An Afternoon of Basketball

After parking my car, I walk to the Lady Beaverbrook Arena. A man climbs out of his car and starts following close behind me. I decide to let him go in front of me- it’s inappropriate to walk on someone’s heels. I make my way through the parking lot and onto the wet sidewalk. A athlete from STU’s men’s basketball team stands to my right. He kicks the snow while talking on his phone.

When I open the front door, I instantly feel the humidity in the air. It reeks of chlorine. I haven’t been inside this arena since I was 8. I see Esteban, a fellow classmate, sitting on a bench. He is on shift as a student police officer. Making my way farther into the gym, a young woman from STU works the front desk.

“I’m with STU journalism. Do I still have to pay?” I asked. “Just a second. Let me check. I’m going to text someone about it.” She said. While waiting, I turn and chat with Esteban. “You can go in. It’s fine.” she said.

I’m meeting with a fellow journalism student named Nathan. He is taking pictures for The Daily Gleaner of the women’s basketball game. STU is playing Holland College in a women’s basketball game.

The court reminds me of the Roman Coliseum; where spectators gaze into a pit. An orchestra of squeaking sneakers and loud buzzers fill the gym like a concert at Madison Square Garden. Both STU’s ladies and men fell to Holland College.