"We just got to make sure we hydrate them a lot, and we don’t want to, especially now, there’s no reason to work these guys, so we’re losing them before the season even starts," said Davis Chubb, head coach of Upper Merion Area High School football team.Head Athletic Trainer Kristen Gaucker takes the wet bulb temperature several times to ensure it is safe for the student athletes.
Last week football teams followed pre-season heat acclimatization guidelines to slowly get athletes used to the high temperatures and humidity while wearing partial gear. "Heat-related deaths are preventable as long as everybody’s educated, on the right page and doing the right thing for the student athlete. Knowing when to say I need to step out of this drill because I’m hot, I’m thirsty, I’m dizzy and lightheaded," said Melissa Mertz, Associate Executive Director for PIAA. "Knowing what signs to look for, making sure our coaches are educated and making sure our players are educated.