Published: July 14, 2009 11:05 pm      

Getting ready for the heat

International expert adresses area coaches

Football season is around the corner and with it, a concern about the health of young athletes.

International exercise, performance and fitness expert Michael F. Bergeron spoke to a handful of coaches on recommendations for providing a safer environment for athletes during the upcoming season. Thirteen coaches were in attendance, representing Duncan, Marlow, Comanche, Velma-Alma and Central High.

During his presentation, Bergeron pointed out that two athletes had died in the past two months while practicing in the heat. He went further in pointing out that most fatalities associated with athletics and the heat happen within the first three days of practice.

With a focus on football, Bergeron made several recommendations on preventing injuries, the first of which is acclimatization during the preseason. Acclimatization takes into account the weather, intensity of practice and allowing athletes to get used to practicing in their attire.

Other steps recommended were hydration, practice modification in accordance with the weather as well as monitoring athletes and clinical support and education.

In speaking about hydration, Bergeron pointed out that it is not uncommon for athletes to lose .5 to 3 liters of sweat each hour of practice.

Of the 13 coaches in attendance, Comanche’s Brent Clark was the only area head football coach present. The Indians went through two-a-days last season starting early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid the extreme heat. Suggestions like having a plastic swimming filled with ice water proved to be sensible for programs on a budget.

“The presentation in hydration is a hot topic,” Clark said. “It is hotter and we keep starting earlier.

“If there is something I can change in our procedure, we are going to do it.”

While softball does not carry the same kind of concerns that go with football, the teams do practice in the heat. Within the span of three weeks, softball teams from across that state will open practice and will do so in extreme temperatures.

“The importance of hydration and cramping is there in softball,” Duncan coach Robert Cowan said. “We’re out there in the 100 degree heat. Everything he talked about is important.”

The coaching contingent was not limited to fall sports as coaches in winter and spring sports were also represented. The lecture was broad based enough that all coaches were able to take something from it and apply it to their programs.

“It’s very beneficial,” Velma-Alma basketball coach Kenny Bare said. “I’m a guy that coaches indoor sports but it was stuff we need to know. I with all of the coaches could have been here.”