MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As dangerous hot temperatures set to hit the Mid-South this week, schools are preparing to ramp up efforts to help student athletes stay cool during outside practices.
It also comes as many football programs ramp up practices, some with pads to prepare for the upcoming season.
This comes after a 16-year-old Bolton High School player died over the weekend. His family told WREG Joshua Henderson collapsed while at football practice earlier this month.
There’s excitement in the gym at Lausanne Collegiate School as the football team preps for camp this week.
“I think it’s going to be a fun fall camp,” said Quarterback TJ Jenkins.
Jenkins said he is encourgaing his teammates to focus on drinking their water and Gatorade.
School staff are prepping water bottles, ice and ice baths for students practicing outside.
Athletic Trainer Martin Scruggs says he “paints the field with water.”
“Every 20 or 30 yards, we have coolers and bottles for the athletes. I use ice towels, so we have a couple coolers with ice towels readily available for them, and we have a couple fans out on the field as well to push some air through there,” said Scruggs.
Schools in Tennessee must also follow specific standards when it comes to playing and practicing in a certain heat index.
“We monitor the heat. We use this fancy, temperature Kestrol wet globe that we use,” said Scruggs.
They leave it on site to get a reading of the heat index.
“And it will just sit there and monitor the temperature as it is, you have to just let it sit there for about 10 or 15 minutes to get it acclimated,” said Scruggs. “If it gets above 104 is our number here at Lausanne which is a TSSAA number, then we prolong practice, move them out and get them off the field.”
WREG reported that the specialized thermometer the team uses sat outside in the direct sunlight for about 30 minutes at 1:45 p.m., and the temperature read at about a 121-degree heat index.
If the heat index gets too high, practice is moved to earlier or later in the day or moved inside.
“Because our sport plays in the time of the year when it’s super hot, that we gotta miss a practice outside to take care of our kids, we gotta be really smart about the way we’re controlling our program and the things that we’re doing with those boys,” said Football Coach Kevin Locastro.
“Well I tell them, ‘hey we don’t have to be Superman out here. If you’re feeling dizzy or anything is wrong, we have trainers who are here for us,'” said Jenkins, quarterback. “So just go to the trainers and talk or the coaches, they won’t tell you to fight through it because it’s hot, it’s dangerous.”
Collierville Schools told WREG they are following the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association heat guidelines as temperatures rise.
The school said they have students practicing at Collierville High’s Landers SportsPlex, an indoor practice facility.
They said it includes half a turf football field, a fully equipped weight room, coaches’ offices, conference rooms, and academic support areas for student athletes.
“This indoor space allows teams to train safely out of the sun during extreme heat, while still maintaining high-performance standards,” said Collierville Schools. “It’s a game-changer for summer and early fall practices when outdoor conditions can be dangerous.”
“We’re fortunate to have the facilities and medical staff to not only meet but exceed TSSAA’s safety standards. Our priority is always the health of our student-athletes,” said Collierville Schools District Athletic Director Jeff Curtis.
They are also partnering with Ortho One and providing two full-time certified athletic trainers who are trained to monitor athletes for signs of heat illness, administer immediate care when needed, and implement emergency action plans in coordination with coaches and staff.
Collierville Schools said they are following TSSAA Heat Safety Guidelines:
- Monitors Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings before and during practices
- Adjusts practice schedules based on heat conditions
- Provides unlimited access to water
- Ensures cold immersion tubs are available when WBGT exceeds 82°F
- Coaches complete annually a heat illness prevention course and additional emergency response courses through the NFHS.
Barlett Schools said they are only practicing in helmets and shoulder pads, and to prioritize safety, the head coach has adjusted the practice schedule to begin at 6 a.m. during the cooler part of the day.
Players and coaches have consistent access to water throughout all designated practice areas, and we emphasize frequent hydration.
They are also following all TSSAA heat-related guidelines, including the use of a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) or heat index device to monitor conditions.
“Our coaching staff completes required training and receives ongoing reminders regarding these safety protocols,” said Bartlett Schools. “Additionally, certified athletic trainers are onsite during practices to provide support if a situation should arise. The safety of our student-athletes and coaching staff remains our top priority.”
“We are in the preliminary phase of planning and design for a new 110-yard outdoor covered practice facility to be located beside our main turf field,” said Bartlett Schools. “While we are still a way off from completion, this facility will tremendously help our student-athletes and band members during the hotter days.”
