Practice Timing Adjusted to Beat the Heat
The Salukis football program has moved its summer workouts to earlier in the day, a simple but effective tweak that lets players finish before the sun reaches its peak intensity.
Head athletic trainer Mike Lyznicki oversees a rigorous hydration regimen, checking that each player drinks enough water and replenishes electrolytes throughout practice, while also watching for signs of fatigue.
Hydration and Nutrition Oversight
High temperatures combined with humidity can impair the body's ability to sweat, raising the likelihood of exertional heat illness, heat exhaustion, and potentially life‑threatening heat stroke.
Southern Illinois University Athletic Director Tim Leonard recalls a stark reminder from his previous role: a teammate once collapsed from heat stroke during a workout, only to be revived thanks to a well‑drilled emergency plan that included immediate cooling and medical intervention.
Leonard says the incident underscored the importance of having clear protocols, and the university now rehearses those steps regularly to ensure a swift response if conditions deteriorate.
Advice Extends Beyond the Team
Beyond the field, the guidance on staying hydrated and monitoring calorie intake applies to anyone who spends time outdoors during the summer months, from hikers to weekend cyclists.
Coaches, parents, and community leaders are encouraged to adopt similar monitoring practices, ensuring that outdoor activities remain safe as climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable.