Women learn X’s and O’s

It’s not just the men talking sports anymore.

The mothers of SMU football players, coaches’ wives and SMU alumnus gathered in Gerald J. Ford Stadium for the second annual Women’s Football Clinic on Thursday for an instructive evening on the basics of Mustang football.

“Anyone who is involved or wants to be involved with SMU football is welcomed to come and learn,” said senior roper Melissa Knowles.

The proceeds from the tickets, which cost $40, go to the Mustang Ropers who are the ambassadors to the SMU football team.

They serve as hostesses for recruits and their families during home game weekends.

The Ropers volunteer to give tours and spend time with recruits to encourage them to attend SMU.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year,” sophomore roper Kimberly Woodard said.

The women were informed on the fundamentals of SMU football, the plays they run and the their workout facilities and given a fashion show of the uniforms they wear.

Each woman received a T-shirt and enjoyed a Mexican buffet. As the women were dining upstairs in the press boxes, the football team practiced on their brand new A-turf below.

A silent auction, which included autographed helmets by head coach Phil Bennett, SMU golfing gear and an official football jersey, also brought in more than $500 for the ropers.

An SMU cooler and football serving trays were also among the auctioned items donated by the SMU football program.

The defensive and offensive coaches also explained what their players do and helped the women understand the technical aspects of the game.

A highlight of the evening was assistant tight end coach Johnny Ringo demonstrating some of the play signals his players use to keep the opponents guessing.

“His gesture for a play fake was my favorite because he pretended to have breast implants,” Knowles said.

The Ropers also escorted the women onto the playing field, where they stood behind the players while in their stances to see exactly what the players see during the games.

The participants got a chance to meet football head coach Phil Bennett in the team meeting room and try on uniforms with protective gear.

“Coach Bennett fully supports and cares for the Ropers, just like he takes care of his players,” senior roper Aureyelle Stewart said.

The evening concluded with Bennett thanking all of the women who attended and recognizing the Mustang Ropers for their continued support of the football program.