PROVO -- The Cougars opened the stadium doors to welcome the 450 devoted female BYU fans for the third annual Women's Football Clinic Thursday night.
Mothers and daughters, mothers to be, sisters, church groups and friends came from all over Utah as well as from all over the country with people from as far as Atlanta and Minnesota in attendance to hear from BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, the Cougar staff and players.
The clinic was moved to the Stadium because of the number of women who registered, more than doubling the 185 women who attended last year.
"We were a little amazed at the amount of people who made it out here," BYU safety coach Barry Lamb said. "It is a lot of fun for the players and coaches and we are thankful for everyone who took the time to come to the clinic."
Clinic attendees entered the stadium and were given tours of the locker room and press box until the official start at 6 p.m.
"We have come every year because we are huge BYU Cougar fans," Kay Bragg from Medford, Oregon said. "I love the drills, the Q&A and the player panel, it is all great."
Whether the participants were there for the third time or there for the first time they were given the opportunity to learn from coaches and players during the different sessions.
Mendenhall set the tone when he addressed the group, receiving loud cheers and shouts from the women.
"This year is about our program and the stage we are setting," Mendenhall said to those in attendance. "Tell your husbands we will sustain the success we've had."
Participants were able to ask Mendenhall about the football program before asking the players about their lives as student athletes--balancing football, academics, families and social life.
The night did not end without a practical portion for the women. After the player panel the clinic moved out to the stadium where the women were given the opportunity to understand the game better and to see and run drills.
"I go to all the games with my husband and I don't know what is going on," Ingrid VanLeeuwen from Alpine said. "I need to learn the basics."
The women were given the opportunity to learn the basics and get a up-close look at the Cougars with this unique annual event.