Jul 18, 2024 By Jonathan Guth 4 min read

The dog days of summer are upon us, and while the hot and humid conditions might be for the beach and pool, they cause serious health risks for not only average individuals but for those competing in athletics.

Temperatures in the area for the month of July have averaged 90 degrees and above, and with the humidity included, stepping outside can take your breath away.

The average citizen can stay inside, where air conditioning can bring some relief, but athletes at any age or level have been braving Mother Nature.

High school athletes in the Observer-Reporter coverage area will start practice in early August, with football teams participating in heat acclimatization week beginning Aug. 5. The first day of football practice is Aug. 12.

Cross country, field hockey, boys and girls soccer, girls tennis and girls volleyball also start Aug. 12. Boys and girls golf begin practice Aug. 5

While the official practice dates aren’t for several weeks, most sports have voluntary offseason workouts, which is designed to help them get ready for the season but also causes risks because of extreme heat.

Belle Vernon athletic director Matt Humbert, who is also the football coach, has his players participate in voluntary workouts in the morning, and the key is to remind the athletes to stay hydrated.

“Most of our fall sports practice in the morning,” Humbert said. “We have a full-time trainer, and she is at almost every football practice, and we give the kids time to hydrate.

“There is constant observation, and I think these workouts will help our players get acclimated to the heat before the actual heat acclimatization week begins.”

Humbert believes heat acclimatization week is key for football players.

“Football players wear a substantial amount of equipment, but it is key that all our athletes in every sport are acclimated to the weather,” Humbert said. “There is a lot more education on it than in the past, and we are fortunate to have a full-time trainer at Belle Vernon to help the kids if it is needed.”

Fort Cherry’s football team is coming off a memorable season after winning a WPIAL title and advancing to the state championship game.

Rangers coach Tanner Garry has his team attend voluntary workouts in the morning.

“We are trying the best we can to beat the heat by getting out early,” Garry said. “We go from 9 to 11 in the morning on the field before going inside to lift.

“We make sure the kids get enough water breaks and stay hydrated, but you still have to get the work in. The kids need to get acclimated to the heat because it could easily be just as hot when we start the season.”

As a former player, Garry knows about practicing in the heat during the summer, but admitted that this year has been much worse than past years.

Running an average of five or six miles a day doesn’t sound like fun for most, even on the best of days, but try doing it in 90-degree weather.

Ringgold cross country coach Jen McMichael advises her athletes who are interested in participating in the Rams’ summer conditioning program to arrive at 8 a.m.

She also stresses to her team to hydrate and practice good nutrition.

“We try to get our kids done about 9:30 or 10 in the morning, but even by that time, it starts to become unbearable,” McMichael said. “It is not just the heat but the dew point also plays a part in the conditions. I tell my kids to make sure they are hydrated, and that they do it every day.”

McMichael stated she follows her runners with cold drinks in her vehicle, and also ensures they pay attention to how they are feeling.

“I tell them if they need to slow down or even stop that’s fine,” McMichael said. “We want them to get in the best shape possible, but you want to look out for their safety. Even the best runners have had issues when conditions are not favorable.”