By
Josh Madsen
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Mechanics, 'gentler' side of game discussed at Thursday's
Football holds many parallels with family life and teaches players to express feelings through their involvement with the UA team, Dick Tomey, head football coach, said.
"Through football we develop a greater respect for women of all ages, no matter who they are," Tomey said.
Last Thursday, the University of Arizona's Public Relations and Special Event Team hosted, "Football... Women know it," a social function dedicated to advancing women's understanding of football. Tomey's wife, Nanci Kincaid, was also present at the event.
The presidential suite of the Arizona Stadium's skybox was filled to capacity when 90 female season ticket holders and top UA donors attended the event leaving, 45 others on the waiting list.
"The tremendous interest this event drew will cause us to make future sessions more available to the public," said Phoebe Chalk, assistant public relations director.
Although this session was limited to those who received invitations, future sessions will be open to the public with an entrance fee, Chalk said.
UA football ticket holder and Tucson resident Leslie Kepner, a participant who said she was perplexed when emotions soared during games, found herself asking why fans scream.
Though many were uncertain of the mechanics of the game, all attendees were expecting to "heighten their enjoyment of the sport," said Tucson resident Kathy Fuller, who is also a UA football ticket holder.
Beside Tomey and Kincaid, Wendell Neal, the university's football equipment manager, and a Pacific-10 Conference official Jim Fogltance also spoke to then women.
After the speakers explained the "gentler" side of football and Tomey touched on the methods and tactics of the game, he talked about every aspect of play.
"Football is based on field positions," Tomey said.
He used a pamphlet with pictures with further aid from a white board he called "chalk talk," which is an illustration of the teams and its plays.
Tomey described the aspects of defense, offense, special teams and the problems of punting.
Neal brought with him a large black bag filled with the equipment required to play NCAA football.
Participants were given the opportunity to try on the equipment, as Wendell explained the functions of various pieces and he answered the audience's questions.
Fogltance stressed the importance of maintaining neutrality as a referee.
He demonstrated the basic signaling gestures which are illustrated in "Guide to the Basics," the instructional pamphlet handed to the participants.
Rebecca Bailey, an education junior and UA cheerleader, said the football instruction event was helpful.
"It was greatly appreciated, very thorough and truly a learning experience," she said.
