More than 100 women hit the gridiron June 26 as part of the Lobo women’s football clinic, which taught participants football drills and rules.
The women’s football clinic is one of the older camps UNM offers, created by former head coach Rocky Long to give women a chance to learn the game’s fundamentals.
Throughout its 16-year history, the camp has grown in popularity and this year hosted more than 100 female participants.
This year, UNM quarterback coach David Reaves led the women’s clinic. The coach said his goal was to give back to those who participated and to the community.
“The women are going to get a chance to learn a lot about football,” Reaves said. “The X’s and O’s of the game, the fundamentals of the game. (They) get to watch some video, so when they’re out there watching the Lobos play next year they know what we are trying to get done.”
For a $40 entrance fee, participants spent all day June 26 with players, members of the coaching staff and their wives. The clinic lasted six hours and included programs designed to educate and give women football experience.
A portion of the $40 entrance fee benefits the UNM “Send-A-Kid” program, which helps purchase season tickets for underprivileged youth in Albuquerque.
Jessica Lucero, a camp participant, said Reaves and the University helped her better understand football.
”I am looking to see what I can know more about the game as a spectator,” she said. “I’m interested to see some strategy that they’re going to bring to the season. I just want to see them do (well) and continue to improve the program.”
The clinic has offered stronger lesson plans throughout its history, Reaves said, and this year women went through a number of different drills and activities.
Highlights included tours of the facilities, including the athletic training room, the weight room and locker rooms. Campers also went through a football 101 class. The last few hours of the day were committed to an on-field clinic where they used practice equipment and learned drills.
UNM defensive end Jaymar Latchison has worked the camps since his freshman year, and he said he is compelled to give back to community members who support the Lobos through thick and thin.
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“Working with the people who come, they are regulars,” Latchison said. “They love it. I have seen them every year. They know me and I know them. I think it’s a great program that really is just a matter of giving back to the community. Doing as much service as we can, we put our face out there to show people we are more than just football players.”
