Feature on Heather McMackin's Football Clinic for Women

About how a few of the estimated 500 attendees identified themselves as "football widows", Heather McMackin said:
"I hate that term. I prefer 'football wives' because we love football, too. It's not just a matter of the guys watch football and we go off shopping." (HA)

HA Note: "The presentation included instructive talks from Greg McMackin, offensive coordinator Ron Lee, defensive coordinator Cal Lee, and assistant coaches Tony Tuioti, George Lumpkin, and Ikaika Malloe."

About the purpose of the clinic, Heather McMackin said:
"There are a lot of women who enjoy football but would like to understand it better. We know that in Hawai'i, women are a little more knowledgeable about football, but there are also a whole bunch who feel clueless." (HA)

About how she offered her first clinic nearly 40 years ago when Mack was the head coach of Aloha High School in Oregon, Heather said:
"We did it because (Greg's) mother didn't know anything about football, and neither did my mother. We figured that the mothers and sisters of these players were going to be at the games anyway, so why not understand it better?" (HA)

HA Note: "Last night's affair attracted women Warrior fans of all ages and backgrounds, including UH athletics stalwart Ruth Tamanaha. Tamanaha, who is in her late 70s, is an original Koa Anuenue member and has faithfully attended UH football games and other sporting events since she attended the university. As an English teacher at what was then Washington Intermediate, Tamanaha used to assign UH football media guides for her students' reading exercises."

About how she hoped to learn from the clinic, Tamanaha said:
"I just like football. I know quite a bit about the game, but I can learn more." (HA)

About hoping to learn more about football and instill a greater appreciation for the sport in her 13-year-old daughter Kisa, Dana Matlin said:
"(Kisa) is a cheerleader, so I thought it was about time for her to know what she's doing. I think if she understands a little more, she'll enjoy the game even more. We're big football fans — we have season tickets — but there's still a lot I don't know." (HA)

About attending the clinic, Kisa said:
"I like cheerleading, so I may as well enjoy football, too." (HA)

HA Note: "Each attendee received a gamebook-style handout that provided basic information on the rules of the game, field, equipment, offensive and defensive positions, scoring and referee signals, as well as examples of the team's offensive and defensive plays. Evie Joi Chan and pal Kimberly Tom — who found themselves suddenly well versed in everything from the "81-X Choice" offensive set to the "Smash" defense — said they plan on taking the handout to every home game this season."

About the clinic, Evie Chan said:
"The clinic was really informative. It was nice to hear about (the program) from the wife's perspective." (HA)

HA Note: "Following Heather McMackin's dictate to keep the evening light and fun, the clinic also featured players Keao Monteilh and Keith Ah Soon modeling the team's new Under Armour gear and uniforms — to the hoots and hollers of the assembled class."

About the clinic, Carmen Anakawa said:
"I enjoyed it very much. It was so personal with the families and the coaches there. I learned a lot, and I'll feel more confident when I watch the games now." (HA)