PROVO -- Over 185 women attended the second annual BYU Football Women's Clinic on Thursday, participating in several activities from a question-and-answer session with coaches, players and officials to break-out sessions and on-field instruction. While many of the participants were from Utah County and along the Wasatch Front, there were some participants from as far away as Medford, Ore., and Ladera, California -- some returning for the second straight year to just to attend the four-hour clinic.
"This is a lot of fun for the coaches and the ladies," Mendenhall said. "Each participant can get something out of the event. Some have detailed questions, while others are here to learn a little about the game and also enjoy the social aspect.
"This is a chance for us--as a program--to give back to our fans. It's also a chance to make their husbands and sons a little envious. This does nothing but generate support for our program. It's another way for us to help keep the long family tradition of being BYU fans alive."
Mendenhall started the clinic by talking to the participants about the football program at BYU. He talked about the unique nature of Brigham Young University and the unique qualities of the BYU football team. He explained how the team is a brotherhood--a group of young men who collectively share common beliefs, who share the same values and the same way of life, and who are loyal to each other. Mendenhall pointed out that this year's team is made up of 68 players who have served missions, 30 academic all-conference performers. The group gave a rousing applause as Mendenhall shared that the overall team grade-point average is over 3.0.
Following his comments, participants asked questions, including what was his favorite food to eat while watching a game. "I'm usually too nervous to eat," Mendenhall said. "But, I'd have to say chips and salsa -- the hotter the better." Others wanted to know the difference between the 3-4 defense, as opposed to the 3-3-5 defensive scheme.
Mountain West Conference official Karl Richins also spoke to the group about various aspects of the game--from a referee's standpoint. Following his comments, Richins fielded questions from the group. One participant, Rachel Hughes of Provo, appeared as if she had been saving her question since September 24, following the Cougars' 50-51overtime loss against TCU.
"There was no way that TCU player scored a touchdown. He fumbled the ball," she said. "Then, I saw a picture in the Deseret News the next day and it was even more obvious. I was sick. It ruined my week. It really makes me mad that TCU went on to go undefeated in the Mountain West because of a bad call. My question is, did those officials lose their jobs?"
Following Hughes's recap of the controversial play and pointed question, the group of participants cheered.
"I was glad I was in Albuquerque and not Provo that weekend," Richins responded.
Several players participated in a player panel where they fielded questions from what type of cookies the players liked to what their pre-game rituals are. Other questions included how the players handle school, family and football, and what their daily caloric intake is during fall camp.
"What did she ask," linebacker Aaron Wagner responded. "I don't even know what that means. Are you asking how much food we eat?"
The clinic participants were later divided up into three groups (beginner, intermediate and expert) and spent the next 30-45 minutes in break-out sessions with assistant coaches, learning various aspects of the game.
In the final event of the evening, the ladies were able to spend time at several instructional stations, learning basic football skills and fundamentals.
"This was a lot of fun," one clinic-goer said. "I brought some friends with me this year, and I already have two more friends signed up and ready to come next year. We're huge BYU fans and this was a lot of fun. We can't wait for the season to start."