Mtn Dew Acceptable Hydration in Women's Football?

by BREANN HILLHOUSE

I joined the Falconz last year as a complete rookie to the game. The only thing I knew about football was the quarterback threw the ball and even then I wasn’t sure. I’m not joking. In the end the lingo, rules, X’s and O’s weren’t the only things I learned. Here’s a list of 10 things everyone in Falconz Nation should know.

1. Stretching is important. If you want to be able to get out of bed the next day, that is. The morning after my first football practice I tried to hop out of bed and fell to the floor instead. Though, stretching only takes you so far. The day after a big game or grueling practice you can usually hear one of us utter words like, “I feel like I have been hit by a…” and it’s follow up with “truck”, “train”, or “Polynesian”.

2. Nothing stops practice. As practice time approaches we find ourselves looking to the sky to see if the weather is going to hold out. It doesn’t really matter though because rain or shine, the Falconz are going to be working. Unless it’s a crazy windstorm, we don’t mess around with those.

3. The coaches are always right. Our coaching staff is as amazing as a shark riding a unicorn. They know what they are talking about and there is zero point in trying to argue with any of them. I guarantee they don’t want to hear your excuses, either. Just know, they are going to be right. Especially if his name is Rick.

4. Getting football pads off is a team sport. The pad’s job is to be secure, with the jersey as tight as a second skin. When it comes to prying those suckers off, more often than not you’re going to need a second pair of hands. One day I will be able to get my pads off by myself, but it is not this day. It’s not going to be tomorrow, either.

5. Football is a book-smart game. I learned this game requires a lot of studying; it’s imperative to know the playbook inside and out. Of course, it’s ironic that a sport using so much brain power also has a high rate of brain injury.

6. Stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated is very important to game-day performance and post-game recovery. Oh, and if someone asks you to bring drinks to a potluck the night before a game, it turns out Mt. Dew is not an acceptable form of hydration. I know now, guys.

7. A Falconz sandwich is not as yummy as it sounds. If you don’t believe me, I could arrange a taste test for you. I suggest you decline that offer and just take my word for it.

8. Know your roots. It’s always nice to know where you come from. In the Falconz world we have modeled a lot more than just colors and mascot after the Air Force Academy. I speak for all of us when I say we have a lot of respect for the AF. Oh and it’s convenient that we share the same mascot when it comes to buying their Falcon merchandise.

9. Stick up for the little guy. The Falconz love being tethered to the Mascot Miracles Foundation. Playing football with a purpose brings everything into perspective. While we play a game we are happy to bring awareness and donations to such a worthy cause.

10. Everything is awesome when you’re part of a team. Putting 50 women in one group and having zero drama is nothing short of a miracle. But I have to say, the Falconz pull it off nicely. Being part of a team has been so rewarding and naturally, everything is awesome.

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family to Yours

Utah Falconz 2014 Undefeated Inaugural Season

by NICOLE BERRY

Recently social scientists confirmed that "there is a dramatic increase in the happiness of people who verbally expressed their thanks and gratitude. Their moods lifted and overall contentment with life improved. Imagine how much happier we might feel if we simply made more of an effort to thank people out loud? To tell they have been influenced us for good? There are no limits.

Maybe this practice of self-awareness and expression is one of the "ties that bind" the Utah Falconz. We attend football camps across the country and compete with many great teams. We learn from other organizations, and share our successes too. But when all is said and done, it's apparent that we truly are the lucky ones. Hiroko's work ethic, vision and ambition is unparalleled, the coaching unmatched, and the women...well, just the best in the country is all!

From the Utah Falconz field:

"I've played sports all my life, but no sport ever came to me as naturally as football. I just love the feeling I get when I play. The team aspect is also a huge thing for me. Knowing there are people counting on me to be physically strong motivates me to get to the gym and stay active. Plus, football helps me have a more positive body image. I'm not at all the world's definition of beautiful or healthy, but on the field my size is an advantage. Having a team of adults I get to socialize with is so important for me as a full-time Mom. Basically, football is good for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Don't know what I would do without it."

"I play football not only for the love of the game, but the love of the team. These people you spend so much of your life with, become part of you in a way. It's family. I like testing myself and my limits...finding I have a place and that I am good at something. I love it!"

