Oakton Hosts Football 101 For Women
Oakton High School hosted the inaugural Football 101 class for all interested women who wanted to learn more about the game. The 65 women were treated to a fun, informative and interactive night...
Photo By: Oakton High School
Oakton head coach Joe Thompson teaches Football 101 to a group of eager women wanting to learn more about the game of football...
Photo By: Oakton High School
VIENNA, VA - August 7, 2010 -Oakton Head Coach Joe Thompson and his staff hosted the first annual Football 101 for Women on Friday, August 6th. The inaugural event was sponsored by Oakton's Football Parent Council, and was geared toward Oakton's female football fans. It was attended by 65 women who were eager to learn more about the game.
Coach Thompson opened the evening with insights into his own coaching experience, and the role his family plays in supporting his coaching career. Coach Thompson, a former English major, shared a poem about the impact the words of a coach can have on a player, even years after the player has left the team. That is one of his personal coaching motivators. It is his hope that when faced with tough life decisions, maybe words shared with the player by one of Oakton's coaches will resonate with the former player to help him make the right decision.
The Cougar fans were treated to a fun, energetic and interactive night. The women rotated through six stations that were manned by Coach Thompson and his staff. Coach Thompson discussed the Cougar's intricate offense, while Varsity Defensive Coordinator - Jason Rowley led the ladies in defensive drills. Athletic trainer, Coach Paul Rupp, explained the importance of preventative health measures and gave a tour of the training room. The ladies were then treated to a rare look at the boy's locker and equipment rooms, where JV Head Coach, John Glufling had the women try on helmets and shoulder pads. Varsity Tight Ends Coach Chris Fowler kept the ladies moving and laughing with complicated special team's drills. Assistant Coach John Masters, showcased Oakton's weight room and discussed the importance of proper nutrition and hydration for players. The evening flew by, as the woman went from station to station filling their heads with X(s) and O(s). It certainly gave more than one Oakton mom new insight into the dedication it takes from both the coaching staff and the players to develop a winning team.
The Cougar lady fans went home with a hot pink t-shirt emblazoned with a high heel football cleat, and "The Essential Girl's Guide to the Gridiron" a handbook that included a history of the Oakton Football Program and a glossary of must know football terminology. Organizers Sally Goins and Joanie Reimann were extremely happy with the turn out and the enthusiasm that the women showed for the program. Goins remarked, "It was a great night for Oakton's female fans to learn more about football, meet the coaches, and socialize. My two boys, Ray and Eric, have played football for years, but I still learned many new things. For example, I never knew that a coin toss could be deferred."
Coach Thompson was very pleased with the evening, stating, "Oakton has a fantastic fan base. Our Parent's Council looks for ways to bring the players, coaches and families together and foster community spirit. Tonight was an excellent example of our commitment to reach out to the Oakton football community. Based on the success, this is sure to become a much anticipated annual event."
Oakton's coaches, players and fans are looking forward to the season opener on Friday, September 3rd when Oakton travels to cross town rival Madison for the Outback Bowl. The 65 newly enlightened Cougar fans will be intensely following each play, as they cheer on their Oakton Cougar team
