Betsy, A Mizzou Tigers Football Recruiter and Football Fan
FB101: When did you become a football fan?
I have been a football fan for as long as I can remember. My parents were huge Missouri football fans. We always had season tickets. We even traveled to bowl games in the 80′s when Missouri was in bowl games. I am a loyal Mizzou fan. I love to watch NFL but Missouri is my college team.
My favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears. I grew up during the days of the Super Bowl Shuffle…Refrigerator Perry and Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and Mike Ditka. I have always been loyal to the Bears (even though I am from Missouri).
FB101: Tell us about your football recruiting experience at MU….
I was a Tiger Hostess at Mizzou. Our job was to spend the weekend with the recruits, help them to get to know the Missouri campus and the football facilities as well as the personnel. We would meet them at the football facilities early Saturday morning of game day. We would tour the facilities and answer any questions they may have had about MU football or otherwise. Then we would accompany the athletes to the field where the Tigers would be warming up for the game. We would go to their specific position, meet the players and coaches. We would sit with them throughout the game and again answer any questions. During the weekend we would also make time to tour the school campus and show them parts of the town. Overall, a very good experience.
FB101: What did you learn as a result of this unique job?
Through this experience I learned a lot about the game of football. I had to know what I was talking about when recruits would ask questions specifically about football. I had to learn about each specific position. I definitely had to learn the rules of the game!
FB101: Are you a bigger football fan now as a result? If so, why?
I don’t know if I am a “bigger” football fan through this experience because I have always been a big football fan. I did truly enjoy the experience and the opportunity to be close to the game. There are not a lot of ways for women to get involved with the sport of football but this was definitely a unique experience.
FB101: What are some of your favorite football traditions?
On super bowl Sunday we used to gather at my Mom’s house, make a tray of subs, a pot of soup or chili and watch the game. I love to hang out with family and friends and watch a good football game! We also used to tailgate at the Missouri games. We would drive down to the stadium early on Saturday morning, park a car on Stadium Drive. We would pack a cooler for lunch and eat until game time.
FB101: What advice would you give women who are learning the game?
The only advice I have for women learning the game is start with the basics. Learn the positions and what they do, then start to learn the rules of the game. It is a great sport! I am ready for the 2010-2011 season to begin!!
