Hot temperatures expected for the Show Me State Games

Thousands of athletes of all ages are competing in the Show Me State Games in Columbia this weekend with temperatures hovering above the 90 degree mark.

Kenneth Steele coaches the North County Cowboys from St. Louis. He said their team participates in the Show Me State Games almost every year and said this year’s weather is more mild than in the past.

“We bring a bunch of water and Gatorade to keep them hydrated, cool towels,” he said. “Just really make sure we have them good to go. The officials here and the tournament is really good about making sure they give the kids some timeouts just for hydration so it works out really well.”

By Sunday temperatures are expected to feel more like 100 degrees.

Coach Rick Little with the Quincy, Illinois Blue Devils said they make sure the players start drinking water before the first whistle blows.

“Obviously the hydration process starts the day beforehand, so we’ve really worked hard with them on that,” he said. “And just being smart about it by taking lots of breaks on the sideline and constantly make sure that water gets in them.”

Emily Lorenz, the tournaments Marketing Coordinator, said each year they partner with the University of Missouri Healthcare to have staff at their outdoor locations in the event of any heat-related illnesses.

“We have both athletic trainers who look at if somebody has a sprain or other injury like that. We also have emergency medical service there so emergency situations like dehydration.”

Lorenz said they’ll also set up extra tent areas and water stations for the hot days.

According to the CDC, muscle cramps may be an early sign of a heat-related illness for athletes. Health experts recommend moving to a cooler location and applying wet towels to the body.

But the coaches said it’s sometimes harder to get the players to take a break from the game.

“Sometimes they won’t tell you because they want to stay in, so you have to be really on it and make sure you have a close eye on them,” said Coach Little.

“They’re so competitive that we have to keep an eye on it,” said Coach Steele.

Lorenz said it’s also important for the thousands of spectators in attendance this weekend to also stay hydrated and cool.

“Go to a restaurant, go to the mall, do something during their down time to cool off before coming back outside.”

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department wants to remind residents of designated cooling locations throughout the city. Click here for the complete list.