Jackson Free Press

"If there were other people hollering for the Tigers, I was going to holler, too," Franshell Fort, the administrative assistant for the Jackson State University communications office, recalls about her previous experiences at Tiger football games.

Fort, also a JSU alumna, always enjoyed attending Tiger football games, despite not being well-versed in the nitty-gritty details of the sport.

After helping plan and participate in this year's Gridiron Gals Football Clinic, Fort has a deeper grasp of what's happening on the field and enjoys games all the more.

Assistant Coach Antonio Knight created the Gridiron Gals Clinic three years ago as way to teach female Tiger fans the ins and outs of football. In its first year, 65 women participated, and last year, more than 100 female Tiger fans attended. Fort says they hope to double that number this year. Knight, Director of Contractual Services Kamesha Hill, and Director of Ticket Sales and Operations Brian Haynes comprise the rest of the committee.

The 2015 Clinic will be Saturday, May 16, with registration at Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 N. State St., 601-354-6021) beginning at 8 a.m. All participants will go back to JSU's campus for buzz sessions. The attendees will rotate throughout them to learn the basics, such as the roles of offense and defense, as well as the roles of individual position players. The buzz sessions will wrap up with discussions of football strategy and also attendees will also learn a few plays.

After the buzz sessions, participants will go back to the stadium for a simulated practice. They'll go through drills similar to what JSU football players might experience in one of their practices.

The day concludes around 3:30 p.m. after all the Gals have had a chance to train. The attendees will then break into teams and put their newfound knowledge to the test in a touch football game.

All members of the JSU coaching staff will be in attendance for the clinic, including head coach Harold Jackson. Assistant Athletics Director for Strength and Conditioning Derek Scott will pump up the participants before the scrimmage. A few JSU football players will also be available for photo ops.

While the event is a fundraiser for the JSU athletic department (all proceeds from the $50 per person attendance fee goes to JSU athletics), the event helps increase the connection female fans have with their Tigers.

"We hope it will be an all-day game-day experience," Fort says. "When you're screaming for your team, you'll know what you're screaming about."

This year, because they have had such great participation in past years, the Gridiron Gals will expand from just a one-day clinic to a season-long club, complete with benefits such as discounts at the JSU store and gameday t-shirts. The Gals will have a special cheering section at games so they can support their Tigers together at home games, and the team will know they're there supporting them.

To learn more about the Gridiron Gals Football Club, interested fans should attend the clinic meet-and-greet 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the Student Center, Ballroom A at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). This free event will detail the benefits of becoming a part of the club. Attendees will be able to register for the next day's clinic. To register for the Gridiron Gals Football Clinic in advance, call the JSU ticket office at 601-979-2420.