University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football head coach Russ Huesman and the Mocs' coaching staff hosted the third annual Women's Football Clinic, inspired by Memorial Health Care System, Friday night at Finley Stadium.
Guests arrived at 6 p.m. and met with coaches and other participants during a social hour before the women took to the film room for Football 101.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, receiver coach Will Healy, offensive line coach Alex Atkins, tight ends coach Wesley Satterfield and running backs coach Thomas Brown covered the finer points of the offensive side of the game. Offensive coaches explained the difference between pro-style and spread offenses, the no-huddle offense and common hand signals used during games.
Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller led the group through game film while defensive line coach Marcus West, cornerbacks coach B.J. Hogan and safeties coach Adam Braithwaite explained defensive formations, strategy and signals.
After viewing film and meeting the coaches, the ladies warmed up on the field with game-situation exercises and learned about equipment worn by student-athletes during a pre-game locker room meeting before hitting the turf for various drills.
"This is such a fun event," Huesman said. "I think the ladies have a good time out here and I think our coaches are enthusiastic and have a good time, too. It's always good to get people around UTC and UTC football. They come watch us play, they have a connection with the Mocs and this event, I believe, helps strengthen that connection."
This season's clinic included women who attended the 2011 Women's Football Clinic, players' mothers and many newcomers to the event, including Chattanooga resident Vicky Leather.
"My husband and I bought season tickets last year, and I figured needed to understand what he was trying to explain, so I decided to come out to tonight's program," Leather said. "I didn't realize it was going to be as immersive an experience it has been. Going out and experiencing game situations has been eye-opening and exciting."
All proceeds from the 2012 Women's Football Clinic will go to support the Huesman's Huddle program. Entering its fourth year, Huesman's Huddle is a very popular allotment of tickets donated by Mocs fans, alumni and supporters that are used to provide free admission to home football games to underprivileged fans.
UTC opens the season with a trip to South Florida on Sept. 1. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. (E.D.T.) in Tampa, Fla., and the game will broadcast on ESPN3. The five-game home schedule opens on Thursday, Sept. 13, against Glenville State at 7:00 p.m. at Finley Stadium.
