Aug. 1, 2009

Photo Gallery

By MOISEKAPENDA BOWER

Rice football coach David Bailiff let loose a hearty chuckle while sharing an amusing anecdote involving defensive line coach Darin Eliot and his wife, Miekel, then released another when equipment manager Kelly Riccardi engaged the `R' Room crowd with several humorous one-liners.

When Bailiff erupted in thunderous laughter as a handful of players modeled varying combinations of equipment and uniforms, it became abundantly clear that Bailiff was enjoying himself during the first Women's Football Clinic, an event that took place on Thursday evening. With roughly 50 women in attendance, Bailiff and his staff shared their knowledge, both generic and intricate, of the game. Bailiff conducted three such events during his time as Texas State coach after viewing the program while serving on the staff of Dennis Franchione at New Mexico.

"It's a good idea," Bailiff said, "and it's something we wanted to do."

After Bailiff introduced his assistants and Riccardi completed a painstakingly thorough uniform and equipment demonstration, the ladies were split into two groups based upon their familiarity with football. A handful of assistants, led by co-defensive coordinator Chuck Driesbach, walked the `rookies' through the basics while several members of the staff, including co-defensive coordinator Craig Naivar and receivers coach Larry Edmondson, took the `veterans' downstairs and led the discussion on offensive and defensive formations, the Owls' playbook, and the terminology that make both units click on game day.

The biggest laughs were generated by the players, many of whom took full advantage of the opportunity to turn on the charm before the impressionable gathering. Thanks to Travis Bradshaw, Keshawn Carrington, Tyler Parish, Travis Mason, Andrew Sendejo and Toren Dixon, the ladies on hand got a sneak view of how the program works.