much people care. That said, your mention of the old "two-court" era brings up a piece of Iowa basketball history that still means a lot to many fans: 6-on-6 basketball. You're also right that the reasoning behind it—limiting women's physical activity—was misguided and unfair. But even with that flawed motivation, the game itself became something special in its own right. It wasn't slow, and it certainly wasn't boring. Six-on-six created a unique style of play that emphasized quick decision-making, sharp passing, constant motion, and high-pressure scoring. The "rover" role added strategy, and the shooters were expected to be deadly accurate because they often carried the scoring load. For many Iowans, 6-on-6 wasn't just basketball—it was a Friday night tradition, a community event, and a source of pride. It produced stars, legends, and memories that still get talked about today. Some fans miss it not because they want to go backward, but because it was different, and it was exciting. Today's women's game is fast, physical, and full-court fun, and Iowa is leading the way. But it's also okay to celebrate what came before it. Six-on-six deserves to be remembered honestly: born from the wrong assumptions, but loved for the energy and tradition it created across the state. Jason RudeNew Hampton, Iowa We want to hear from you! Submit your letter to the editor and join the community discussion.