High school athletes deal with the heat as practice starts for fall sports

WEST ST. LOUIS COUNTY (First Alert 4) - As summer temperatures remain high in the St. Louis area, high school athletes are returning to the field.

At Parkway West High School, coaches and trainers are taking extra precautions to keep players safe while preparing them for the season.

Before the first official day, Parkway West athletes are already putting in work and fighting the summer heat. While fans see the Friday night lights, big plays and wins, they don’t see the preparation—where temperatures often prove to be the toughest opponent.

“When it’s hot outside, we can get really exhausted really quick,” Parkway West tennis player Emmersen Douglas said. “We take a lot of breaks, cool off in the dugout, drink a lot of water and cool off with ice.”

Coaches, trainers and athletic directors monitor the climbing temperatures and adjust practices.

“The weather has a big impact. We know the weather in St. Louis in June and July, especially July, is very unpredictable,” Athletic Director Emily Lovercheck said. “We make sure we have indoor spaces available, our trainer here with the athletes, multiple water breaks built in, and always have things in place to make sure our athletes and coaches are always safe.”

When the heat rises, Parkway West students say they team up.

“This season, we will eventually have tougher games like this where it’s hot, and it will bring us together and get us a win and keep us fighting together,” Parkway West soccer player Nicky Lindell said.

As the countdown ticks to the first game, this summer prep could bring the first victory.