High school athletes battle extreme heat as practices begin

WICOMICO CO, Md. – For some Maryland schools, practices for fall sports have already kicked off, and so has the heat.

With temperatures feeling like they’re in the hundreds, some athletic departments are giving some advice as they battle this heat. One athletic director tells us they generally practice in the morning before temperatures rise. We’re told hydration before, during, and after is key as they navigate through this intense weather.

Listening to advice from the MPSAS and the NFHS will help in getting athletes and coaches on board of safety precautions until this weather cools down.

They tell us, the past two days have had dangerous heat index values and as much as it’s important to get training in for the year, the athlete’s safety comes first.

“We have these conversations just to remind everybody,  even though we’re trying to motivate you, we’re also trying to be smart,” said Stosh Schtierman, Wicomico High School Athletic Director. “Though these are your building blocks in the beginning of the year, you’re not winning a state championship today”

Schtierman also says they’re fortunate to have a staff of athletic trainers to help assist athletes and coaches through the hot practices. He says communication between the state, parents, coaches, and students is key moving forward as schools and athletics navigate weather and COVID.