"Coach, I am just so lucky to have you in my life."

"I personally wanted to thank each and every one of you, for allowing me to be part of this amazing team.  You've taught me that no matter where I go or what I do, I know that I can count on you to look back on.  To reach down into that deep dark place within me, stand proud, and to face anyone or anything head on.  You gave me my life back; You saved me.  And I thank you."

"I am grateful today. Grateful for good people. Those who not only help others, but who teach them to succeed in their lives. I am surrounded by so many selfless leaders who understand the role of also being a teacher. I can add a few more people to that list today. There is so much good in this world." 

So while we "impose our will" on our opponents this season, may we remember to express gratitude for each crucial member of our team - owner, coach, athlete, fan and ticket-taker alike.

Defensive Coordinator Returns to Coaching

Coach Ramos and LB Kayla "Gorilla" Bruner

by MICHAEL RAMOS

"You know he's going to ask you to coach, right?"

That was my wife's response when I told her that Rick wanted to meet me for lunch.  Rick had been offensive coordinator on a team I had helped coach.  He and I have developed a mutual respect for each other.

Normally I would chalk her response up to her uncanny ability to read the vibes of others (think Malcom Gladwell's, Blink).  This time, however, it didn't take Nostradamus to know the "meeting" was going to be an invitation back into coaching.

Rick and several players had previously been on a team that had started to unravel.  While they had success on the field, the environment they were in wasn't ideal.  As a result, he and several players walked away.  Rumor had it they were forming a new team.

So we met at Rocky Mountain Pizza, a pizza place in Sandy.  We exchanged pleasantries, talked family, and politics.  But I knew it was coming.

"Hoki's starting a new team," he finally said.

"So I've heard," I replied, knowing there was more.

"The Utah Falconz," he continued, "and it's going to be done the right way.  I want you to run the defense."

The initial inclination was to resist.  I'd coached two women's teams, and was content with early retirement.  But Rick, as silver-tongued as a politician, knows how to get your attention.

"These ladies deserve better.  Think about Bean, Berry and Hoki; they don't deserve to have their careers ended the way they were."

And they didn't.  Aside from being good football players, they are great people.  (Nicole) Berry is sweet, engaging, and the real-life version of Elsa from Frozen.  (Louise) Bean was the smack-talking quarterback who just wants to be the best.  And Hoki Jolley, she's the protective mother who often puts others before herself.

Her sacrifice was evident by the fact she was looking to build a team.  It was surprising, and not surprising at the same time.

Then Rick explained what "the right way" was going to be:

-Safety first - Players' safety is more important than wins and losses.  This was a big one for me.

-Coaching autonomy - Those who know me know that I'm a free-spirit.  And I don't take micro-managing well.  One team I worked with, players had all the power.  On another team, the owner called the shots.  Hoki's new team was to be the perfect balance.  Hoki takes care of administrative duties.  Players would police themselves via an Honor Committee, and coaches would be allowed to decide all on-field issues.  It was perfect.

But Rick wasn't done, "Think of all the players who will come back to women's football because you're coaching."

That was all I needed.  Not for any sense of ego, but because there were women who left the game who wouldn't play for any other team in Utah.  I knew they would come back if given the right opportunity.

I told Rick I needed to think about it.  But we both knew I was all-in on being a Falcon.

As soon as I got home my wife said, "You're going to coach again, aren't you?"

It's like she's got a sixth sense or something.

*(This was confirmed months later. During one of our first practices, I put my arm around team-captain Jessie Barlow and said, "I'm so glad you're back."
To which she said, "I'm only back because of you.")

Community Comes Together to Raise Over $11,000

Lilly and her family with the MMF.

by HIROKO JOLLEY

The Mascot Miracles Foundation is the non-profit charity organization the Utah Falconz are partnered with. A no-brainer as our mascot, Felix Falcon is at the forefront of all the mascots, who are all lovingly referred to as "The Zoo."  The Mascot Miracles Foundation encompasses all college, pro and corporate mascots in the state of Utah and these obnoxious, havoc causing animals bring smiles and laughter to families who have children battling serious illnesses.  For a brief moment in time, The Zoo helps these children forget their worries and let them feel like a kid as well as giving parents cherished memories as they watch their children giggle and play as if they had no care in the world.  One of the ways the MMF is set apart from other charitable organizations?  100% of all donations goes to the children and their families, an unheard of percentage where most other children's charities donate less than 50-60% of what is actually being donated.

