Columbia Little League players battle extreme temperatures this week

Kids involved in outdoor sports are facing extreme temperatures this week.

Players at the Daniel Boone Little League complex participated in a double header Monday with a high of 91 degrees.

Tim Alvis has been coaching Little League for two years.

He said extreme temperatures are not a new challenge.

Alvis told ABC 17 News he has precautions in place for games played in hot weather.

“We’ll have a coach in the dugout for every time we come in from the outfield to make sure they’re all drinking and not just saying ‘drink whenever you want to,'” he said. “We don’t run them extra, they have a little more down time so they can sit in the shade. We don’t want any of the kids to get overheated out here.”

Alvis said if coaches fear a kid is overheated, they will be taken out of the game.

Parents of the 9- and 10-year-old players said they take additional precautions of their own.

David Hughes said he begins preparing his son in the morning on a game day.

“I asked him before he went to school today to drink water every time he could so he’s hydrated going in,” he said.

Hughes said his kids have been playing ball for years.

“My advice on anyone staying hydrated is, you have to start early,” he said.

Coaches warn the rest of the week will bring the same hot temperatures.

They urge parents to make sure their kids are drinking enough throughout the day before their games this week.