Kent State women’s football clinic teaches the basics, raises money for charity

Anthony White

Kent State will feature a women’s football clinic Wednesday between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium.

Women will be able to participate in offensive, defensive and special teams football drills in order to learn more about the sport. Admission is $25 and proceeds will go to children with cancer as well as the Heroes’ Day ticket funds. Parking will be free on the east lot of Dix Stadium.

“We’re trying to raise as much money as possible with increased participation, but there is no specific amount to be raised for charity,” said Aaron Chimenti, assistant director of athletic communications at Kent State.

The $25 admission also gets participants dinner, a Kent State t-shirt and a football playbook. This will be the first time this event has been held since former football head coach Doug Martin hosted the event in 2008.

More women’s football clinics are taking place throughout Division I schools. Coach Darrell Hazell said he hopes to make this an annual event at Kent State.

“Our staff looks forward to having some fun and giving women an introductory look into the basics of football, and it’s going to a good cause,” Hazell said.

There will be four 30-minute rotation drills going on at once. One drill will be in the weight room with strength and conditioning coach, Doug Davis.

There will also be drills for offense, defense and special teams. Each of the stations will have two to three football coaches with each group of participants.

“I think this event is a great way to make some new fans and get more people involved in the program,” said Alan Ashby, assistant athletic director. “I know the women are going to have a great time and will enjoy the program we have planned for them.”

Participants do not need to get a physical for the event. The public is not formally invited, but as families of the players are expected, no one will be turned away from entering the stadium. Sixty to 80 participants are anticipated to attend the event.

Contact Summer Kent Stater reporter Anthony White at [email protected].