Steel Women: Semipro Football Comes to Pueblo
By Lynn Poole
Quarterbacks, touchdowns, football gear, lipstick, injuries, excitement. Are we talking about the man's game? Nope! Here in Pueblo women have replaced their cheer leading uniforms with helmets and pads. January 2002 saw 40 women show up to try out for the Pueblo Pythons now the Pueblo Steel the areas new semi-pro women's football team.
Nina Poole, a grant writer at St. Mary Corwin Hospital, spent her high school years on the tennis court rushing the net and pounding tennis balls down the line. Athleticism pulsed through her veins. During and after college she taught aerobics , ran 10K races, and lifted weights.
Poole welcomed the chance to 'tackle' football.
"It was so exhilarating; I was able to live out a dream that I never imagined I'd be able to accomplish," she said. Changing out of her high- heeled boots and pulling her long dark hair back, she was ready to play.
The team wasn't a homogenous mix; players came from all types of backgrounds. Some were college-age, some were single career women, and others were wives and mothers with families of their own.
It didn't matter whether a Python was a tomboy or a Barbie, a college student, career woman or mother; all the women came together with a common goal, to play the game. The Pueblo Pythons were not only battling other players on the field, but were combating a stereotypical attitude shared by some prominent residents in Pueblo. Should women cross the line of femininity, partaking in a man's game? The Pueblo Chieftain ran many stories on the Pueblo Pythons, some supportive, others mocking the team, assuming it would be a flop.
Funding largely came from donations, sponsors, and the team members themselves. Applebee's Restaurant, Kickers sports bar, and various local gyms promoted them.
"Pueblo supported it more than any other city in the league," said Adam Vigil, the head coach of the 2002 team.
The season opened up for the Pueblo Pythons in March 2002. After a couple months of grueling practices, seven loyal coaches--Adam Vigil, Pat Gallegos, Ed Gallegos, Martha Ceja, Bill Baker, Yolanda Lawson and Mat Sefcovic-- watched women battle with excitement, resiliency and spirit. The Pythons were fully charged: dropping the ball was not an option; injuries did not keep these girls down for long. Adam Vigil, former head coach says, "They gave it their all; they were trained to be aggressive and history was being made."
The Pythons ended the season as winners with a 4-1 record. The Pythons and the Denver football team tied for first place in their league.
Nina Poole dislocated her finger while she charged at a 250- pound girl. She went through surgery and had tell the doctor that she had suffered a concussion three weeks previous. Apparently this bit of information had slipped her mind, as she hadn't told any of her friends or family. The next weeks as she struggled to type, drive or even put her make up on, her only regret was not being able to finish the game. Teammate Katie Alono blew out her knee during one of the opening games as well. Apparently this injury didn't turn her away from the game either as she is currently helping coach the 2003 Pueblo Steel team
The Pythons' spirit was felt throughout their season as they finished with a four and one record.
The Pythons Become the Steel
Continuing in 2003 women's football will begin with a few new faces players and coaches. Nancy Moya , owner of the team, has been awarded an exhibition spot in the Independent Women’s Football League. Team members will battle opponents in Colorado and Wyoming when the team's season begins in April.
Pulsing through Pueblo, women's football is still a new phenomenon. Working hard to offer its town a fresh form of entertainment, Pueblo is offering women a chance for women to step across the sidelines and play the game for themselves.
