High schools hold football practice in high heat
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- High school football players across the region are trying not to get sacked by heat-related illnesses while practicing in this week's extreme temperatures.
Cumberland County school officials said 71st High School was one of only two high schools in the county to hold outside football practice Wednesday evening.
Several players said the hot temperatures were no excuse for taking it easy.
"It's kinda hard to breathe" said Jerome Bently. "But they let us get breaks in and get water."
Frequent water breaks and breathers are mandatory. Coaches said they expect this kind of broiling heat in August, not June. So they kept a close eye on the plays and the players.
"Make sure no one is off on the sidelines, bent over," said 71st Coach Duran McLaurin.
McLaurin said trainers stood by to treat any players who got too hot.
Because of the high heat, Cumberland County Schools Athletic Director Leon Mack mandated no outside practices after 10 a.m. or before 6 p.m. Coaches agreed it was a good decision.
"It's a real thin line" said McLaurin. "You still want the kids to be ready for August, cause it's going to be hot then. So we spend some time out here in it. But for the most part, we keep an eye on them and make sure they are ready to go."
McLaurin said his team practices twice a day - early in the mornings and late in the evenings. Practice includes workouts in the weight room. Even inside, there are frequent water breaks. Making sure the players are well hydrated is part of the playbook this time of the year.
The players says the heat is no excuse for not giving it their all.
"We still go back," Dionte Jones said. "Go back hard in everything we do."
School system officials said teams will stick with the modified practice times as long as it stays extremely hot.
