SOUTHERN MISS TO HOST WOMEN'S FOOTBALL CLINIC

HATTIESBURG - Women, do you ever wonder what goes on in a huddle at a football game, or what it means to decline a penalty? Do you know the difference between a one-back or two-back set?

Wouldn't you like to know what is really happening on the football field?

Debbie Bower, wife of Southern Miss Head Football Coach Jeff Bower, is hosting a fun football clinic called X's and O's for Women. The clinic will be held Thurs., Aug. 21, at 6 p.m., at the new athletic center on the university's Hattiesburg campus.

The clinic, designed specifically for women, will cover all aspects of the gridiron and provide insights into the upcoming football season. Presentations will be made by Southern Miss Head Coach Jeff Bower, Offensive Coordinator Rip Scherer, Defensive Coordinator Tyrone Nix, and Recruiting Coordinator Jay Johnson along with a local college referee.

"We want this to be fun and informative for the women who participate," said Debbie Bower. "I can't tell you how many of my friends complain during ballgames that they don't understand what's happening on the field. I know they would enjoy it more if they understood it better."

In addition to the ins and outs of football, participants will enjoy refreshments, have a chance at door prizes and receive their own Go Gold T-shirt. Local vendors will also be on-site with the latest Southern Miss apparel and tailgating merchandise. Cost of the clinic is $20 and is limited to the first 130 women who register. Registrations can be made by calling 266-5712 or through e-mail at la.warner@usm.edu.

"We've already had several women register, and that was just from them hearing about it through a flyer we mailed to Eagle Club members and through word-of-mouth," said Leigh Ann Warner, Director of Development with the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation, and coordinator of X's and O's for Women. "We hope to have a full house for this event."

Jamie Walker was the first participant to sign up. "I love football-especially Southern Miss football," said Jamie. "I know the basics, but want to know more details. My mom and I are going to get pumped up for the season."

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