As August draws to a close, the heat shows no signs of letting up. Here at Lebanon High School, our athletes are grappling with unusually high temperatures this week. Whether it’s cross-country runners pounding the trails or the football players on the field, the heat poses as a real challenge to their endurance and performance. Discover how our local athletes are navigating and overcoming the intense heat to stay competitive and excel in their sports.
Sophie Kyker, a sophomore on Lebanon High School’s girls’ cross-country team, shares her strategies for handling the relentless heat. “I make sure to drink plenty of water and will stop running during practice if I need to,” she explains. Her coach also plays a crucial role by scheduling regular water breaks to prevent heat exhaustion. Sophie notes that while heat is a bigger challenge than cold, it’s reassuring that the extreme temperatures only last for about a month. “The heat can make it tough to stay mentally and physically focused,” she admits. To stay hydrated, she recommends fluids like Pedialyte, emphasizing that water is essential for maintaining peak performance during runs.
Kylee Rodriguez, a senior in Lebanon High School’s marching band opens up about the heat challenges she faces. “I drink a lot of water and try not to focus on how the heat is affecting me,” she says. While marching band may not be a sport, Kylee acknowledges that the heat is a significant issue, particularly during band camp. She notes that appropriate clothing and staying hydrated are crucial. “During practice, we get plenty of water breaks, but the heat can be a real struggle during competitions since our uniforms cover us completely and we’re outside all day,” she explains. Her advice for managing the heat? “Wear light clothing like shorts and a tank top or t-shirt, absolutely no sweatshirts or sweatpants. Drink more water before rehearsal than you think you need and try not to focus on the heat itself because it can make you feel worse.”
Maya Michener, a junior at Lebanon High School and a football manager for the varsity team, describes her critical role in managing the heat during practices and games. “I prepare two large jugs of water filled with ice and a smaller jug with ice water for towels to help cool the guys off,” she explains. “We also keep a hose on the field to refill the jugs as needed,” Maya notes that if temperatures become too extreme, practice are moved indoors to one of the gyms, though she says. “It’s a last resort because it’s not very beneficial for the team.” In the past, practices were sometimes held late in the evening from 8 to 10P.M. if necessary, but now they can use the indoor turf at the Lebanon Field House, which is a significant improvement. As a manager, Maya emphasizes the importance of hydration, saying, “I have to make sure the players are drinking enough water and staying hydrated, and I always carry a case of water with me during games.”
As the summer heat continues to challenge athletes and performers alike at Lebanon High School, the dedication and adaptability of individuals like Sophie Kyker, Kylee Rodriguez, and Maya Michener shines through. Their strategies for managing hydration and adapting to extreme temperatures highlight a shared resilience. Whether running cross-country, marching in the band, or managing the football team, their efforts show that with proper preparation and teamwork, they not only endure the heat but excel despite it.
