For the fourth year, female Eagles fans flocked from across the region to learn the x's, o's and physical aspects of the game of football, while participating in classroom and on-field sessions at the NovaCare Complex.
The women had the chance to go behind-the-scenes of the organization in the locker room, indoor practice facility, and team meeting rooms.
To begin the day, Jamie Apody, sports reporter/anchor for 6 ABC Action News, welcomed the excited group of female fans. She talked about her emergence into the sports media world and the challenges of being a female reporter in a male dominated industry. She went on to share stories about her most exciting moments while covering the Eagles as well as her reasons for staying in the Philadelphia area.
After the welcoming, the women broke up into two groups. Half of the women started with classroom sessions while the other half headed down to the indoor practice facility to learn the physical aspect of the game.
The field portion of the event was highlighted by four drills including receiving, field-goal kicking, a quarterback challenge and an obstacle course. Four different Eagles players were on hand throughout the weekend and helped the women perfect their skills. Jon Dorenbos, Eagles long snapper, Omar Gaither, Eagles linebacker, Akeem Jordan, Eagles linebacker, and Quintin Demps, Eagles safety, all added to the weekend's excitement. The women were tough on the field and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the physical aspect of the game.
"The field portion was definitely my favorite part," said Jennifer Beckett of Marlton, NJ. "It was just awesome to be out here and meet new people, especially the players and staff."
Meanwhile, up in the classrooms, the groups of women learned new formations and football jargon as they met with Eagles Offensive Quality Control Coach, Doug Pederson, Eagles College Scouting Coordinator, Mike Miller, Eagles Special Teams Quality Control Coach, Jeff Nixon, Eagles Assistant Linebackers Coach, Mike Caldwell and Eagles Alumni, Troy Vincent.
The Eagles staff met with the women to go over the offensive, defensive, special teams and scouting aspect of the Eagles game. Each participant was given a 'playbook' to follow in the lessons as they sat in the very seats the players sit in while watching film.
"This is my third year here," said Roxanne Shust-Santone of Bensalem, PA. "It's a great learning experience, an opportunity to meet new ladies and just a good day out. I'll definitely be back again!"
The women also enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria and received a gift bag at the end of the day filled with Eagles souvenirs including an Eagles snuggie, a 15% off coupon for the Pro Shop and a mounted photograph signed by the Eagles players in attendance.
Jennifer Beckett summed up the day by adding, "It's good to know that we're all part of one big team, E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!"
