Friday, August 1, 2008

BYU Women's Football Clinic

Marcus's dream came true when he said, "Jenny, sign ups for this year's BYU Women's Football Clinic are beginning. You should go," and I replied, "Ok." "Really?" He was so excited. The stipulation was that I found someone to go with me. I'm not that die hard of a fan that I'd go to this clinic alone. So, Telisha Packard, a friend from here at BYU, signed up with me. For $25 I was guaranteed a "free" t-shirt, tour of the stadium, and time with the coaches and players. As thrilling as this sounds, when yesterday, the day of the clinic, rolled around, the last thing I wanted to do was go. Samantha's been rough, to say the least, and I didn't think I had the energy to go. Marcus told me I didn't have to go, trying to ease my pain, but how could I not? "No, I do have to go. We paid 25 bucks. I can't waste that." So, I reluctantly went.

Four hours later, I came through the door and told Marcus that was the best $25 he had ever spent on me! I loved it! I highly recommend every woman, who has the chance, attend next year's clinic. It was so so so fun. During those 4 hours, we ...

toured the press box * toured the stadium locker room * shook Bronco's hand * got Bronco's signature on my "free" shirt * got Max Hall's too * listened to Bronco speak to us * Q&A with Bronco * Q&A with about 10 players * ate a sandwich and BYU's yummy mint brownies * ran drills with coaches and players * received tips from Coach Tidwell, Hill, Doman (yes, Brandon Doman), Weber, and Reynolds -- and players -- I don't remember all of who was there

Maybe it doesn't sound thrilling to all, but it was. Take my word for it. The oldest woman there was 88 years old! Holy cow! I was impressed. This year was the highest attending camp with a count of 450 women. I'm sure there will be more next year, and if we would be in Provo next year, I'd be there. My biggest regret of the entire evening was not having my camera. So sorry, no great pictures of us with Unga, Pitta, Nixon, or Hall.

Besides running the drills (and being told I had the best 3 point stance in the camp -- thank you Coach Weber and Tidwell) the best part of the clinic was listening to Bronco speak. He is inspiring. I am impressed with his attitude and his outlook on football. The actual game is secondary to how he wants his players to be as men. He's a man of integrity, and I really believe that as he is instilling lessons of character in his players, he's not only creating great football players, but extraordinary leaders who represent the church. I appreciate and respect him for it. This makes me even sadder to leave Provo and miss the football season next year. I can't imagine how Marcus must be feeling if I'm sad. I have to admit, I never quite understood his obsession with BYU football. It's just a game. I've always loved going to the games, but really, when the game was over, that was it for me. But last night, at the end of the camp when we were watching the 2007 highlight video as we sat on the field, I got goosebumps, and I think I kind of get it. It's more than a game. Well, I guess we'll just have to find out who, in our new ward, has Dish Network and invite ourselves over for the games! That may be awkward, but it may just be worth it.

8 comments:

AJ said...

Ooh, I'm a little jealous, that does sound fun!

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Suzy Beamer Bohnert, author, "Game-Day Goddess: Learning Football's Lingo" and "Binkie Learns to Fly"

Tara said...

That sounds like a lot of fun! I loved BYU football when I was in high school so maybe I should go and rekindle my passion next year!

Peggy said...

Fun, Fun, Fun! I want to come!

rachel said...

I'm glad you got to go. There are so many cool opportunities in Provo!

D-n-E said...

OK, that sounds like a ton of fun. I must say I've missed BYU football something fierce. I cannot what for September when you guys come and we go cheer on the Cougs together.

Also, on your last post, I do that with songs all the time. Sometimes they just hit the right spot and you have to listen to them until you know it completely. Do you remember doing that with Valahol Europaban in Szeged?

RBS said...

Jenny,
If you enjoyed the camp you would really enjoy the firesides that Bronco and the team do before each and every game. (even the away games) sometimes he has his wife and kids there with him. We try to hit all the firesides we can and when we go to the away games we find them where ever they are. He is an inspirational man and it has opened my eyes to football being more then just a game. the firesides are my favorite things about the games.
Roxanne (your mom-in-laws cousin. Ask Heidi, she knows me)

Amelia said...

Hey, just so you know, if you can't find anyone with dish you could watch it on BYU Sports network online. I think you have to pay a little per game, or buy some season pass thing, but, we still watch them even up in Canada!

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