Ladies, it’s time to brush up on football knowledge
Posted by The Skyliner on February 3rd, 2010Jessicah Peters
Staff Writer
First down, fourth down and touchdown are three football terms that any girl should know and understand if she is going to try to watch the sport. While I was growing up, my father did not teach me much about football, but there was someone who did. Around the age of 12, I started going to some high school football games. I sat by a man, who is like a father to me, and he taught me the basics of football. Today I absolutely love to watch football and have an average knowledge of the sport.
Too many girls today cannot tell the difference between a fourth down and a fourth quarter. I think it is something of a tragedy for girls to be so uninformed about the amazing sport of football.
One possible reason for girls’ general disinterest in watching football is experience with their fathers. Fathers can sometimes ruin a sport for their daughters. For example, no little girl wants to be around her father when he is screaming at the television for hours. However, girls do want to have a bond with their father and, when he can explain the game of football to her, that bond can become a lot stronger. If a father would take time out of the game to show interest in his daughter’s understanding of football, that could mean the world to her.
I asked Micah Sepko, Assistant Athletic Director for Operations and Sports Information, whether he would pursue his daughters’ taking an interest in football or any other sport.
“They can like what their little heart desires. With that said, [when] me and my wife watch and like football, guess what happens?” Sepko said. He hinted that they would learn to enjoy the sport from their parents.
“Spending time with your children is the most important. It does not matter what you are watching, sports or cartoons,” said Sepko.
For some girls, the sport is not interesting at all until they become interested in a guy who loves football. A girl may try to say things like, “Go!” or “Yay for a first down!” but in reality she has no idea what or why she is yelling. In my opinion, it is just better for a girl to not say anything than to try to pretend she knows what is going on in a football game when she does not.
Here’s a hint for all girls lacking in football knowledge. Most guys love talking about football and will enjoy explaining to you how the game is played, who the players are and what positions they play.
“I really don’t mind if a girl asks me about football,” said Terrence Galloway, freshman sport management. “I enjoy explaining the game to the best of my knowledge. I also think that it is pretty cool for a girl to enjoy football on her own.”
Now, ladies, you might be one of those girls who would rather go out shopping than sit inside watching a football game. However, the Super Bowl XLIV is coming and it is time to get yourself prepared for the game. Some girls may want to just sit back and watch the commercials, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, I know there have to be some girls who are planning to wear their favorite team’s jersey, eat chips and dip and simply enjoy the game of football.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 2