Friday night football continues despite heat wave

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — Despite the recent heat wave, football games continued tonight in the Tri-State. No games in Vanderburgh County were delayed because of the heat, but coaches had some extra water on hand for players.

“Heat will not stop us in football,” says Del Nance, Castle’s athletic trainer.

Nance says they trained for tonight’s game against the Mater Dei Wildcats all week, with modifications due to the heat.

“We moved practices back. We like to train in the weather that we are going to play in. So we are trying to get the kids used to the weather but we did modify some of the uniforms for practice,” Nance says.

According to the Guardian, a British publication, six teenagers in the U.S. died while playing football in the last three weeks. Four of those deaths were heat-related. Nance says they prepare several days before the game to ensure players are safe. And on game day, Nance says they bring 140 to 160 gallons of water.

“What we talk about is we don’t want the body to start in deficit. We don’t want our bodies struggling. Because literally, when you play in weather like this and you are thirsty, it is too late,” Nance says.

Despite the heat, student sections for both teams filled up and took steps to stay hydrated.

“We drink water, tons of it,” says Bo Bonell, a student at Castle.

Bonnell dressed up with his friends as the Founding Fathers for the game’s ‘USA theme night and says their costumes were too warm for comfort.

“It’s warm, a little warm,” he says.

Although it is hot, Bonnell says the weather is what makes it memorable.

“Oh yeah definitely, it will be a great memory,” says Bonnell.

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