It's that time of the year when athletes head back to practice. It's also when the heat and humidity seem to be at their highest.
Monday was the first day that Connecticut high schools that didn't hold spring practice were allowed to start their season. Players at Glastonbury High School beat the heat by taking extra water breaks.
“We stood over here for like two minutes and just drench ourselves with water. We drank it, we sprayed it. You name it," said senior Jake Madnick, of the wheeled water contraption they use to stay hydrated called "the cow."
The cart has several hoses of water to serve several players at one time,
Their coach talked to his players about the importance of hydration. Scott Daniels even sent an email ahead of time to make sure his players came prepared for the heat.
Daniels said he built half-dozen breaks into their Monday practice. They were also ordered to wear only T-shirts, shorts and helmets, something he said is required by state law in the first days of practice.
"We’ll run some drills today where we have no shell, no hats. I’ll say pop your tops, where they’re going to take their helmets off where I think they’re getting a little overheated," Daniels said.
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He said he also planned to hold their team meeting inside.
Newington High School pushed its first practice of the season back to the evening to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Many schools have athletic trainers who stand on the sidelines during practice, and teach the coaches how to look for heat stroke in their players.
Allison Steingiser, Glastonbury's athletic trainer, said it's important parents continue to keep an eye on their athletes when they return home from practice.
"They're not acting differently than usual. Making sure they're eating well. They're pushing their fluids when they get home. That's a big one re-hydrating, making sure they're ready for the next day," she said.
It’s not just the air, but the triple-digit turf temperatures under their cleats. Daniels said the turf is always 10-12 degrees hotter in this kind of weather. The team’s captain said believes it keeps the players on their toes.
"I think you can shave a couple of seconds off your 40 time if you keep moving on the turf," said Keyion Dixon.
He and many of his teammates found another way to stay cool during this summer's conditioning program. After five-day-a-week practices, they pulled out a Slip 'N Slide.
“We called it Thirsty Thursdays; it’s like the last conditioning day we have and all the guys are ready for it," said Dixon.
Daniels said depending on how well they do in practice this week, he may let them bring it out this Thursday.
