Temperatures this week in central Montana have been above-average, but that hasn’t stopped the players preparing for Saturday’s East-West Shrine Game from working to beat the heat.
The players have been hard at work practicing two to three times a day to get ready for the game. Luckily, most practices have been without pads.
But coaches and trainers are making sure the players stay hydrated, cool, and well-fed.
Judi Rowe, an athletic trainer, said, “The coaches are great on giving water breaks and encouraging them to stay hydrated even after practice and between practices.”
Water stations are set up around the perimeter of the field and players have unrestricted water usage, so they don’t feel that they have to wait for a break to get water.
The players also have the opportunity to use the pool at Great Falls High School after practice to cool down and relax. In addition to being able to use the pool, the dorms the players have been staying in are air conditioned.
Chad Molen, assistant athletic trainer, said, “Mainly just being able to cool the temperature down between practices and making sure that they’re not just sitting out in the sun all day. I think the kids getting back to the dorms, resting, and relaxing then coming back out.”
Although no players have complained of heat exhaustion, the trainers say they are prepared because they deal with this sort of heat during two-a-day practices during the regular season.
It’s important to note, not only do you have to keep an extra eye out for athletes during this heat, but also be sure to check on pets, children, babies, and the elderly.
The East-West game will be at 6 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls; the annual event raises money for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane.
The game will will be broadcast on KRTV, and can also be watched online at MontanaSports.com.
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