For some, summer is time spent by the pool and months of relaxation. For others, such as members of band and athletics, summer is a time for practice and preparation for the upcoming school year.
With record breaking temperatures over the summer, many groups, such as band and football, have had to adapt to the heat or adjust their practices in order to practice outdoors. “A wet bulb is a device that can be used to calculate temperature, humidity, wind conditions, and more. If the wet bulb globe temperature is above 92, we can’t be outside,” marching band director James Weaver said.
“We’ve had to come up with alternate plans,” Weaver said. “The vast majority of days have been spent in the auditorium just practicing music, but, one day, recently, we were given access to the fieldhouse and could practice fundamental marching exercises without being outside.”
With summer practices and preseason games, the football teams have also had to adjust to the scorching temperatures to play.
Football also bases their practices around the wet bulb temperature readings. “We practice in the mornings now,” head football coach Matt Swinnea said. “We’d love to practice during 4th period, but, once wet bulb numbers go above a certain level we just can’t go outside. So, the only time we’ve been able to practice is at 6 a.m. in the morning.”
Athletic trainer Michael Deal has advised players to prepare for the heat by maintaining good hydration habits. “Drinking plenty of fluids- you know, gatorades, water- that helps, or, eating food with a little extra salt can aid in retaining your water a little bit,” Deal said. “What we tell the guys is that they need to drink about a gallon of water a day, and 100 ounces after practice.”
Texas is notorious for its brutal summers- with temperatures rising well above 100 degrees fahrenheit year after year- but 2023’s summer in particular, has been especially scorching. For indoor activities, air conditioning keeps things cool, but when it comes to outdoor activities, directors and coaches are actively monitoring the conditions.
“A wet bulb is a device that can be used to calculate temperature, humidity, wind conditions, and more. If the wet bulb globe temperature is above 92, we can’t be outside,” marching band director James Weaver said. “This summer, the heat has disrupted our plans for every single rehearsal.”
Fortunately, band has managed to work around these nonideal circumstances.
“We’ve had to come up with alternate plans,” Weaver said. “The vast majority of days have been spent in the auditorium just practicing music, but, one day, recently, we were given access to the fieldhouse and could practice fundamental marching exercises without being outside.”
To help avoid the heat of the day, some practice and rehearsal times are being adjusted.
“Percussion has morning rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday, so we get to beat the heat thing then,” bass drum player Srishti Shetty said.
An early start to the day is the path also being taken by the football team.
“We practice in the mornings now,” head football coach Matt Swinnea said. “We’d love to practice during 4th period, but, once wet bulb numbers go above a certain level we just can’t go outside. So, the only time we’ve been able to practice is at 6 a.m. in the morning.”
According to athletic trainer Michael Deal, players can help prepare for the heat by maintaining good hydration habits, and more.
“Drinking plenty of fluids- you know, gatorades, water- that helps, or, eating food with a little extra salt can aid in retaining your water a little bit,” Deal said. “What we tell the guys is that they need to drink about a gallon of water a day, and 100 ounces after practice. However, it can vary based on body size; an offensive lineman who’s 250 pounds and a wide receiver who’s 160 pounds wouldn’t drink quite the same amount.”
