Clinic gives female fans inside look at USD football
Women with the desire to get an inside look at Coyote football will have that opportunity during the second women’s clinic from 5:30-8:45 p.m. in the DakotaDome April 17.
Women of all ages will have the chance to listen and practice drills with University of South Dakota coaches and players to get a behind-the-scenes look at football rules, plays and other processes involved in the sport.
“A lot of female fans who love Coyote football and football in general who want to know more, this gives them an opportunity to see what the players go through,” said Luke Groth, director of operations and on-campus recruiting. “A lot of females don’t know what preparation the players go through — they just see the final process on Saturday. Here they can learn about the process, in the weight room, film in the classroom and offense and defense.”
Eric Shufford, senior wide receiver, participated in the clinic last year and will also help this year. He said it was a good experience last year and is looking forward to going over technicalities for the women who enjoy football but may not know all of the rules and regulations.
“It was a great opportunity to have them come in and learn and be able to see everything,” he said. “A lot of women don’t really get that chance, and that made me appreciate that they wanted to learn. That’s why it’s so fun — they’re so interested.”
Last year about 75 women attended the clinic, and Groth said they are hoping to have a few more attend this year. The dates did change this year because of the Coyote auction, and Groth said that could impact the attendance of some fans who aren’t able to travel to Vermillion often.
This year Coyote officials will also talk about the football team’s new uniforms and the process the university went through in getting them, as well as what the NCAA is juggling regarding the targeting penalty — which requires players who target and contact defenseless opponents above the shoulders be ejected, according to the NCAA website.
“That’s confusing to a lot of people,” Groth said. “So we’ll go over what targeting is, why it’s bad and why the NCAA is trying to stop that.”
The clinic is limited to strictly women, and when asked if the clinic has been perceived as offensive, Groth said the program has been well-received and that he has not heard any complaints.
“With football being a male-dominated sport, and men having played football and having been a fan their whole life, this gives women a chance to experience it differently than their husbands do,” Groth said. “We want to include everyone in our fan base.”
All participants will receive a clinic T-shirt, pizza and other refreshments. Prizes will be given out at the end of the night during a social at Howlers’ Bar & Grill.
(Photo: Women will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look of the University of South Dakota football team at the second women’s clinic April 17. The clinic includes a chance to hear from and practice with Coyote players and coaches. File photo / The Volante)
