First day of Columbia Public School sports practice

Today in Mid-Missouri, high school sports practice got off to a very hot start, which can be dangerous.

Derek Abeln, who plays sports at Hickman High School said he prepares for days in advance in efforts to ensure his safety in the heat.

“I’ve had friends who kind of get dehydrated or pass out,” Abeln said.

He said it is rare and it has never happened to him. He said the school does a good job of keeping them safe.

“We have all the breaks and hydration we need,” Abeln said.

Hickman High athletic trainer, Stefanie West said they take the heat very seriously. She said “prevention is key.”

West said the coaches and the trainers watch the kids closely.

“Extra water breaks and if we see someone and they’re cramping, then we pull them and start cold towels and get into that process early, so they don’t get into that heat stroke zone,” West said.

She said they also follow the recommendations of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

They use a wet bulb globe thermometer to measure the heat stress on the field.

“I usually take it 30 minutes before practice, then we can adjust accordingly,” West said.

If it is just too hot, they postpone or push practice back a couple hours.