For over a month, the MMF has held a fundraising challenge, bringing the community together with their favorite Zoo animals to raise money for the MMF.  Each team could fundraise any way they wanted and with the assistance of a furry (or feathered) member of the MMF.  The results have been overwhelming and we are so grateful we were able, as a team, to donate to this event.

Saturday night the Mascot Miracles Foundation brought all their teams who competed in the Frozen Challenge together to tally up the total amount raised, award the winners and celebrate with a table stacked with ice cream and all the toppings a kid could hope for.  What we saw was that the teams who participated were families who have children who have battled or who are battling serious illness.  Their children are either in treatment, maintenance, remission or some have had a child pass away from a serious illness.  Beyond their own needs, their grief, their struggles, their heartache, they looked beyond themselves to help bring love and laughter to other families in need.  

The amount raised by these incredible families in just a little over a month totaled more than $11,000!  This is why we love being a part of the lives in the Mascot Miracles Foundation.  True selfless acts to help so many others in our community.  Our blue bird might get out of hand every once in awhile, but we love him for all he does to help so many children and their families!

Felix might have had a little accident.  Bad bird!

Meet Your Utah Falconz

by NICOLE BERRY

The Utah Falconz is an entity like none other - a diverse, powerful, dynamic and talented group of women who play tackle football with all the passion and zeal the sport affords.  Led by visionary owner Hiroko Jolley, and a carefully assembled team of expert coaches, the Falconz swiftly took flight and have soared high above the clouds.

As a first-year team, they quickly caught the eyes of the nation as their offense literally "flew by" their opponents.  Defensively, nothing could infiltrate.  The Falconz went undefeated- scoring 462 points overall and only allowing 37 points during their 8-game season.  The 55 athletes that took the field each game were a squadron of spirit and grit.  Success seemed boundless...and it was electrifying.

How could a slew of ladies, most whom had never worn a helmet, inflame so much magic??  Maybe it can best be said by the words of Edwin Markham:

"Why build these cities glorious

If a man unbuilded goes?

Invain we build the word, unless

the builder also grows."

The Utah Falconz believe in the building of each soul.  Every practice, every drill.  Each player, each coach.  It starts with the love of the game, that gets the helmet on.  Then the willingness to be instructed gets the cleats on the field.  The coach's ability to recognize the value each brings, no matter size or speed, kindles the fire in the eyes.  And the hunger for competition, brings the fight.

Most athletes on the Falconz roster have played other sports and can attest that belonging to any great athletic organization fosters a sense of community, and female sports are a fantastic forum for women to share common goals and aspirations.  Life lessons are cultivated on the fields of competition - hard work, tenacity, cooperation, self-awareness, commitment, forgiveness, trust.  It's human nature to gravitate toward a network of positive forces that are united in purpose.  The synergy alone wins games.

But every Falcon will say that the X-factor for our success, is the combined willingness to give to something greater than ourselves.  Be the contributor, not the distraction.  It's the only true way to be effective.  No pom-pom cheer or locker room speech can replace being empowered to do great things - to feel valued, needed and essential, and to have your offering accepted by those around you.  Hoki and all the coaches are true champions of the athletes, driving the acceptance and camaraderie which resonates in the souls of each one.  You don't want to just play with the Falconz, you want to be a Falconz.  It means something.  Rosters will change with the seasons, but the essence of the team is enduring.

The battle cry for our upcoming season is "Cry "Havoc!" And let slip the dogs of war!" - a famous line from William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.  "Havoc" is a military order permitting the seizure of spoil after victory, "let slip" is to unleash, and "dogs of war" refers to a wild pack of soldiers charging into battle.  We have beloved history buffs in our ranks and pre-game speeches frequently echo the tales of history's great battles and conquests.  So aptly chosen, "Havoc!" will be our cry as we charge into battle to victory...the dogs of war will be unleashed!