Here are elements common to a football coach's wife's household:

Even when the coach is home, he's receiving calls from players' parents, fellow coaches, college recruiters, etc.<I>"You name it, people call. It seems like the phone never stops ringing. By late November, sanity comes back."</I>— Shelly King

Coaches generally get home about 8 p.m. during the week.<I>"Home for dinner? No, not at all. Coaching is seven days a week, but I support him. I don't know how he does it, but I know how passionate he is about it." </i>— Laura Campbell

At the games or the grocery store, complimentary or derogatory comments can be heard.<I>"There's always coaches in the stands, but what can you do? I have to act like it doesn't bother me. But sometimes ... I'd love to turn around and give them a piece of my mind."</i>— Toni McAnallen

When a football widow comes home from her job, it's time to run the vacuum, help with homework or cart the kids while the husband is dealing with chalkboard Xs and Os.<I>"Our girls are active and involved in a lot of things. During football season, I have to get them there. But John makes up for it in the off-season."</i>—Jenie Gaillot

On weekends, it's time to be the team's biggest fan in the stands.<I>"I've had this cowbell since 1976. I had it made to bring to the football games. This is my 34th year of this."</i>— Laura Mihalik

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Football frenzy overtakes your life from August to November.<I>"He tells me about his day and I listen. He's the venter and I'm the ventee. But I'm interested because he's interested. We're a team."</i>— Nancy Hazlet