July 29, 2010
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CHOUDRANT, La. - A sold out Pigskins & Pearls Women's Clinic and Luncheon was a resounding success at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant Thursday afternoon as select coaches, players and staff put on a "Football 101" session for women in north Louisiana.
Organized by Kate Dykes, wife of Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes, the clinic and luncheon featured an explanation by the coaching staff of set plays and philosophies with six players on hand to help demonstrate various things being explained.
Sonny Dykes led off the football part and was followed by offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler. Head equipment manager Jeff Springer followed the coaches with a brief discussion on the equipment and weekly behind-the-scenes schedule for the support staff.
"I thought this was a great opportunity to get more women in the area involved with the team," said Kate Dykes. "It was a chance to have fun while meeting some of the coaches and players and learning a lot about the game and what the coaching staff is trying to do on the field. I never dreamt that we would have this big of a turnout in our first year."
The Tech football team was represented by Tank Calais, Matt Broha, Ross Jenkins, Chandler Spence, Jordan Mills and Chad Boyd.
"This was a lot of fun and I was really glad to help," said Broha. "A lot of times we get asked about the game and what we do. This clinic gave great insight into what we, as players, do to prepare for a game and what we are working towards on the field. It was a great chance to learn and see, firsthand, what we are doing."
Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin explained the offensive philosophy he and Sonny Dykes have brought to Louisiana Tech and showed how the coaches signal in plays to the players on the field. Franklin also explained how one scripted play offers five different possibilities to advance the football and score, showing film on how the plays work during a game.
Defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler demonstrated how he calls in play and formation calls into the defensive players on the field. Spangler also explained the definition of his defense's "GATA" war cry.
Sonny Dykes returned to the podium following Spangler to explain the yearly schedule and the day-by-day schedule the players and coaches have during a traditional game week.
"It was nice to get up and talk to a bunch of beautiful women rather than a group of tough-looking football players," quipped Sonny Dykes. "This was a great event and Kate did a wonderful job of organizing it."
As Springer explained the various parts of equipment and some of their functions, the Tech players scattered throughout the room to demonstrate the various items. The function closed with a question and answer session with the players.
All proceeds of the clinic, which sold out over a week ago, will go to the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Louisiana.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Football, please visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
