Last Saturday about 700 women of all ages took over Williams-Brice Stadium for the Steve Spurrier Ladies Football Clinic. The day started with an introduction by Coach Spurrier, followed by a discussion panel with the coaches' wives and families. Then each of the assistant coaches took a few minutes to explain play at their specific position.
Alex Jackson, a student at Carolina attending the ladies clinic for the first time, said what she learned the most was all the work that goes into every detail of football.
"Everything has to be planned out to the T," said Jackson. "It was great getting to know the personalities of the players and coaches, getting a window into their world. All the coaches are funny."
Several women also said it was interesting learning about the signals and play calls and how the coaches teach the players to remember them.
"This is the second year we've done it," said Kellah Webster. "We love it, we have a ball. It's interesting to learn about the plays and know what's going on. It helps to understand everything a little more. I always love Coach Spurrier. I also loved Lorenzo Ward and Brad Lawing doing all the signs."
For their part, the coaches said many of the women know more than expected and they always get asked great questions. In addition to the coaches, the players in attendance at the clinic also earned a lot of praise from the women. The players participate in a panel discussion along with their mothers then mingle with the clinic participants and sign autographs during lunch. Tonja Childers, Tori Gurley's mother, said it was a fun experience.
"I enjoy mingling with the ladies and learning. I've learned something new and different each time I've come," said Childers. "During the season we're so focused on the boys so it's nice to just be around the girls."
"It's amazing the way they can turn on the smiles for every one of us when you know they have to be tired of taking pictures," said Becky McKay.
"All the players who come out when they don't have to," said Bobby Gregory. "I asked one of them, 'did you have to come or did you volunteer?' and he said he volunteered so that was really nice. The whole event is a lot of fun."
"It's good to meet the young men and talk to them for a little bit, getting a chance to get their autographs," said Lana Cox. "They're all so very delightful with us. And I know it's a bunch of cackling women but they're all accommodating."
The women toured the locker room, athletic training room, weight room, and the rest of the football facilities before running on to the field to the sounds of "2001" to participate in a throw and catch drill and interception/fumble return for a touchdown drill led by the coaches.
But of all the fun they have during the day, they may even have the most fun when they return home - to jealous husbands.
"My husband always wants to know," said Lisa Christmas. "When we go home we have to give a full report to all the guys. They are so jealous we're here and they can't be!"
Laura Shelley echoed Lisa's sentiments, saying, "the first year I came my husband made me take notes and let him know everything that went on!"
Thank you to all the ladies who came out for the event and to the coaches, staff, players, and their families who put on such a great time for Gamecock fans.
Click here to check out more photos from the event on Facebook.
Did you miss the ladies clinic or love it and want to go again? Keep an eye on GamecocksOnline.com next year - it's an annual event!
Alex Jackson, a student at Carolina attending the ladies clinic for the first time, said what she learned the most was all the work that goes into every detail of football.
"Everything has to be planned out to the T," said Jackson. "It was great getting to know the personalities of the players and coaches, getting a window into their world. All the coaches are funny."
Several women also said it was interesting learning about the signals and play calls and how the coaches teach the players to remember them.
"This is the second year we've done it," said Kellah Webster. "We love it, we have a ball. It's interesting to learn about the plays and know what's going on. It helps to understand everything a little more. I always love Coach Spurrier. I also loved Lorenzo Ward and Brad Lawing doing all the signs."
For their part, the coaches said many of the women know more than expected and they always get asked great questions. In addition to the coaches, the players in attendance at the clinic also earned a lot of praise from the women. The players participate in a panel discussion along with their mothers then mingle with the clinic participants and sign autographs during lunch. Tonja Childers, Tori Gurley's mother, said it was a fun experience.
"I enjoy mingling with the ladies and learning. I've learned something new and different each time I've come," said Childers. "During the season we're so focused on the boys so it's nice to just be around the girls."
"It's amazing the way they can turn on the smiles for every one of us when you know they have to be tired of taking pictures," said Becky McKay.
"All the players who come out when they don't have to," said Bobby Gregory. "I asked one of them, 'did you have to come or did you volunteer?' and he said he volunteered so that was really nice. The whole event is a lot of fun."
"It's good to meet the young men and talk to them for a little bit, getting a chance to get their autographs," said Lana Cox. "They're all so very delightful with us. And I know it's a bunch of cackling women but they're all accommodating."
The women toured the locker room, athletic training room, weight room, and the rest of the football facilities before running on to the field to the sounds of "2001" to participate in a throw and catch drill and interception/fumble return for a touchdown drill led by the coaches.
But of all the fun they have during the day, they may even have the most fun when they return home - to jealous husbands.
"My husband always wants to know," said Lisa Christmas. "When we go home we have to give a full report to all the guys. They are so jealous we're here and they can't be!"
Laura Shelley echoed Lisa's sentiments, saying, "the first year I came my husband made me take notes and let him know everything that went on!"
Thank you to all the ladies who came out for the event and to the coaches, staff, players, and their families who put on such a great time for Gamecock fans.
Click here to check out more photos from the event on Facebook.
Did you miss the ladies clinic or love it and want to go again? Keep an eye on GamecocksOnline.com next year - it's an annual event!
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