How Cleveland schools are trying to keep athletes safe in the heat

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) — Tuesday’s high temperatures in the 90s led to area schools making the decision of whether or not to cancel high school athletics.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District cancelled all outdoor games and practices.

Saint Ignatius was one of the schools that opted to keep its athletes on the field, but head football coach Ryan Franzinger told FOX 8 they added in some precautions.

In addition to having water at the ready and fans blowing either mist or cool air on the field, Franzinger said they’d be taking a break they wouldn’t normally take during practice and may even cut it short.

He said it’s a different thought process from back in the day.

“You’re caring for kids so you have to make sure they’re in an environment where they can be safe. Football is not inherently, totally safe. There are some risks and the heat adds another one, but those old-school days — as much as some coaches want them — those are gone,” Franzinger said.

He added that the Wildcat coaches started discussing this week’s heat last Saturday. They wanted to find a balance so their kids won’t be drained by the time they their Friday night game against Mentor, but they also want to make sure the players aren’t shocked at gametime either.

Franzinger believes that he and his assistants know their kids well and would recognize if someone looks like they need to back off or take a water break in the high heat.

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