Today Margaret Hurst and I went to see a women’s basketball game at Columbia University on 113th St. in Manhattan. They played North Carolina, and unfortunately, lost. But Marg and I had a great time drawing. I couldn’t decide whose body language I enjoyed more: the basketball players, the cheerleaders, or the coach. The players are great to watch – I think they have four legs and six arms each. No kidding. One of the girls had the BEST hairdo – a big poof of hair coming up off the top of her head. She was a pretty formidable player. And the muscles these ladies have – wow – they are tough. Pushing, shoving, squeaking across the court. They really are serious about putting that orange ball through the hoop. And I don’t know how they can concentrate on the game with all the racket going on. People yelling, the band playing (all eighties music, for some reason) and cheerleaders cheering and clapping. I found the constant noise and activity to be pretty intense. Here is the girl with the great hair,blocking one of the Columbia players… And here is one of the many moments when the girls hit the deck of the court…ow, that’s gotta hurt. Lots of skinned knees I imagine. Why don’t they wear knee pads??  While this is going on the cheerleaders stand ever ready to cheer – whenever there was a time out, even for five seconds, they jumped out on to the court and started clapping and jumping. I was getting overwhelmed with the constant stimulation of it all. At one point they formed a human pyramid and Marg asked me, “what’s the point of that?” I have to admit I didn’t know.  ***    Below I’ve also posted a few drawings of the cheerleaders and also of the coach. He was my favorite to watch and draw. Very emotional, constantly gesticulating in his dark suit, with a head shaped like a bullet. He was right out of Hollywood Central Casting – “the coach” played by himself.  And last, but not least, the half time show….      What a fun thing to do and a great escape from holiday shopping and craziness!! (Thanks Alison and Trinka, for the tickets.)