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Beating the heat Local prep coaches will take extra precautions when practicing this summer By DON HUNT High school football coaches in Southern Oregon have taken steps over the years to keep their players out of danger from the searing heat that often strikes in late summer when daily doubles kick off in the Rogue Valley. Even so, the death of Minnesota Vikings 335-pound offensive lineman Korey Stringer due to heatstroke last Wednesday has raised the awareness of all concerned. "It really makes you step back and look at the way you do things," nods John Beck, who took over the head coaching duties at North Medford High earlier this year. "There's nothing more important than an athlete's safety." Adds Ashland coach Jim Nagel: "It's one of those reminders where you say, hey, we've got to be careful." The two big enemies of athletes in the heat are soaring temperatures and stifling humidity. The latter phenomenon is prevalent in the South and Midwest but doesn't often exist in this part of the country, and thus heat-related deaths are extremely rare. Nonetheless, coaches are wise to exercise caution when temperatures climb into the upper 90s and beyond. Here are some steps that local coaches take to ensure their players' safety when a scorching sun sears local playing fields: * Adjust practice times. Most teams work out once in the morning and once in the late afternoon or evening, but if temperatures rise over 100 degrees they'll start earlier and later. "When I was coaching in Arizona the temperature would sometimes get up to 110 degrees and we'd start as early as 6 o'clock in the morning and then have our second practice under the lights," Ashland coach Jim Nagel says. "It's not what kids want - they like to sleep in - but sometimes it's a necessity." * Hold regular water-drinking sessions. A good rule of thumb is to stop practice every 25 to 30 minutes to allow players to replenish their fluids, and every 15 to 20 minutes when temperatures soar above 90 degrees. That means five to six watering sessions per practice. "It means you practice a little longer," Beck says, "but it's obviously worth it." Greg Waltz, a trainer at South Medford High for three years, says athletes who work out vigorously should drink at least one gallon of water a day. Players are encouraged to have their own water bottles close by, although some coaches prefer larger, pressurized containers that contain ice. "Kids are apt to drink more if the water's cold," Nagel says. "We put a cooling fountain in our locker room several years ago and I know it's been used a lot more than the old one." * When the heat hits, monitor each player closely. Players are told to inform their coaches and trainers if they feel exceptionally hot or dizzy, but different athletes have different pain thresholds. Football players also tend to have a lot of pride in being tough. "To some kids a hangnail is a catastrophe, and to others a broken bone is an inconvenience," Nagel says. * Get in shape before daily doubles begin. This one's a no-brainer and most players are wise enough to work out before the wind sprints and agility drills take place, but there's always one or two players who show up out of shape. When players do show signs of heat exhaustion, such as pale skin, nausea or dizziness, they should immediately have their uniform taken off, be placed in the shade and given water, local trainers say. "At that point he's done for the day," says Todd Fandrich, the trainer at North Medford High. "You err on the side of caution. This is someone else's child we're dealing with." Athletes can also help themselves by drinking water, juice and Gatorade at home instead of soda pop, coffee and tea, which can dehydrate a person due to the large amounts of caffeine. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Heat-related tips: Proper dress. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun's energy. It's also wise to wear hats or use an umbrella. Drink water. Carry water or juice and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Eat small means and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Stay indoors when possible. Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who don't have air conditioning. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.