For one night at least, the face of Warrior Nation came with a tasteful application of lipstick, some carefully applied eyeliner and perhaps even a little mascara as an estimated 500 women descended on the Stan Sheriff Center for a University of Hawai'i pigskin primer hosted by Heather McMackin, the program's new first lady of football.

McMackin, wife of head football coach Greg McMackin, offered the Hawai'i Wahine Football Clinic last night as a way to give female Warrior fans a deeper understanding of the game and the UH program.

A few of the attendees identified themselves as "football widows," but McMackin wasn't having any of that.

"I hate that term," she said. "I prefer 'football wives' because we love football, too. It's not just a matter of the guys watch football and we go off shopping."

The presentation included instructive talks from Greg McMackin, offensive coordinator Ron Lee, defensive coordinator Cal Lee, and assistant coaches Tony Tuioti, George Lumpkin, and Ikaika Malloe.

"There are a lot of women who enjoy football but would like to understand it better," Heather McMackin said. "We know that in Hawai'i, women are a little more knowledgeable about football, but there are also a whole bunch who feel clueless."

McMackin first offered her clinic for women nearly 40 years ago, when her husband was the head coach of — what else? — the Aloha High School football team in Oregon.

"We did it because (Greg's) mother didn't know anything about football, and neither did my mother," McMackin said. "We figured that the mothers and sisters of these players were going to be at the games anyway, so why not understand it better?"

Last night's affair attracted women Warrior fans of all ages and backgrounds, including UH athletics stalwart Ruth Tamanaha. Tamanaha, who is in her late 70s, is an original Koa Anuenue member and has faithfully attended UH football games and other sporting events since she attended the university.

As an English teacher at what was then Washington Intermediate, Tamanaha used to assign UH football media guides for her students' reading exercises.

"I just like football," said Tamanaha, who attended the clinic with two close friends. "I know quite a bit about the game, but I can learn more."

Dana Matlin, 43, of 'Aina Haina, attended last night's event in hopes of deepening her knowledge of the game and instilling a greater appreciation of it in 13-year-old daughter Kisa.

"(Kisa) is a cheerleader, so I thought it was about time for her to know what she's doing," Matlin said, laughing "I think if she understands a little more, she'll enjoy the game even more. We're big football fans — we have season tickets — but there's still a lot I don't know."

Said Kisa: "I like cheerleading, so I may as well enjoy football, too."

Each attendee received a gamebook-style handout that provided basic information on the rules of the game, field, equipment, offensive and defensive positions, scoring and referee signals, as well as examples of the team's offensive and defensive plays.

Evie Joi Chan and pal Kimberly Tom — who found themselves suddenly well versed in everything from the "81-X Choice" offensive set to the "Smash" defense — said they plan on taking the handout to every home game this season.

"The clinic was really informative," said Chan, 28. "It was nice to hear about (the program) from the wife's perspective."

Following Heather McMackin's dictate to keep the evening light and fun, the clinic also featured players Keao Monteilh and Keith Ah Soon modeling the team's new Under Armour gear and uniforms — to the hoots and hollers of the assembled class.

"I enjoyed it very much," said 63-year-old West Loch resident Carmen Anakawa. "It was so personal with the families and the coaches there. I learned a lot, and I'll feel more confident when I watch the games now."