Pigskins & Pearls

Last week, I attended the Pigskins & Pearls Cal football clinic with my Mom at Memorial Stadium.  Here’s my roundup of the fun we had!

Walking up from BART, my Mom made me pose with this new piece on campus.  She thought it was a set of rings, and wanted me – Mrs. Ring to be in it.  Ring in rings…okay, not related to football, but it’s silly and fun.
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Much has changed since the first event – back when it was the Women’s Huddle.  It’s now called Pigskins & Pearls which at first included a bit of an offensive description, “You will leave loaded with football knowledge that will impress any man in your life.”  *facepalm* For that sentence alone, I was not going, but luckily the wording changed and it was back to drills on the field, learning plays, routes, etc.

We entered the event with two sets of cheerleaders greeting us.
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Shirt and hat for the event.
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I was at ease quickly with a glass of chardonnay and football talk with my Mommy.
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There was a helmet at our table as a decoration, and naturally I had to try it on.  Props to players who wear earrings while playing.  Don’t know how you keep them on!!
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Obviously we did not keep the helmet on for long; no way to consume our wine!!
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Mommy & Oski
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Pigskins & Pearls was held in the Field Club area with players mingling around.  These young men are incredibly gracious and kind and were great at answering burning questions like, “So, Rose Bowl this year…is it on your calendar?”  This is me with Bryce Treggs.
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As I was headed back to the bar, a women I’ve never met before grabbed me, my phone out of my hand, and said I HAD to take a picture with Darius Powe Jr. since we had the same number on.  She even told us where to stand as she snapped this shot.  Cute pic, thanks lady!!
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These guys are ready to play!!
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The other number 10 found me and we chatted for a while. I haven’t met another player who was so kind and funny. Lucas King, I will cheer loudly for you!!
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Oh, and he told me a secret – shhhhhh…don’t tell anyone else!!  In the inside of their jersey – where the tag would be located – it says Bear Territory!!  Of course I HAD to get a shot of that!!  Thanks for letting me, Lucas; you’re a good sport!!
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Dinner was step up from the first year which was beer and hot dogs.  Salad, sliders, sandwiches, quesadillas, homemade chips, and a full bar is certainly my kind of spread.
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And cute Cal cookies for dessert.  Gotta carb load before we take the field right?  RIGHT?!?!
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This was dessert – a cookie and a marshmallow with chocolate and quinoa??  I couldn’t figure out what I was eating.
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Kate Dykes thanking everyone for their support.  This year there was a “fee” for registration, but it all went to the Oakland Boys & Girls Club.  They will be presented with a check at a future football game – horray!!
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After we ate, drank, and all met each other, it was time to get this show on the road!  I always take a moment when I walk in Memorial Stadium to remember the soldiers who sacrificed so much.
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As we were ready to take the field, the players gave us a little pep talk.
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And were ready to get us ladies fired up!!
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Listening to our instructions for our first drill
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Go Mommy go!!
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After each drill, we would circle up and shout Go Bears!!
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I am obviously taking this very seriously as I pose for pictures of myself on the field.  The long shadows sure suck in the afternoon.  I feel for the players on games during this time.
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One of many footballs that I caught, threw, and kicked.
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Getting ready to throw a few across the end zone into garbage cans.  My Mommy is awesome and got a few in!!
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Poor coach Sonny Dykes posing for us and about every other lady.  Thank you for being there and chatting with everyone!!
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This is the defensive coach, Barry Sacks.  I love his face as he’s pumping us up!!
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Demonstration of what we should do.  I think we got it.  We are lined up and have lots of energy to get out!!
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He had everyone’s attention.  Love that enthusiasm!!
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My Mom wins the award for best game face!!  Go get ’em!!
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I was too fast for my Mommy photographer – whee – down the dummy goes!!
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Huddle up and on to the next drill
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Outta my way, dummies!!

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The ladies were always cheering through the drills.  We are an encouraging bunch.
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I watched the ladies in front of me going nuts on the last dummy and rolling over.  I went gently, but still ended up riding it.  Yeehaw!!
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After we were done, I grabbed the first coach I saw and asked if I could kick a field goal.  As I was kicking, I saw his nametag and internally freaked out.  Inside of my head sounded like this, “Burl Toler is holding for me, OMG, don’t kick his finger, don’t break his hand, don’t hurt him!!”  He was so nice to let me kick, and look, my pearls didn’t slow me down!!

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#thehashtagqueenisonit

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On one knee while Sonny is promising a Rose Bowl victory.  At least that’s what I remember.  😉
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Players and cheer squad posing after the drills were finished.
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Kate Dykes is one snazzy dresser.  Got her blue and gold in high fashion style.
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Burl Toler wanted to take a picture with ME!!  Well, it’s only because I’m rocking his old number.  Whatever – I felt like a celebrity for a moment which is a nice change from the craziness at home with my 2 & 3 year olds.

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And I may or may not have stopped at my favorite hot dog place to get a bite to eat on the way down the hill.  Oh, who are we kidding, of course I did.

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Someone’s excited for the season to start!!

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Okay, let’s not kid ourselves.  All of us are excited for the season to begin!!  Big thanks to all who helped put this even on – I’m pretty sure we’re all counting down the hours till Cal football begins.  GO BEARS!!
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