Fourth Annual Women's Football 101 Raises Over $8,000

June 17, 2009

Video Recap

CINCINNATI - The fourth edition of the University of Cincinnati Women's Football 101 Clinic raised a record donation for the UC Barrett Cancer Institute at University Hospital and delighted a crowd of 180 women with the basics and insight into college football at the Richard E. Lindner Center on June 11.

Paqui Kelly, wife of head football coach Brian Kelly and Jeni Thomas, the wife of Director of Athletics Mike Thomas hosted the event, along with Mo Egger from 700 WLW.

The clinic was presented by Panera Bread, Trauth Dairy, and Post Printing. Along with the proceeds from the clinic, and a $2,500 donation from Trauth Dairy, the Brian Kelly Family Foundation will donate over $8,000, eclipsing the $5,000 raised a year ago. Monies raised from the event will go into a research fund for breast cancer to support clinical, research and education initiatives at the UC Barrett Cancer Institute at University Hospital.

"It was a great night," head coach Brian Kelly said. "The weather moved us inside but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm at all. I'm pleased that we will be able to make a record donation again this year to a cause that is dear to me and my family. Believing that each one of us can make a difference in the lives of others is important."

The action took place inside this year due to some inclement weather in the area. The evening started with a happy hour reception, and a welcome from Jeni Thomas, Paqui Kelly, and Dr. Mary Mahoney, a radiologist at the Barrett Center.

Following throwing, catching, and kicking practice, the women headed to the state-of-the-art football meetings rooms where they spent 20 minutes each learning the facets of offense, defense, and special teams.

The evening concluded with an officiating demonstration from Bob Welch, a BIG EAST official, and a UC football fashion show that included players showing the crowd their equipment and how it is worn properly for safety.

As a special gift for everyone in attendance, each participant was given an embroidered UC Women's Football 101 blanket, along with an adidas gift pack.